Overview
During the summer heat and humidity when your dog is more likely to cool off in the water, sweat, and have a damp coat, there are a few common sense tips that are recommended when using SpotOn to avoid discomfort and prevent pressure sores.
What Are Pressure Sores?
Pressure sores can be caused by continuous pressure from the contact points during prolonged wear, wet conditions, and/or a collar that is fitted too tightly. In humans, this would be similar to bedsores or untreated blisters. The sores or irritation may resemble a burn, but are almost always pressure sores. On rare occasions, it may be an allergic reaction to the stainless steel contact points.
What Role Does Static Play?
While the SpotOn collar delivers an electrical impulse when issuing static correction, the amount of correction that can be issued is limited in duration, and the energy is not strong enough to cause burns. Plus, there are circuit protections in place to prevent malfunctions.
Check for Irritation
Regularly check your dog’s neck and body for any signs of irritation from the collar. If irritation occurs, here are a few proactive steps you can take.
1. Ensure Proper Fit
The contact points should be touching the skin, and the collar should be snug but not too tight (make sure you can fit a finger or two between the back of the collar and the dog’s neck). If your dog gained weight recently, this would be a good time to double-check the collar fit.
2. Ensure the collar and the area where it touches your dog are clean and dry when putting the collar on for the day.
Ensure the collar and the area where it touches your dog are clean and dry when putting the collar on for the day.
3. Give the Skin a Break
This can be done by removing and placing the collar on the charger if the dog is indoors or by routinely repositioning (at least once every 12 hours). An easy way to do this is simply by flipping the collar so the logo is upside down and the contact points rest on the opposite side of the neck.
4. Take extra care in wet conditions.
If it’s damp, raining, or snowing, make sure to remove your SpotOn collar when your dog comes indoors so the area can dry. Trapped moisture under the collar can increase the risk of irritation, much like wearing wet socks in your shoes.
On rare occasions, dogs may be allergic to stainless steel contact points. For this, we recommend using titanium contact points.
It’s essential to inspect your dog's skin daily so you can effectively treat it at the first signs of irritation. If sores develop, they can become infected, especially if not properly cleaned and treated. If your dog shows signs of sores or irritation, clean the area and consult with a veterinarian for advice on proper care.