Having your pet wear a collar to hold identification tags can be one of the more effective options for recovering your pet if it ever becomes lost. Not surprisingly, many people want to ensure that their pet has a high-quality collar. However, they may be unsure of the steps that they should take to care for their pet's collar properly.

Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Products

Over time, your pet's collar will start to become extremely dirty. Whether it is due to dirt and dust or pet dander, these materials can cause the collar to suffer a serious deterioration in its appearance. Furthermore, the collar may develop foul odors. Regularly cleaning the collar will be essential for addressing these problems, but you will need to be mindful of the cleaning product that you use. In particular, you will need to be sure that you are only using cleaning solutions that are pet safe. Traditional detergents can leave residues behind that may irritate your pet's skin or cause health problems if it is ingested. Fortunately, your veterinarian's office or the local pet supply store will likely be able to provide you with a cleaning product that is safe for pets while still being effective.

Change The Collar When It Has Been Raining

If your pet spends a significant amount of time outside, you may want to invest in a second collar and set of tags. This will make it easy for you to swap your pet's collar if the weather forecast is calling for rain. Otherwise, the collar may become extremely dirty and covered in mud. This can lead to permanent staining of the collar. However, if you have a second collar that is waterproof, you can put this on your pet when the weather is bad. You may find that this simple step can significantly extend the usable life of your pet collars.

Regularly Adjust The Collar

Some pet owners will make the mistake of rarely checking or adjusting their pet's collar. However, your pet's neck can change size over the course of its life, and this can lead to the collar becoming too tight. In addition to being extremely uncomfortable and damaging to your pet's skin, it can also be harmful to the collar as this will cause it to become stretched and warped. Ideally, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your pet's neck. This will ensure that there is enough space for your pet to comfortably wear the collar while avoiding the risk of the collar coming off.

For more information on finding handmade dog collars for charity, contact your local pet accessories shop.