Health implications of dog-worn equipment: a review of known and alleged physical risks

Dogs are routinely managed using collars, harnesses and other equipment following practices that have been adhered to for centuries, yet concerns about potential adverse health effects have rarely been addressed through structured investigation. This review presents the existing literature regarding impacts of commonly-used dog-worn equipment, generally limited to studies of generated pressures and leash forces, effects on gait and intraocular pressure and a few case reports of equipment-related trauma. Additional studies are needed to specifically evaluate health risks and assess the validity of claimed adverse impacts of collars and other equipment. Until such evidence is established, heightened awareness of the associations of equipment with important and potentially vulnerable anatomic structures and functions as well as known risks presented herein can serve as a touchstone for safe, thoughtful practice in use of dog-worn equipment by all those who work with dogs.