How to Prevent Chafing from Dog Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses

Does your dog scratch at their collar or harness more than usual? Do you see redness, thinning fur, or irritated patches around their neck or underarms? If so, your pup might be dealing with chafing — a common issue that comes from gear rubbing against the skin.

Chafing is usually caused by friction — from rough materials, poor fit, or even moisture buildup under the gear. The good news? It’s easy to prevent with the right equipment and a few simple habits.

What Chafing Looks Like on Dogs

Chafing can happen anywhere a collar, harness, or leash touches your dog’s body, but the most common spots are:

• Around the neck

• Under the armpits

• Behind the front legs

• Across the chest and shoulders
  
  

Symptoms include:

• Red or raw-looking skin

• Bald spots or thinning fur

• Excessive licking or scratching at the gear

• Yelping when touched in certain areas

• Chewing or pulling at their harness or collar

If the irritation lines up with where the gear sits, chafing is the likely cause.

Why Some Collars and Harnesses Cause Chafing

The biggest culprits behind chafing are poor materials, bad fit, and moisture.

Cheap or stiff materials — like rough nylon, low-grade plastic, or overly rigid leather — don’t move with your dog’s body. Instead, they dig in or rub with every step. This is especially rough on dogs with short hair or sensitive skin.

Incorrect sizing is another major factor. Gear that’s too tight creates pressure points. Too loose, and it shifts and rubs constantly. Both can irritate your dog’s skin over time.

Wet gear can make chafing worse. If your dog swims, walks in the rain, or plays in sprinklers, a soaked collar or harness can create a soggy spot that rubs raw.

How to Choose Gear That Won’t Chafe

Before you buy new dog gear, take a moment to measure your dog properly. Use a soft measuring tape and follow the sizing chart from the brand. A good rule of thumb is to leave just enough room to fit two fingers between the strap and your dog’s body — snug, but not tight.

Then, focus on materials. Look for:

• Padded interiors to cushion the skin

• Breathable fabrics that don’t trap heat or moisture

• Smooth edges that won’t dig in

At Puccissimé Pet Couture, we use high-quality, dog-friendly materials like:

• PU leather — soft, flexible, and stylish

• Polypropylene webbing — lightweight and durable

• High-quality poly rayon — smooth and breathable

• Zinc alloy hardware — strong and rust-resistant
  

These materials are gentle on the skin and tough enough for everyday wear.

Keeping Your Dog’s Gear Clean and Comfortable

Even the best harness can cause issues if it’s dirty or damp. Always check your dog’s gear after walks, especially in warm weather or after swimming. A wet collar sitting on your dog’s neck during a car ride or hike can cause irritation in just a couple of hours.

Make it a habit to:

• Dry collars and harnesses thoroughly after water play

• Wash gear regularly to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria

• Check for frayed edges or broken stitching that could rub
  
  

What to Do if Your Dog Already Has Chafing

If you notice chafing, take a break from using the gear that caused it. Let your dog go without a collar or harness while indoors, and choose soft, non-restrictive alternatives for walks until the skin heals.

To treat mild chafing:

1. Gently clean the area with a soft cloth and warm water.

2. Apply a soothing balm like coconut oil or witch hazel (avoid petroleum jelly).

3. Keep the area dry and uncovered as much as possible.
   
   

If the skin is very red, swollen, or bleeding, or if your dog won’t stop licking it, check in with your vet to rule out infection.

One Good Harness Is Better Than Three Cheap Ones

Investing in one well-made, well-fitting harness can save you and your dog a lot of discomfort in the long run. It’s like buying quality shoes — your dog wears their gear daily, so it needs to be comfortable, breathable, and built to last.

At Puccissimé, we design our collars and harnesses with your dog’s comfort in mind. Explore our collection to find styles that look great and feel even better — no more chafing, scratching, or fur loss.