Last week, I was working outside when I heard a loud whimper and what sounded like a dog fight.
Two puppies were playing together when one puppy’s lower jaw got caught underneath the other puppy’s collar. In seconds, what looked like normal play became a life-or-death emergency.
Both puppies panicked. As they struggled and pulled away, the collar twisted tighter. The puppy being choked could not breathe. Her gums began to lose color, and for a few terrifying seconds, I truly thought I was going to lose her.
Luckily, I was right there. I saw it happening. And even knowing what to do, it took everything I had to unhook that collar in time. My hands and wrists were chewed up and bleeding from getting between the two terrified puppies in a desperate struggle.
Thankfully, she survived. She is doing great and acts as if nothing ever happened.
But that moment changed everything for me and I thank God for giving me the strength and knowledge to be able to help.
Because of this event, I realized how many dog owners have no idea this can even happen. And if it happened to my foster puppies while I was standing right there, it can happen to anyone’s dog.
That is why I am writing this.
Because awareness can save lives.
What Is Collar Suffocation?
Collar suffocation, also called collar strangulation, happens when a dog’s collar gets caught, twisted, or trapped and begins to tighten around the dog’s neck.
It can happen quickly, and often in completely ordinary situations.
A collar can get caught on:
- Crate bars
- Fences or gates
- Deck boards
- Furniture
- Heating vents
- Tree branches
- Another dog’s jaw during play
- Loose tags or rings
- Handles, hooks, or hardware around the home
- Everyday household items you may not think twice about
When a dog panics and tries to pull away, the collar can tighten even more. In some cases, another dog can accidentally get their teeth or jaw caught in the collar during play, causing both dogs to panic and struggle.
That is exactly what happened with my foster puppies.
They were not being aggressive. They were not doing anything wrong. They were just playing the way puppies play.
And in one moment, normal play became a medical emergency.
When Are Dogs Most at Risk?
Collar accidents are most likely to happen when dogs are:
- In a crate while wearing a collar or tags
- Playing rough with another dog
- Left unsupervised with other dogs
- Running near fences, gates, branches, or deck boards
- Wearing a collar that is too loose
- Wearing dangling tags that can get trapped
- Wearing chain, martingale, prong, or training collars outside of supervised training
This does not mean collars are bad.
It means we need to use them thoughtfully.
The Crate Rule: Go Collar-Free
One of the easiest safety habits is this:
Take your dog’s collar off before putting them in a crate.
Crates can be wonderful tools for rest, safety, and comfort, but collars, tags, buckles, and rings can get caught on crate wires. If a dog panics or tries to pull away, it can quickly become dangerous.
Before crate time, remove:
- Collars
- Tags
- Bandanas
- Harnesses
- Clothing
- Anything that could catch, twist, or tighten
Think of the crate like bedtime.
Simple, safe, and collar-free.
What About Dogs Playing Together?
If your dogs wrestle, mouth each other’s necks, or grab collars during play, it is safest to remove their collars before playtime, especially if you are not directly supervising.
Many collar strangulation accidents happen between dogs who are simply playing. One dog’s lower jaw can get caught under the other dog’s collar. As both dogs panic and pull away, the collar can twist tighter and tighter.
If your dogs love rough play, consider:
- Collar-free play at home
- Supervised play only
- Breakaway collars for daily wear
- Separating dogs when you are not home
- Watching closely for collar-grabbing behavior
This is not about being fearful.
It is about being aware.
Are Breakaway Collars Safer?
Breakaway collars are designed to release when enough pressure is applied. They can be a safer option for dogs who wear collars around the house, play with other dogs, or spend time in the yard.
Some breakaway collars also have a separate leash attachment feature so the collar does not release during walks. This is important because you do not want your dog slipping free when you are outside.
When choosing a collar, look for:
- A proper fit
- A breakaway safety feature
- A secure leash attachment point
- Minimal dangling hardware
- Lightweight tags or a tag silencer
- Regular checks for wear and tear
No product can prevent every accident, but safer gear and safer habits can reduce risk.
How Tight Should a Dog Collar Be?
A good rule of thumb is the two-finger rule. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between your dog’s collar and neck.
A collar that is too tight can cause discomfort and pressure. A collar that is too loose can slip, snag, or get caught.
Check your dog’s collar often, especially if your dog is:
- A growing puppy
- Losing or gaining weight
- Very active
- A heavy chewer
- Often wet from swimming or snow
- Wearing a collar every day
Collars stretch. Dogs grow. Hardware wears down.
A quick collar check can make a big difference.
Safer Collar Habits Every Dog Owner Can Start Today
Here are simple ways to lower the risk of collar accidents:
- Remove collars before crating
- Remove collars during rough play
- Use a harness for walks when possible
- Avoid leaving training collars on after training
- Check collar fit regularly
- Use breakaway collars for dogs who wear collars indoors
- Keep ID information current through microchips
- Watch for collar grabbing between dogs
- Remove collars when dogs are left home together unsupervised
- Inspect your home and yard for places a collar could catch
Small habits can prevent heartbreaking accidents.
Do Dogs Still Need ID?
Yes. Identification is still very important!!
If your dog gets loose, a visible ID tag can help them get home quickly. But your dog should also be microchipped, and the microchip registration should be kept up to date.
A microchip gives your dog a backup form of identification if their collar comes off or needs to be removed for safety.
The safest approach is not simply “collar or no collar.”
It is using the right safety habit for the right situation.
What You Can Do Right Now
Before you move on with your day, take one minute to check your dog’s setup.
Look at their collar.
Look at their tags.
Look at their crate.
Look at your fence, deck, and yard.
Watch how your dogs play together.
Ask yourself:
Where could a collar catch?
When does my dog truly need to wear one?
When would it be safer to take it off?
And if your dog is not microchipped, now is a good time to talk to your veterinarian about it.
A Personal Note From Three Yellow Dogs
I’ll be honest, I have been around dogs my entire life. I have fostered puppies, cared for rescue dogs, I have literally saved hundreds of dogs, and even built a business around helping dogs live happier, safer lives.
And even with all of that experience, collar suffocation was not something that was truly on my radar. I had heard of it but it honestly never truly registered with me.
But after watching it happen to my sweet foster puppies, I will never look at collars the same way again. It shook me to my core. It kept me up that night. I kept replaying it in my mind, thinking about how quickly everything changed and how different the outcome could have been.
After it happened, I walked through my own home and took the collars off all of my animals, including our cat. Not because collars are bad, but because I understand now that there are times when they can become dangerous.
This is preventable. And that is why I knew I had to share this story.
My hope is that this post makes you pause for just a minute. Check your dog’s collar. Look at the crate. Watch how your dogs play. Think about when your dog truly needs to wear a collar and when it might be safer to take it off.
If sharing our experience helps even one dog, then reliving that scary moment is worth it.
Please share this with anyone who has dogs, fosters dogs, or cares for dogs.
Your awareness matters.
Your dog is counting on you. 💛
One more way to help: Anxious or overstimulated dogs are more likely to engage in rough play and collar-grabbing behavior. Enrichment and mental stimulation make a huge difference.
That's why we created Three Yellow Dogs seasonal subscription boxes — filled with rotating toys, premium treats, and enrichment activities designed to keep dogs engaged and happy. Plus, 3% of every order goes directly to rescue and shelter dogs.
If collar safety matters to you, enrichment matters too. Shop Seasonal Subscriptions.
Three Yellow Dogs is a mission-driven dog lifestyle brand dedicated to helping dogs and dog owners thrive. We create seasonal subscription boxes filled with enrichment toys, premium treats, and educational content because we believe every dog deserves to be their best self.
Learn more at threeyellowdogs.com.
