The Need for Routine Checks and Replacements of Your Dog’s Harness and Leash

Here’s something every dog owner should know - a harness is not a one-time purchase. Many times, these pieces of equipment aren’t designed to last a dog’s lifetime. So, you’ll eventually have to replace them for your dog’s safety and well-being. Hence, the importance of reading this article to the very end. 

Read on to learn why checking and replacing your dog’s harness and leash is a must, how often you should replace this equipment, how to check your harness’s condition, things that make harnesses age quicker, and more. We’ll tell you everything you need to know. 

Why Checking And Replacing Your Dog’s Harness Is A Must

When you bought your dog’s current harness, you might have thought that it would last indefinitely. Very high-quality dog harnesses do have a long lifespan (we’ll touch on that later), but with regular use, they inevitably wear down. 

If you give your harness the benefit of the doubt and use it without checking its condition, your doggo could be in for some dangerous walks in the future. Even top-of-the-line harnesses might show signs of wear and tear after a while, including: 

• Strap fraying
• Weakened or malfunctioning buckles
• Stretched out material
• The above issues may be more pronounced if your dog pulls on their harness

All of the above issues could lead to your dog getting out of their harness mid-walk. And if they do, they could run away from you and into a dangerous situation, like:

• An aggressive dog
• Hazardous terrain
• A busy road

For caring dog owners, that’d be a nightmare. And that’s why checking and replacing your dog’s harness is such a big deal. 

How to Perform a Dog Harness Safety Check Step By Step

If you’re new to dog harness safety checks or want to brush up on your skills, this section is for you. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to check your harness’s condition: 

1. Go into a well-lit area. We advise against checking your dog’s harness in the dark or in low-light conditions. You’re more likely to miss something important. 
2. Choose a flat area and lay the harness and leash on top of it, ensuring that it’s totally flat. 
3. Check the main body of the harness and leash (the fabric portion). It’s typically made of nylon or polyester but may be composed of other materials. Look for issues like: 
   1. Thinning
   2. Fraying
   3. Stretched out areas
   4. Thinned out areas
   5. Fading from UV damage
   6. Brittleness or stiffness
   7. Cuts, knicks, or holes
4. Tug on the harness’s fabric to ensure there’s no excessive stretchiness or weakness. 
5. Turn your attention to the stitching. Here, you’re looking for: 
   1. Loose threads 
   2. Gaps in the stitching
   3. Stitching pulling away from the fabric
6. Gently pull at the stitched areas to ensure they won’t pull apart. 
7. Look closely at your harness’s buckles and clasps to ensure there are no: 
   1. Cracks or chips in plastic parts. 
   2. Rusted or bent areas. 
   3. Functional problems with the buckles. 
8. Check whether the D-ring is in working condition. There shouldn’t be any rusting, corrosion, bending, deformations, or looseness.
9. Pull on the D-ring (in all directions) to see if it will remain securely attached to the harness. 
10. Look at the harness’s padding to ensure it will bounce back when pressed. Note any of the following issues: 
    1. Exposed/torn foam
    2. Flat sections that should be cushioned
    3. Padding that has shifted out of place
11. Evaluate the harness’s adjusters/sliders. Ensure they aren’t warped or cracked, that they don’t slide around too easily, and that they aren’t twisted or stuck. 

All in all, the harness shouldn’t be used if the webbing (fabric), buckles, or stitching are comprised. It’s also important to get another harness if the cushioning on yours is worn out and no longer bounces back.

Things That Make Your Harness Age Quicker

First, it’s critical to understand that there’s no set lifespan for a harness; but there’s one thing you can expect - it will be unusable at some point. Many variables go into how quickly a harness ages. Here are the ones that will have you shopping for a replacement sooner rather than later: 

• A single harness is used every day. 
• The harness takes on a lot of direct sunlight; UV rays can accelerate wear and tear. 
• Lots of water exposure (snow, rain, puddles, bodies of water), which can degrade the harness’s components. 
• Dirt, debris, or mud get caked onto the harness and causes abrasion against the fabric. 
• Doggos chewing or scratching at the harness. 
• Low-quality harness materials or workmanship; bad stitching, cheap plastic, etc. 

How Often Do Dog Harnesses and Leashes Need to be Replaced?

Although there’s no universally accepted lifespan for doggie harnesses and leashes, you should expect to replace yours every 1 to 2 years. Harnesses typically don’t last for a dog’s lifetime. When deciding whether to swap yours out, rely on your assessment of the harness’s condition. For instance, if you’ve had a harness for several years and it’s still in good condition, there’s no harm in continuing to use it. So long as you’re examining the harness on a regular basis, you’re unlikely to miss out on a critical issue.  

Note: A cheaper harness will need to be replaced more often than a premium dog harness and leash set.

What to Look for When Buying a Replacement Harness

If you’ve ever been in the market for a new dog harness, then you know just how frustrating it can be to narrow down your options and choose one. But if you know what you’re looking for, the job will be so much easier. Here are the main things to keep in mind as you’re shopping for a replacement: 

• Adjustable harnesses are the way to go. That way, you can custom fit it to your dog, regardless of their breed or body shape.
• Metal buckles are better than plastic ones. They’re more durable, more secure, they look better, they’re easier to use, and they lend themselves better to training. 
• Go with a material that’s both lightweight and durable. Nylon typically fits the bill. And when it’s paired with another softer material, your dog will be super comfy. 
• Think about what your dog prefers. Would your pooch prefer an overhead or step-in harness? Take that into account when selecting a harness configuration. 
• Get a no-pull dog harness if needed. Does your dog try to drag you down the sidewalk during walks? If so, try a no-pull dog harness with D-ring technology that redirects him toward you when he tries to pull. 

Note: When buying a dog harness online, it’s extremely important to get the sizing right. Reference this dog harness sizing guide for the ins and outs. 

How to Care for Your Dog Harness

Harnesses for dogs can sometimes be pricey, so we’re sure you’ll want yours to last as long as possible. And one of the best ways to maximize your harness’s lifespan is to take good care of it. Here’s how: 

• Handwash it regularly. Whenever it appears dirty, dusty, greasy, etc., hand wash it. But be sure to avoid any harsh chemicals that could cause it to degrade prematurely (a mild soap or detergent will work just fine). Scrub the harness thoroughly yet gently, and then follow that up with a good rinse. 
• Air dry the harness. It might be tempting to throw it in the dryer, but that could lead to increased wear and tear. Simply hang it up in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources.
• Choose a cool, dry storage place for your harness. Try to store it out of direct sunlight, and be sure to lay it flat (no folding or smashing). Don’t store your harness until it’s 100% dry. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dog Harness and Leash Replacements

Should dogs sleep with a harness on?

Vets do not recommend that dog owners allow their pups to sleep in their harnesses. And it’s primarily because your dog may struggle to get comfortable; imagine trying to sleep in steel-toe boots or a bulky coat. It can also be a choking hazard if it gets caught on something. So, in most cases, it’s best to take the harness off your dog as soon as you’re done using it. 

There are a few exceptions where it might make sense to have your dog sleep in their harness: 

• They had a surgery/procedure that makes it difficult to put on/take off the harness.
• You anticipate that you might need to take your dog for a late night/early morning walk. 
• You’re in the midst of training a new dog or puppy. 

How often should a dog collar be replaced? 

A dog collar should be replaced as soon as you discover damage/wear and tear - the same as with harnesses. It could be once every few months, yearly, or even every few years. It all depends on the specific collar, how hard your dog is on collars (pulling/yanking), how well you care for the collar, and more. So, we urge you to check the collar’s condition on a regular basis. 

Can a dog harness be fixed?

When the damage is minor, you may be able to fix a harness yourself. In situations where the stitching is coming undone, for example, you can restitch it. But it’s critical to make sure you’re comfortable and skilled enough to fix the harness to a good enough standard. If you doubt your abilities at all, it’s best to cut your losses and get a new one. Most of the time, it just makes sense to get a new harness.