Why do vets not recommend retractable leashes

When we take our dogs for a walk and enjoy the wonderful time with them, a leash is an essential tool to ensure their safety and orderly travel. Among various types of leashes, retractable leashes may seem convenient and provide dogs with more space for movement, but they are often not recommended by veterinarians. There are many professional factors related to the health and safety of dogs behind this, which are worth exploring in depth.

From a safety perspective, there are many potential risks associated with telescopic traction ropes. Its stretchable feature allows dogs to instantly gain a larger range of movement during use. When dogs suddenly see things of interest, such as other small animals, food in the hands of pedestrians, or are attracted by distant sounds, they may rush out at an extremely fast speed. At this point, due to the rapid release of the retractable traction rope, it is difficult for the owner to control the dog in a timely manner. Dogs may recklessly rush onto the road, facing a huge danger of being hit by vehicles. Every year, there are many tragic accidents caused by dogs using retractable leashes, which pose a serious threat to the safety of dogs and cause endless pain and self blame for their owners.

Stretching ropes can also easily cause injuries to dogs. When a dog pulls the rope vigorously, the friction between the rope and the leash generates significant heat, which may burn the dog's hair and skin. Especially in summer, dogs have relatively shorter hair and their skin is more easily exposed, which increases the risk of burns. In addition, when a dog suddenly changes direction or stops running, the rebound force of the retractable traction rope may cause impact on the dog's joints. Dogs' joints are particularly fragile during their growth and development stage, and frequent sudden pulling and impact can lead to joint diseases such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, etc., affecting dogs' normal walking and quality of life.

In terms of behavioral training, stretch ropes are not conducive to cultivating good walking habits in dogs. Dogs need to learn to obey commands and keep walking by their owners' side through interaction. However, the retractable leash gives dogs too much freedom, making it difficult for them to form correct behavioral patterns. Dogs tend to run freely according to their own wishes and ignore their owners' guidance. Long term use of retractable leashes may make dogs become stubborn and disobedient, increasing the difficulty of their owner's training. For example, when the owner attempts to correct the dog's behavior through a leash, the elasticity and adjustability of the retractable leash make it difficult for the dog to clearly perceive the owner's intention, thus failing to establish effective communication and obedience relationships.

Stretching ropes may also have negative psychological effects on dogs. Dogs often become overly excited when using retractable leashes because they can run freely. This state of excessive excitement can make it difficult for dogs to stabilize their emotions and increase their anxiety. Moreover, when a dog is suddenly pulled back by a retractable leash, it may experience shock and anxiety, leading to resistance towards the leash and its owner. Long term exposure to this unstable emotional state can affect the psychological health of dogs and may even lead to behavioral problems such as increased aggression and excessive barking.

In addition, there are certain safety hazards with retractable traction ropes in public places. When a dog uses a retractable leash in a crowd, the long rope may trip pedestrians, especially the elderly and children. In narrow streets, park trails, and other places, retractable ropes may also wrap around other objects, causing dogs to be trapped or injured. Moreover, when multiple dogs use a retractable leash at the same time, the probability of the ropes entangling with each other greatly increases, which not only makes the dogs panic, but may also trigger fights between dogs, posing a danger to others and dogs.

Based on professional considerations of dog health and safety, as well as extensive clinical experience, veterinarians do not recommend the use of retractable leashes. As dog owners, we deeply love these adorable creatures, who provide us with endless companionship and joy. We have a responsibility to ensure their safety and health, and when choosing towing ropes, we should fully consider various factors. Compared to retractable ropes, traditional fixed length ropes, although relatively limited in range of motion, can better ensure the safety of dogs, cultivate good behavioral habits, and maintain their physical and mental health. Let's take the welfare of dogs as the starting point, choose the most suitable leash for them, and accompany them through every safe and happy time. Because the health and happiness of dogs is our greatest wish and our duty that cannot be shirked. Let's weave a sturdy safety net for dogs with the right choices, allowing them to grow strong under our care.