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Can GPS Dog Collars KILL Dogs? – What to Know

There have been a lot of talks lately about whether or not GPS dog collars kill dogs.

Some people say that the signals from these devices can interfere with a dog’s heart rate or cause cancer.

Others claim that there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims and that GPS dog collars are safe to use.

So, what’s the truth? Can GPS dog collars kill dogs?

Can GPS Dog Collars Kill Dogs?

Can GPS Dog Collars Kill Dogs?
It’s not likely that a GPS collar will kill your dog unless it’s not used as intended.

Here are some factors to consider:

  • If your dog is stolen, coming face-to-face with the thief could endanger both your dog and you. Be sure to contact the authorities in this situation.
  • GPS collars emit signals. It’s not fully determined if GPS collars emit enough harmful signals to cause cancer or hurt your dog, but it’s something to consider.
  • If the GPS tracking device is not properly affixed to your dog’s collar, it could fall off and get lost, leaving you without any way to track your dog’s whereabouts.

As far as signals go, what we know is that GPS collars emit signals that are much smaller than that of cell phones.

If you’re comfortable with your dog being in your home with electronics, you should be able to have peace of mind with a GPS collar.

That said, since the collar is in constant contact with your dog’s body, it’s receiving these signals more directly, so that’s something to think about.

Here’s a video on Electromagnetic waves for more information:

Do GPS dog collars cause cancer? Learn more in this detailed guide.

Keeping Your Dog Safe From Potential Dangers

How To Keep Your Dog Safe From GPS Collar Dangers
Dangers from GPS collars are more common with the collar, itself, rather than the electronic signals.

Here are some tips to help you avoid GPS dog collars from killing your dogs:

Choose a collar that’s comfortable

Ill-fitting or bulky collars can rub and chafe, causing irritation and even wounds.

Very loose collars can lead to strangulation.

Make sure the collar is properly charged

A dead or dying battery can prevent the collar from transmitting a signal, making it impossible to find your dog if they get lost.

Avoid using GPS dog collars in areas with poor cell reception

Weak or intermittent signals mean less accurate location data, leading to your dog being lost and hard to find.

Be aware of potential hazards

Hazards in your area, such as roads and bodies of water are dangerous to lost dogs.

If your dog strays into danger, you may not be able to find them in time.

Read More: Are GPS Dog Collars Safe? Can they make your dog sick? Learn more about potential dangers in this guide.

Register your GPS dog collar with the manufacturer

This will help them contact you if any recalls or software updates could affect the safety of your device.

Keep an eye on your dog while they are wearing the collar

Remove immediately if you see any signs of discomfort, excessive scratching, or pawing at the collar.

Inspect the GPS dog collar regularly for wear and tear

Replace worn or damaged parts as necessary to ensure that the device remains safe and functional.

Read More: How Do GPS Dog Collars Work? Understand how these devices work with this guide!

Final Thoughts

Pet owners should weigh the benefits of employing a GPS dog collar against the potential drawbacks.

Although these dangers are uncommon, they do show how important it is to think about whether or not a GPS dog collar is good for your dog.

A veterinarian should be consulted before deciding whether or not to utilize one of these devices.

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Jesse Hopping, CCDT

Jesse is a natural-born dog-lover certified dog trainer (CCDT), dog foster, and former volunteer at Richmond SPCA and surrounding dog shelters for over 10 years. Her pack includes a Bernedoodle and 3 Boston Terriers. She’s sipping caramel coffee and watching her pack play in the sun when she’s not writing blogs. Jesse has her Certified Dog Trainer designation from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy since 2018 and and majored in English from the University of Virginia.

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