Breakaway Collars for Dogs: Why They’re a Lifesaver

We’ve all heard of breakaway collars for cats—but did you know they’re just as critical for dogs, too? I didn’t. Not until it almost cost me my Rottweiler, Cooper. Read that entire story —-> HERE.

In January of 2023, our lives were nearly shattered. Cooper, our loyal ranch guardian, had been left outside for the day just like he had been for the last 6 years—doing what he does best: patrolling the fence line and protecting our property. But when we got home that day, something was off. He didn’t greet us at the gate like he usually did. He was acting strange—lethargic, disoriented, not interested in his food, and clearly in pain.

Even stranger, his collar was missing. My husband asked if I had taken it off—I hadn’t. Neither had he. I messaged the dog sitter to see if she removed it, but she said no. That’s when I started searching the property, combing every inch of the fence line, yard, and perimeter. Eventually, I found it—his heavy-duty collar snapped in half, lying near a section of fencing.

My heart dropped. That collar was thick, the kind you buy for large breeds like Rottweilers—built to last. I couldn’t imagine how he broke it. And that’s when the realization hit: he must have gotten caught. Strangled. Fought like hell to free himself. And by some miracle—by the grace of God—he did.

When I got him to the vet, they confirmed my fears. Cooper had already started developing scar tissue and would have permanent damage to his trachea, throat, and neck. The vet could hardly believe he survived—let alone broke through such a collar.

I still get emotional thinking about what he must’ve gone through—alone, panicked, choking—while we weren’t home to even try to help him. If he hadn’t broken free, we would’ve come home to a dead dog.

Collars Can Kill. Here’s How It Happens.

Before this, I had never heard of a dog being strangled by their collar. I knew breakaway collars existed for cats, but no one—no one—had ever warned me that dogs needed them too. So, I did what any pet parent would do: I started researching.

And what I found horrified me.

Over 26,000 dogs suffer serious or fatal collar-related accidents every year in the U.S. alone. The more stories I read, the more I realized that what happened to Cooper wasn’t a freak accident. It’s a silent epidemic—one we’re just not talking about enough.

Here are just a few of the many ways this can happen:

• Fences & Gates – Like Cooper, dogs can get their collar caught on hardware, slats, or wires while patrolling or exploring.

• Deck Boards – Collars or tags can slide between deck planks, trapping your dog.

• Crates & Kennels – Many tragic stories involve collars getting snagged in crate bars while the dog is unsupervised.

• Playing with Other Dogs – Dogs can get their jaws or paws stuck in each other’s collars, leading to panicked thrashing and injury or death.

• Furniture & Fixtures – Door handles, vent grates, and even couch legs can become fatal snag points.

• Outdoor Brush & Branches – Hikes, yard play, or even rolling around in shrubbery can turn dangerous if a collar gets caught.

Unfortunately, the common response is to take the collar off entirely—which only makes things worse. Dogs are more likely to get lost than they are to be strangled, so identification is crucial. That’s why the solution isn’t no collar—it’s a safe collar.

ORDER A COLLAR

What’s a Breakaway Collar, and Why Does It Matter?

A breakaway collar is designed with a special clasp that releases under pressure, allowing your dog to escape if the collar gets snagged or tangled.

I started searching for one the moment I realized how close we came to losing Cooper. I found a few options, but they were either not very cute, or falsely labeled—like “quick release” collars, which do not break under tension and aren’t designed for safety.

So I decided to take matters into my own hands. I found an amazing collar maker who custom designs durable, stylish, fully customizable collars using high-quality biothane. Together, we now present you with something that I couldn’t find anywhere else at the time:

• Compatible with Tractive, AirTags, Fi Trackers and more.

• Custom-fit/designed and reinforced for strength

• Functional and beautiful

• Perfect for all breeds and sizes

I now offer them in my shop—because I believe every dog deserves to be safe.

5 Common Misconceptions About Breakaway Collars

Let’s clear some things up:

❌ “They’re only for cats.”

Nope. Breakaway collars are critical for dogs, too—especially if your pup is active, outdoorsy, or ever left alone in crates or yards for any amount of time.

❌ “They’ll fall apart during walks.”

False. Ours include dual D-rings on either side of the breakaway clasp. Just clip your leash through both D-rings, and it stays locked in place.

❌ “They’re not strong enough for big dogs.”

Tell that to the giant dogs we have tried them on. Our collars are strong, tested on large breeds, and built with the same durability as any “regular” collar.

❌ “They’re flimsy.”

Far from it. Our breakaway collars are made from premium biothane—waterproof, stink-proof, and virtually indestructible.

❌ “There’s no need—they’re just a trend.”

I promise you, this isn’t a trend. It’s a lifesaving upgrade. If your dog gets caught on something just once, that’s all it takes.

I will never use a standard collar again. Ever. What happened to Cooper could’ve easily ended in heartbreak—and I don’t want that for anyone else either.

If you’ve never heard of breakaway collars for dogs, please know you’re not alone. I hadn’t either. But now that I have, I’m doing everything I can to raise awareness and offer collars that are not only safe—but stylish, functional, and strong.

Whether it’s a gate latch, a crate bar, a fence post, or a playful dog pile—it only takes one second for everything to change.

Our dogs’ safety isn’t up for debate, it’s up to us.

👉🏽 Order your dog’s breakaway collar HERE.

4 Safety Tips

1. Switch to Break-Away Collars

2. Minimize Dangling Tags

3. Collar-Proof Your Home & Yard

4. Educate Other Pet Parents, spread the Word. Most dog parents don’t know collar strangulation is even a thing. Share stories you’ve heard, talk about breakaway collars, and help others make safer choices for their pets.