09/26/2026
⚠️ PLEASE CHECK UNDER THE COLLAR
This is something we see too often at Serenity Paws—particularly in thick-coated dogs.
Invisible fence collars, bark/behavioral collars, electronic collars and prong collars can cause irritation, pressure wounds and, in some cases, significant open wounds. We have discovered injuries during grooming that owners simply could not see beneath the coat, including wounds that had progressed to literal holes in the skin.
With some contact-based collars, instructions may call for trimming or shaving thick hair around the neck so the contact points can reach the skin. That makes regular skin checks especially important, because those points are now sitting directly against exposed skin where irritation or injury may develop.
This isn't about making an owner feel guilty. Often, they genuinely don't know it's happening. A thick coat can hide a tremendous amount.
Please regularly remove these devices, part the coat completely, and look at and feel the actual skin underneath. Check for redness, tenderness, moisture, scabbing, swelling, odor, hair loss or broken skin. If you find a significant wound or signs of infection, contact your veterinarian.
And keep those regular grooming appointments.
Professional grooming is about much more than a haircut. During the grooming process, we have an opportunity to put trained eyes and hands over the entire dog and identify abnormalities that may otherwise remain hidden.
Serenity Paws works closely with veterinary professionals, and when we discover something concerning, we want to help owners get their dog to the appropriate care.
This is bigger than grooming. It is integrated canine care—owners, groomers, veterinarians and other canine professionals working together for the health and well-being of the dog.
🐾 Serenity Paws
Education, prevention, and compassionate care for the animals entrusted to us.
