Rubber Collars for Swimming Dogs

Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

If your dog loves to swim—whether it's at McLaren Park, Fort Funston Beach, or any of San Francisco's dog-friendly water spots—you might not realize that their regular collar could be causing a hidden health problem. I learned this lesson the hard way with one of my Labrador Retrievers, and I want to share what I discovered so you can protect your water-loving pup.

The Hidden Danger of Wet Collars

Recently, I took one of my Labrador Retrievers swimming at McLaren Park. After about a week of daily swimming sessions, I noticed something alarming—the dog developed a bacterial infection on its neck. The skin was red, irritated, and had a distinctly unpleasant odor. At first, I couldn't figure out what was causing it.

Little did I know that when the dog laid on its wet collar during the car ride home, this created the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. The combination of moisture, warmth from the dog's body, and the porous material of traditional nylon or fabric collars creates an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Why Traditional Collars Become Bacterial Breeding Grounds

Most dog collars are made from materials that absorb water like a sponge. When your dog goes swimming or gets caught in the rain, that collar soaks up moisture and holds it against your dog's skin for hours. Here's what happens:

• Moisture Retention: Fabric and nylon collars can stay damp for 6-12 hours after swimming
• Bacterial Growth: Bacteria multiply rapidly in warm, moist environments—doubling every 20 minutes
• Skin Irritation: Constant wetness breaks down the skin barrier, making infection more likely
• Odor Development: Bacterial colonies produce that characteristic "wet dog" smell that won't wash out
• Fungal Issues: Yeast and fungi also thrive in these conditions, potentially causing additional problems

The Dublin Dog "No Stink" Collar Solution

After dealing with this problem, I found a collar on the internet made by Dublin Dog Company that seemed specifically designed to combat this issue. The collars are created from a special blend of synthetic polymers that won't absorb moisture, retain dirt, or harbor bacteria.

The key difference is in the material science. Unlike traditional collars that act like sponges, these rubber-based collars shed water immediately and dry in minutes instead of hours. They resist bacterial colonization because moisture can't penetrate the material, are completely washable and easy to keep clean, and don't retain odors even after repeated swimming sessions.

If your dog loves to swim, check out the "No Stink" collar from Dublin Dog Company. You can even find them on Amazon for convenient ordering!

Additional Tips for Swimming Dogs

Rinse After Swimming

Whether your dog has been in chlorinated pool water, salt water, or lake water, rinse them off with fresh water afterward. This removes chemicals, salt, and bacteria that can irritate skin.

Dry Thoroughly

Pay special attention to areas where water gets trapped—under the collar, in skin folds, between toes, and in ear canals. Use a clean towel and make sure these areas are completely dry.

Check for Irritation

Regularly inspect the skin under your dog's collar. Look for redness, hair loss, odor, or any signs of irritation. Catching problems early makes treatment much easier.

Final Thoughts

After 19 years of professional dog walking in San Francisco, I've learned that the best dog care combines vigilance with smart product choices. A quality rubber or waterproof collar like the Dublin Dog "No Stink" collar is a small investment that makes a big difference in your dog's quality of life.

Swimming is wonderful exercise for dogs—it's low-impact, great for building muscle, and most dogs absolutely love it. Don't let collar-related skin issues prevent your dog from enjoying this healthy activity. Make the switch to a waterproof collar and let your pup swim worry-free!