How Tight Should Your BioThane Dog’s Collar Be?, A person using a yellow tape measure to measure the neck of a brown dog

How Tight Should Your BioThane Dog’s Collar Be?

Your dog likely wears their BioThane collar often, perhaps even every day. But have you ever stopped to check if the fit is really right? I know, getting the fit just right can sometimes be a bit challenging. 

If a collar is too loose, your dog might manage to slip out of it, making it useless and potentially putting your dog at risk if they get loose. But if it's too tight, it could cause discomfort, particularly for dogs with delicate windpipes, or even make breathing difficult, or cause skin problems over time.

Luckily, there’s a simple way to check if your dog's BioThane collar fits properly. Keep reading for some helpful tips to make sure your pooch stays secure and comfortable when wearing their collar.


How to Check the BioThane Dog Collar Fits Properly

two-finger rule to Check the BioThane Dog Collar Fits Properly

Have a look at how the collar sits around your dog’s neck. It needs to be snug enough to stay put, but definitely not so tight that it restricts them.

A very simple check is the “two-finger rule”. Try sliding two of your fingers underneath the BioThane collar, flat against your dog's neck. If you can fit them in comfortably, the tightness is probably about right.

If it's a struggle to get two fingers under there, the collar is likely too tight. This could lead to problems like sore skin or make it harder for your dog to breathe easily.

Remember to check the BioThane dog collar’s fit regularly, too. This is especially essential if you have a puppy or a young dog who's still growing because their neck size will change, meaning a collar that fitted perfectly a few weeks ago might be too snug now. And also for older dogs who might be losing or gaining weight.

Keeping an eye on it and adjusting as needed will keep your dog comfortable and ensure the collar always does its job properly.


It’s worth remembering that every dog is different…

Factors like their age, how active they are, and the type of fur they have can all play a part in how BioThane dog collars fit. Always take extra care if you're using a collar your dog hasn't worn for a while, or perhaps one you've borrowed.

Grooming can also make a difference to collar fit. For instance, dogs with curly coats might need a slightly looser setting straight after a haircut compared to when their coat has grown back. Similarly, dogs with thick undercoats that they shed in warmer weather might need their BioThane collar adjusted seasonally.

If your dog has very thick fur or a naturally wider neck, you might find that a collar designed with plenty of room for adjustment is the best bet for getting that perfect fit.

What matters most is that the collar keeps your dog safe without causing any discomfort. The two-finger rule we talked about earlier is generally a very reliable and quick way to check that the BioThane dog collar isn't too tight or too loose.


How to Measure Your Dog's Neck for a BioThane Collar

Cute dog wearing a Woof Frills Dog Collar

Getting the right measurement for your dog's neck is the first step to finding a collar that fits well. The best way is to use a soft, flexible tape measure. Gently wrap it around your dog's neck, right where the collar would normally sit. Make sure the tape is snug against the neck, but not pulled tight – think about how the collar itself should feel.

Take note of that measurement. Now, to make sure the collar isn't too tight when fastened, you need to add a little bit extra. For smaller dogs, adding about an inch (around 2.5cm) is usually enough. For bigger dogs, it's better to add about two inches (around 5cm). This extra room ensures a comfortable fit.

Don't have a soft tape measure handy? No problem. You can use a piece of string instead. Wrap the string around the neck just like the tape measure, mark where the end meets the string, and then simply lay the string flat and measure its length with a standard ruler or metal tape measure.

It's always a good idea to measure your dog's neck before buying a new collar, even if you know their size in a different brand. BioThane dog collar sizes can vary quite a bit between manufacturers.

Woof Frills Biothane Waterproof Dog Collars

Woof Frills has detailed size guides to help you pick the right size from our BioThane dog collars range. You’ll find these near the bottom of each product page, just check the guide against your dog's neck measurement.


Final Thoughts

Having read this far, you'll now know exactly how to check your BioThane dog's collar fits properly. As we've covered, getting the tightness just right is really important for keeping your dog both secure and comfortable.

And if you're looking for the perfect partner for your dog's collar, why not consider our matching BioThane Dog Leads? They're designed with the same high standards of quality and comfort in mind. The lead itself offers a sturdy yet comfortable grip, giving you better, more confident control when you're out and about on walks together.


Enjoyed reading this? Here are some related articles you might find interesting:


Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.