Chaining can have a very negative impact on a dog’s health and happiness. The most common health consequence of chaining involves puppies who outgrow their collars in just a few weeks depending on their breed or breed mix.  Their constant pulling on the chain that confines them, in addition to outdoor elements such as rain and heat, can cause their collars to become embedded into their necks as they grow.  The same can happen to an adolescent or adult dog who is gaining weight, and the result is extremely painful. 

These wounds take weeks to heal and are very expensive to treat. A dog with an embedded collar must be sedated to have the collar removed.  Since these injuries typically are not noticed and treated right away, infection inevitably sets in and the skin begins to heal over the collar.  Of course, a dog with this injury won’t let anyone touch his neck because the pain is so severe.  He will need long-term antibiotics, hydrotherapy and pain medications to keep him from traumatizing the wound.

Dogs who are chained, especially those who have very short chains, are also at risk of accidental choking or fatal suffocation. 

If you know of a dog who is chained and suspect he may be at risk for or suffering from these serious injuries, please contact your local animal care and control agency.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

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