My Dog Harness Is Causing Hair Loss: What Do I Do? (Solved & Explained!)

The dog harness you’ve been using to walk your pup may actually be the culprit for hair loss. Harnesses applies pressure on your pet’s neck, which can lead to inflammation and irritation.

This is a common issue with dogs who have sensitive skin or allergies – they are more likely to experience hair loss due this type of pressure.

There are ways to fix this problem and in this article we’ll show you how we solved this problem!

What Causes Dog Harness Hair Loss?

There are a few reasons why your dog may be losing hair when using its harness. One of the most common is pressure sores. If you let your dog wear your harness all day, then you may see hair loss in the areas where the harness touch.

As the dog lays down, the harness rubs into their skin. Over time, it can cause enough pressure that the skin becomes injured and the hair is removed. Removing the harness when it’s not in use can avoid this problem.

Another reason the harness may be causing hair loss is if it isn’t sized properly. Harnesses that are too tight can cause skin damage. This may result in hair loss. Sometimes it can even pull the hair right from them when the harness is removed because it becomes snagged in the straps.

The harness may also be a contributing factor of mange. This condition is when mites infest your dog’s hair. A harness that is worn all day may cause an infestation. The mites may try to collect in areas that are moist and dark like under the harness. If it isn’t removed, then the mites can remain there and continue to breed.

As they expand, your dog may start to exhibit hair loss.

Passing through thick bushes with thorns can also cause hair loss. They may snag on the harness and pull the hair out from the skin.

How Do I Stop My Dog Harness from Chafing?

One of the first things you should do is stop using the harness. It’s causing your dog to chafe. The chafing won’t stop until the skin is healed. Continuing to use the harness will only make the chafing worse.

The next step to take is to ensure that the harness is fitted correctly to your dog’s proportions. The reason the harness is chafing their skin in the first place is that it isn’t fit for them. Harnesses are meant to rest securely against your dog. Adjusting the straps can help you find the right length and height to make the harness rest comfortably against your dog’s skin.

You should also add padding. Some harnesses already include padding on their straps. It may be a good idea to buy these types of harnesses to prevent chafing. You can also add your own padding by adding fleece to the straps. Fleece is gentle against their skin and still durable enough to use with a harness.

Standard harnesses aren’t made for running. If your dog is doing a lot of running with the harness, then you may want to consider buying a running harness for them. These are more padded and built for running. You’ll also want to use a short leash with the harness. A shorter leash helps to exhibit the right pressure in the right places.

Finally, you should train your dog. Part of the reason why they may be chafing is that they’re pulling against the harness. Teaching them not to pull can decrease their chafing.

How Long Does it Take for Dog Chafing to Heal?

It usually takes a week or two for chafing to heal. It depends on the severity of the wound. Chafing that has only just started can clear up in a few days with proper care. Chafing that has gone on for several days without care may need more care.

It’s also important to know if the wound is open or not. If the wound is open, then it may take longer because the wound needs to heal first.

How Do You Know If a Harness Fits Your Dog?

A rule of thumb to ensure the harness fits your dog perfectly is to use two fingers. You should be able to slip two fingers underneath the harness without too much effort. This means that there’s plenty of space between the harness and the skin. It also means the harness is resting perfectly against your dog.

You should also check to see if the harness fits them by ensuring your dog can’t back out of it. If so, then the collar part of the harness may be too small. The ring, or clip, that attaches to the leash should sit just above their chest. Others may be situated right between their shoulder blades.

Can I Put Neosporin on My Dog? Will That Help?

Neosporin is safe to use on dogs. It can help kill bacteria and prevent infections at the wound site. You need to keep your dog from licking at the ointment, however.

Can I Put Coconut Oil on My Dog?

Coconut oil is a great solution for chafing. It can hydrate the skin, ease their discomfort, and it’s safe for them to lick. While you should try to encourage your dog not to lick the oil off, you can rest assured that the oil is safe for them to consume, at least.

Can I Put Vaseline on My Dog?

While you can put vaseline on your dog to help their chafing, it shouldn’t be your first choice. Vaseline can help ease chafing. However, it can also cause an upset stomach if they lick too much of it away.

Can I Put Hydrocortisone on My Dog?

It hasn’t been tested on dogs, so there’s no guarantee that it’s completely safe. However, in small quantities, you may be able to use it on your dog’s wounds to help ease their irritation. You’ll need to supervise your dog to ensure they don’t lick it off. Doing so could have unpleasant consequences.

Can You Put Hydrogen Peroxide on a Dog?

Hydrogen peroxide can be tricky to use on a dog. You need to make sure that it’s the 3% concentration. You also need to make sure that the dog doesn’t lick it off. Large quantities in their tummy can make your dog sick. It may even result in serious medical conditions that require you to take the dog to the vet or animal hospital.

Is it Normal for Dogs to Lose Hair Around Their Collar?

It’s normal for dogs to use a little hair around their collar. No matter how well the collar fits, there’s likely going to be some chafing that causes hair loss. This is just the collar settling against their skin.

However, if the chafing continues each time they use the collar or the hair loss is substantial, then it isn’t normal.

Why Are Dogs Bald Under Collars?

Dogs are bald under their collars if the collar isn’t fitted to them. The collar is rubbing against their skin and causing irritation. That results in hair loss. Hair can literally pull from the skin because of the collar. Or it can fall off due to chafing.

How Do You Treat a Dog’s Collar Rash?

You should first clean the wound and dry it. Then you can apply certain ointments like Neosporin, coconut oil, or vaseline to help ease their irritation. Coconut oil is the safest option. You should apply the oil twice a day and keep from using the collar until their skin is completely healed of the rash.