4 ESSENTIALS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A DOG COLLAR
October 31, 2022
Inviting a pup or an older dog into your home is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, allowing you to build an unparalleled bond and driving home the age-old notion that dogs indeed are a human's best friend. However, being a pet parent also entails a tremendous amount of responsibility, especially when it comes to ensuring that your dog has all the necessary care and equipment. Dog collars are one such item that should be considered carefully before purchase.
Collars are one of the most standard and essential accessories a dog should have; however, choosing one can be a daunting and somewhat overwhelming task. How do you choose the perfect collar for your pet with so many varieties around?
These essential tips might help you in your hunt for the perfect collar.
Sizing: This is one of the most critical considerations when choosing a dog collar. If the collar is too big, you run the risk of your dog slipping out of it and this could prove fatal if this occurs on a public walk or in a busy, traffic-laden location. However, if the collar is too tight, this can cause medical harm, injure the trachea (especially for smaller breeds), and cause breathing difficulties. This is why correct sizing is paramount. At Valgray, we cater to all sizes of canines, from tiny teacup to giant breeds. We also encourage all dog parents to measure their dog's neck using our tutorial and sizing guide to ensure you choose the correct collar.
Quality: Strength and durability is also essential. Sure, you can opt for a budget collar, but it won't last long and will most likely be prone to significant wear and tear, including fraying. At worst, it could break entirely, rendering itself useless and if you are out on a walk could lead to trouble. This is why we are so passionate about selecting durable, premium materials, including the highest, sports-grade PVC-coated nylon webbing. Our collars are also waterproof, ensuring they can withstand the elements.
Engravings and identification tags: A dog collar can be one of the best ways to protect your fur-baby if he or she runs out the gate or goes a little further afield on a walk while chasing a bird. The name tag on a collar is the first identifying feature a kindly passer-by will look at when they pick them up. When you purchase premium collars at Valgray, we'll engrave the collar tag for free because we understand just how critical this feature is. Having your dog's name on the collar - as well as contactable numbers in case of an emergency - is essential to ensure their safety and, of course, your peace of mind as a pet parent.
Designer looks: Finally, we also believe in the importance of aesthetics. Who said your pup couldn't be a trendsetter too? Our premium collars are available in several colours, including blush and rose gold, pistachio and silver, bone grey and yellow gold, and midnight and silver. Each collar has an elegant colour-plated tag, which we'll laser-engrave with your dog's name and emergency contact number for free. Those looking to elevate their pup's style game can also opt for our matching collar and leash sets.
EXPLORE VALGRAY FOR DESIGNER PET ACCESSORIES
Explore our designer product collection and kit your pup out with high-quality collars, leads, and handcrafted snoods. We believe that every pup deserves the best, so why not give them just that with our sophisticated dog accessories? We are all about comfort, safety, and style, always prioritising the well-being of your best friend. For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will happily advise you.
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Valgray for Dogs
When you shop with Valgray you're not just selecting a brand, you're also a part of the Valgray family and embracing a lifestyle centred around animal welfare, supreme comfort, and impeccable fashion. Our dog collars and accessories are locally produced to radiate elegance and cosiness, ensuring that your furry companion is not only the most stylish but also the happiest pup around.
We recognize that our customers consider their dogs as family members, which is why we design our dog products with emphasis on quality, style, and comfort. To learn more about our exceptional products, browse our online store or reach out to the Valgray team. We're eager to chat with you and share our fashionable products!
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Maintaining your dog's hygiene is crucial for their health. Regular grooming prevents skin infections, parasites, and other health issues. DIY dog washing is cost-effective, strengthens bonding, and offers flexibility. Essential supplies include dog shampoo, brushes, and towels. For a thorough clean, follow steps to wet, shampoo, rinse, and dry your dog. Professional dog washing services offer expertise, high-quality products, and comprehensive care packages. Choose between DIY and professional services based on cost, time, quality of care, and your dog's comfort. Prioritize your pet's well-being for a happy, healthy dog.
Teaching a dog to stop pulling on a leash involves understanding the cause, using a well-fitting harness, and consistent training with positive reinforcement. Start in a calm environment, gradually introduce distractions, and seek professional help if needed. Regular practice and patience will ensure enjoyable walks. In this article we take you through some of the steps to help you get your dog to stop pulling on lead.
Winter poses significant challenges for dogs, making it crucial to keep them warm and healthy. By taking proactive measures, owners can ensure their pets remain comfortable throughout the cold months. Here are ten effective strategies to keep your dog warm in winter:
Create a Warm Environment: Ensure your dog has a heated, insulated indoor space and consider safe indoor heating options like space heaters or heating pads. If your dog spends time outside, provide a well-insulated dog house with proper insulation and dry bedding.
Dress Your Dog for Winter: Use winter clothing like sweaters, coats, and booties to help retain body heat and protect against cold conditions. Choose breathable, water-resistant materials and ensure a proper fit. A Valgray dog snood is great for helping to keep them warm in moderately cold conditions.
Adjust Diet and Nutrition: Increase caloric intake to help maintain body heat. Incorporate high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and supplements like fish oil to support overall health while maintaining a balanced diet.
Provide Comfortable Bedding: Use insulated, cushioned beds, and add fleece or thermal blankets for extra warmth. Place the bed in a warm, draft-free area.
Practice Safe Exercise: Adjust exercise routines to include indoor activities and shorter, more frequent outdoor walks. Dress your dog appropriately for cold weather.
Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your dog's health and address any winter-specific issues like arthritis or respiratory infections.
Use Pet-Friendly Heating Devices: Utilize electric blankets, heated pads, or microwaveable heat packs to provide consistent warmth during very cold times. Ensure safety features like automatic shut-offs and avoid direct contact with your dog’s skin.
Monitor Your Dog’s Condition: Watch for signs of cold stress such as shivering, lethargy, and seeking warmth. Address any signs of discomfort or health issues promptly.
Proper Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat well-groomed to maintain its insulating properties. Avoid shaving your dog’s fur during winter to retain natural warmth.
Ensure Adequate Hydration: Make sure your dog has access to fresh, unfrozen water to stay hydrated, which is essential for maintaining body temperature and overall health.
By following these tips as needed, you can ensure your dog stays warm, healthy, and comfortable during the winter months.
Valgray is one of the few brands that caters for all dog sizes. From our extra-small collars for the truly tiny pooch to the extra-large collars for giant breeds, we go the extra mile to make sure your fur-babies can put their best paw forward.
It’s important to measure your pup’s neck to make sure your new collar will fit comfortably. Remember to include some space around the neck for your pooch’s safety and comfort. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the neck and collar.
Once you have your doggo’s measurements, check our sizing guide below for the best collar size.
DON'T HAVE A TAPE MEASURE?
No problem! You can use a variety of household items to safely measure your dog’s neck. See our guide here.
Don’t have a tape measure lying around? No problem! To learn how to measure your dog's neck safely with various household items, click here.
PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION
We try our best to cater to every breed, but some doggos might need a little extra at-home customisation to achieve the perfect fit. Making adjustments to our soft, PVC-coated nylon straps at home is easy. Simply use a standard leather punching tool to add additional holes, or use a utility knife to trim the length of your collar.
