Review examines health risks of dog-worn equipment and calls for safer practices

This narrative review examines the health implications and risks of dog-worn equipment including collars, harnesses, and other gear. The scope covers generated pressures, leash forces, effects on gait, intraocular pressure, and equipment-related trauma. The authors highlight that concerns about potential adverse health effects have rarely been addressed through structured investigation. Most available data consists of studies focusing on physical forces and a limited number of case reports regarding trauma.

The authors argue that additional studies are needed to specifically evaluate health risks and assess the validity of claimed adverse impacts. Current evidence does not support definitive conclusions about causality regarding equipment associations with important and potentially vulnerable anatomic structures and functions. The review emphasizes the need for more rigorous data to validate reported risks.

Practice relevance is framed around heightened awareness of the associations of equipment with important and potentially vulnerable anatomic structures and functions as well as known risks. This awareness can serve as a touchstone for safe, thoughtful practice. Until such evidence is established, the certainty of any specific risk remains uncertain and should not be overstated.