Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
Retractable leashes: Are they sabotaging your dog's health?
Next article

Retractable leashes: Are they sabotaging your dog's health?

The health and safety hazards of retractable dog leashes you need to be aware of

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of why retractable leashes can endanger your dog’s well-being, I’d like to invite you to do an experiment.

If you have a dog collar nearby, put it on your neck, attach a retractable leash and ask a friend to hold the handle firmly. When you’re in position, start running without knowing when you’ll hit the end of the leash. Nevertheless, I’m sure you'll feel it when you reach the end.

How did it feel being yanked on?
Is your neck sore or bruised?
Did you feel pressure in your head?

 
Sadly, there are millions of dogs around the world whose health has been affected by these seemingly benign tools without pet parents being aware of it.

The combined effect of the pull and sudden stop on retractable leashes greatly impacts the neck and, consequently, the health of many dogs, and this article aims to explain why.  

For many years, I didn’t understand how dangerous retractable leashes are. While I’m aware this article may make some manufacturers unhappy, our dogs’ well-being is my priority.

I hope this information will help raise awareness about the injuries and health problems caused by extendable dog leashes and guide you in choosing safer alternatives for your canine friend.

14 reasons not to use a retractable leash when walking your dog

1.   Neck and throat injuries

Repeated jerks and pulling on the leash cause injuries to the neck if your dog wears a collar or to the chest and torso if you use a harness.

The neck is the region where the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve fibres originate. When traumatized, it can profoundly affect organ function, resulting in heart issues (atrial fibrillation, dilation, or other cardiomyopathy), stomach and digestive issues, or problems with lung and kidney function.

dog neck anatomy

 

At the same time, neck injuries can result in front leg lameness as foreleg nerves are connected to the cervical spine. Many people don’t realize that paw licking is often caused by an abnormal sensation and numbing due to nerve injury. 

The thyroid gland is also a frequent victim of a harsh leash and collar combo, as it’s located directly under the front portion of the collar. Repeated trauma to the thyroid gland leads to the loss of thyroxin-producing cells, resulting in hypothyroidism which affects the ‘breathing’ or oxygenation and function of every cell in the body.

2. High safety risk

Retractable leashes pose a genuine safety risk for you and your canine companion. For example, many cases of the leash suddenly snapping back have ended up causing harm to both the dog and the pet parent.

3. Reduced control

Retractable leashes may give dogs the illusion of freedom, but they often compromise your control. When your dog runs out too far, retracting the leash can be cumbersome and slow, potentially leading to dangerous situations such as car, bike and other vehicle accidents.

4. Faulty lock mechanism

The lock mechanism on retractable leashes can sometimes fail and get stuck, leading to potential accidents and serious injuries if an unfriendly dog approaches or your dog runs in traffic.

5. Uncomfortable grip

The bulky handle of retractable leashes can be uncomfortable to hold for longer periods, making your walks less enjoyable. A light, gentle leash that is easier to grip can enhance your comfort during doggie walks.

6. Friction burns and cuts

The speed at which the cord can retract poses a high risk of painful burns or cuts to your hands, especially if the leash wraps around your fingers.

7. Off-path exploration dangers

If you have a “garbage hound” that has to stay under control in littered areas, retractable leashes make it harder for you to supervise your dog by allowing them to go far away. This can expose your dog to toxic waste and other things that, once ingested, might endanger their health.

8. Encourages ignoring commands

When the retractable leash is fully extended, your dog might feel disconnected and start ignoring your commands.

9. Promotes bad walking habits

Retractable leashes can inadvertently reward pulling, teaching dogs bad habits. With a traditional leash, your dog can learn proper walking behaviour and that pulling doesn't result in additional freedom.

10. Potential for entanglement

The retractable cord can wrap around people, other pets, or objects, which could lead to injuries or accidents.

11. Sudden jerks can give whiplash

When your dog bolts on a retractable leash, either because they want to explore a particular area or are scared by something, the abrupt stop will yank them backward, which can often cause whiplash and neck pain.

12. Increased stress for your dog

The retracting mechanism can startle and stress dogs, impacting their overall comfort and happiness. Traditional leashes provide a consistent and predictable experience, reducing stress for your canine companion.

13. Questionable durability

The durability of retractable leashes has often been called into question, especially the longevity of their retraction mechanism. Traditional leashes, being simpler and made of durable materials, are typically longer-lasting and more reliable.

14. Environmental impact

Plastic and synthetic materials are another reason you may want to ditch retractable leashes and choose one made of natural, eco-friendly materials instead. 

What is the best alternative to a retractable leash?

For the reasons above, I’ve never used a retractable leash on my dogs, and I’ve been searching for a safer option for years until I found one of the gentlest leashes available.

Handmade from strong, plastic-free, shock-absorbing materials, the Gentle Leash is the best alternative to extendable dog leashes because it helps you prevent injuries and protects your dog’s neck and health, and the planet too.

 

Retractable dog leash FAQ

●     Why are retractable leashes bad?

Retractable leashes put your dogs health and safety at risk by causing injuries to their neck, throat and back and disrupting the energy, blood and nerve flow in the body. Moreover, using a retractable leash can result in injuries if the retraction mechanism malfunctions or the cord gets entangled, which could harm you and your dog as well as others and their dogs.

●     What injuries are caused by retractable dog leashes?

Walking your dog on a retractable leash can cause severe neck injuries that are most often undetected and can further impact organ health. The cord of a retractable leash can also cause cuts and burns on your hands and entangle other people and pets, resulting in injuries.

●     Do retractable leashes cause pulling?

Yes, retractable leashes encourage dogs to pull while on a leash, as they learn that pulling helps extend the leash providing them more freedom to explore their environment. A retractable leash can be even more problematic for puppies that havent been trained to walk correctly on a leash.

●     Can a retractable leash break?

 Yes, unfortunately, the cord of an extendable leash can wear down in time and snap, especially if theres a larger dog at the end of the leash pulling or running at full speed. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries if your dog wanders too far away.

●     Is it better to walk your dog on a leash attached to a collar or a harness?

I recommend avoiding the leash and collar combo when walking your dog as it can cause injuries and inflammation to their neck and throat and lead to hypothyroidism, kidney, lung and digestive issues, and heart disease. Switching to a well-fitted harness and a traditional leash can help minimize the pressure of tugs and jerks throughout the body and keep the neck and throat protected. 

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close