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Causes
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A common allergen in metal form is nickel. Nickel is cost-effective for manufacturers, and many buckles and chains are made from nickel. Nickel allergies may not manifest immediately if the component is coated, but may appear after the coating has been worn down with use.
Identification
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Contact dermatitis is characterized by localized itching, hives, rash, loss of fur and in rare cases bleeding.
Prevention
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Training collars made entirely of metal should be removed from the dog once training is finished. To reduce the chance of an allergic reaction, in addition to safety and humane considerations, "choke chains" or other training collars should not be left on the dog for extended periods of time.
Solution
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If your dog develops an allergic reaction to a collar with a metal buckle, plastic buckles are a viable alternative. Plastic buckles are not as durable but have little to no chance of causing contact dermatitis.
Considerations
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While the most common cause of allergic reactions to collars is metal, in rare cases other materials may be responsible. Components used in the tanning of leather of the manufacture of nylon, as well as organic components such as hemp or cotton, may also cause an allergic reaction.
Expert Insight
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If your dog is suffering from a particularly painful allergic reaction, speak to a veterinary professional to get a better idea of the cause of the dermatitis. Your veterinarian may also be able to suggest a different type or style of collar.
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Can Dogs Be Allergic to Their Collars?
Like humans, pets can suffer from an itchy and sometimes painful reaction to materials called contact dermatitis. Though not common, the condition does occur and is often due to an allergy to metals used in the manufacture of buckles or the collar itself.