Yes, your dog's collar fit really can change with the seasons. A thick winter coat takes up room under the strap, and a spring or summer shed gives that room back. Re-check the fit with the two-finger test whenever the coat changes, and move the slider rather than buying a new collar.
The neck under the fur hardly changes from season to season. What changes is how much fluff is packed in around the strap. For a short-coated dog that's barely anything. For a husky, a sheltie or a fluffy mix it can be the difference between a comfortable collar and one your dog can back straight out of.
Why does my dog's collar fit differently in winter?
Because the collar sits in the coat, not on top of it. When the undercoat thickens up for the cold months, all that extra fur is pressed between the strap and the skin.
Here's what you'll usually notice:
- The collar feels tighter. You can't get two fingers under it as easily as you could in summer.
- The coat looks flattened or matted in a ring where the collar sits.
- Your dog scratches at their neck more than usual, or shakes their head after the collar goes on.
Weight plays a part too. Plenty of dogs put on a little over the colder months, when walks are shorter and treats are longer. The coat and the extra weight together can add up to a noticeable change.
Winter jackets and jumpers add another layer if your dog wears one. A collar that fits over bare fur can feel snug once there's a fleece collar underneath it.
What happens to collar fit when my dog sheds?
The opposite, and it's the one that catches people out. When the undercoat blows in spring, a collar that was snug all winter can suddenly have a finger or two of spare room.
A loose collar is the riskier of the two. It can:
- Slip over your dog's head if they pull backwards on the leash.
- Catch on a fence, a crate door or another dog's jaw during play.
- Twist round so the buckle ends up under the chin.
Shedding doesn't happen overnight. It can take a few weeks, so the collar loosens little by little and it's easy to miss. That's why a quick check every week or two through the shed is worth the effort.
How do you check collar fit when the coat changes?
It's the same two-finger test you'd use any other time, just done more often.
- Slide two fingers flat under the strap at the side of the neck.
- Two fingers in flat, with a little resistance: good.
- Three fingers slide in easily: too loose. Tighten the slider a notch.
- You can't get two fingers in: too tight. Let it out a notch.
- Tug the collar gently towards the ears. It shouldn't slide over the head.
Do the check with your dog standing, since the neck changes shape when they lie down or curl up. On a very fluffy dog, work your fingers down through the coat so you're feeling the strap against the skin.
While you're there, part the fur under the collar and have a look. Redness or a thin line in the coat means the collar is rubbing. That's a signal to re-check the fit, and to give the collar a clean if it's been a muddy few weeks.
Do you need a different collar size for winter and summer?
Almost never. That's what the adjustment range is for.
Each of our collars adjusts within its size: Small covers 8 to 11 inches, Medium 11 to 14, Large 14 to 18, XL 18 to 22 and XXL 22 to 28. A seasonal change usually works out to less than an inch, which the slider handles easily.
The exception is a dog whose neck measurement sits right at the top or bottom of a range. If the winter fit pushes the slider to its last notch, there's no room left to adjust. In that case it's worth measuring again and checking our size guide. A collar that sits in the middle of its range has room to move both ways as the year goes round.
Some owners of heavy-coated dogs like to keep two collars going anyway. One is set for the winter coat and one for the summer coat, and you swap them at the change of season. It also means you always have a spare while the other is being washed.
Which dogs need seasonal collar checks the most?
Any dog with an undercoat, but especially:
- Double-coated breeds such as huskies, malamutes, Samoyeds, German shepherds, corgis, collies and shelties. Their seasonal shed is dramatic and the change in fit is easy to feel.
- Long-haired small dogs like Pomeranians and Pekingese. There's a lot of fluff on a very small neck, so a little change in coat is a big change in fit.
- Dogs who wear a collar all the time. If it never comes off, nobody is looking at the fit day to day.
- Puppies coming into their adult coat. They're growing and changing coat at the same time, so check weekly.
Short, single-coated dogs such as boxers, whippets and Staffies change much less. A check at the start of each season is plenty for them.
Ready to set your dog up for the season ahead? If your dog's current collar has run out of adjustment, or you'd like a spare so one is always ready, browse our handmade collars. They come in sizes Small to XXL with solid cast metal hardware.
FAQ
How often should I check my dog's collar fit?
Once a month is a good habit for most dogs. For a double-coated dog, check every week or two while they're blowing their coat in spring and while the winter coat comes in during autumn.
Should I take my dog's collar off during shedding season?
You don't need to. Tighten it as the coat thins, and give it a brush-out and a wash every so often, since shed fur works into the strap. Hand wash it in cool water and let it air dry flat.
My dog's collar has left a flat ring in their coat. Is that a problem?
A flattened ring is normal on a fluffy dog that wears a collar all day. Redness, broken skin or a bald patch is not. If you see those, loosen the collar, check the width suits your dog, and ask your vet if the skin doesn't settle. If you're not sure what size or width to go for, get in touch.
Tape measure ready for the change of season? Find the right fit in our matching collar and leash sets.