A harness can be your pooch’s best friend. Whether you’re taking your pet for a stroll or it is being cared for by a sitter, using a harness ensures the comfort and safety of your pal. However, buying a harness for your dog is not as simple as it seems as there are many aspects that you need to take into consideration. Firstly, the sizing across harness manufacturers is rarely consistent. Moreover, the weight ranges of dogs aren’t always helpful as dog body proportions vary even between canines of the same weight class.

In this blog, we’re happy to feature a step-by-step guide on how to measure your dog for a perfect harness fit:

• Arrange your supplies and helping hand

Before beginning to measure your dog, it’s best to gather the supplies you need during the process. You must arrange a soft measuring tape and request a friend or a family member for assistance if your furry baby isn’t very cooperative. Also, keeping your pet’s favourite treats handy can be a good idea as they will act as rewards for your pet’s patience during the entire process.

• Measure your dog’s chest girth

Measuring your dog’s chest girth is the most important part of taking its measurement. You will have to wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your pet’s chest and record the measurement. Ensure to keep the tape in a way that you can pass two fingers between the tape and your dog’s body.

• Measure the circumference of your dog’s neck

The measurement of your dog’s neck circumference may not always be required but it is advisable to keep it handy. To take the measurement, wrap the measuring tape around the base of your pet’s neck where the collar will sit and note down the measurement.

• Review the product’s size guide

Prior to choosing the perfect harness for your pooch, carefully review its size guide included in its information section. Then opt for the harness that best fits your pal’s body.

• Conduct a fit check

Once the harness has arrived, wrap it around your dog to check if it fits well. Note that the harness shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can a harness hurt my dog?

If a harness is not properly fitted or if your dog applies too much pressure to pull it, it can hurt your pet and lead to short or long-term health issues.

• How to adjust a dog harness?

You should check the fit of the harness every time you make your dog wear it. Please refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer to understand how to adjust the harness. For some dog harnesses, there are straps that can be altered depending on the size of your pooch.

• How tight should a dog harness be?

A harness that is too tight can harm your dog’s health, whereas one that is too loose can make it easier for your pal to escape. As a thumb rule, the fit of the harness should be such that you’re able to pass two fingers into each of its sections. This will offer comfort to your dog and won’t cause any harm to it.

• Will my dog get overheated in a harness?

According to experts, dogs do not get overheated while wearing a harness.

• When should I replace a harness?

Always keep a close watch on your dog’s harness to ensure the webbings and connections are intact. If you spot visible signs of wear, it is time to replace it with a new one.

Concluding Note

Whichever type of harness you choose for your dog, make sure it is of good quality and offers comfort to your beloved pet. At Pawsandpaws.com, we carry an impressive range of harnesses, collars and leashes that you can purchase at special discounts and avail of special offers. Don’t wait as the offers are there for a limited time only!