Apple’s AirTag has become a popular way to keep track of personal belongings, from keys to bags, but when it comes to using an AirTag on your dog’s collar, there are serious risks that could outweigh any potential benefits.
While the idea of using an AirTag as a pet tracker sounds appealing, the reality is that it’s not the ideal solution for keeping tabs on your furry friend. So, is it ok to put an AirTag on your dog’s collar?
Here’s why experts, including Apple, recommend against using AirTags to track your dog. For step-by-step instructions on properly fitting a collar on your Bedlington Terrier, visit this comprehensive guide on how to put collars on Bedlington Terrier.
Apple’s Warning: AirTags Aren’t Designed for Pets
Apple has been very clear about its stance on using AirTags to track pets — and the answer is no. AirTags are designed for finding lost items, not animals. They work within the Apple Find My network, which allows devices like iPhones and iPads to locate nearby AirTags. However, this system relies on an up-to-date device being in proximity to the AirTag in order to transmit location information to the pet’s owner.
So, while you may be able to find your dog if they’re inside your home, if they get lost and are picked up by someone, the person would need to have a recent iPhone or iPad to help locate your pet. Without access to the Find My network, they wouldn’t be able to help.
Additionally, if the person finding your dog only has an Android device, they could tap the AirTag for basic information, but they would need to know that this feature exists in the first place.
In short, an AirTag is unlikely to be effective in a real-world lost pet scenario unless the dog stays in the immediate area or is found by someone with the proper tools and knowledge. Ensure your Newfoundland’s comfort and security with expert tips on how to ensure a safe collar fit for Newfoundland.
A Rising Trend: AirTag-Compatible Collars
Despite Apple’s warnings, many accessory makers have jumped on the bandwagon of creating AirTag-compatible collars, harnesses, and clips. These products are designed to allow dog owners to attach an AirTag to their pet’s collar, hoping to track them if they ever go missing. However, just because something is available for purchase doesn’t mean it’s safe or recommended. See the video for more details:
Many well-intentioned dog owners have attached AirTags to their pets, thinking it’s a simple and effective solution. Unfortunately, there are several risks associated with this, including potential harm to the dog’s health, as highlighted by recent reports. Discover the ideal fit by learning what size collar for Newfoundland dog to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.
Why Not Put an AirTag on Your Dog’s Collar?
The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted several stories that underscore why you shouldn’t put an AirTag on your dog’s collar. These stories demonstrate the risks of attaching an AirTag to your pet’s collar, especially when it comes to dogs’ natural instincts to chew on anything they find.
One story involves an owner who attached an AirTag to his dog Sophie’s collar. After losing the AirTag, the owner activated the sound alert to locate it. To his surprise, the beep led him to his foster dog, Sassy, who had ingested the tracker.
After a stressful ordeal, Sassy eventually regurgitated the AirTag, and the owner was able to reattach it to Sophie’s collar — but not without learning a valuable lesson about the dangers of having small items like AirTags on a dog’s collar.
In another case, a couple had put an AirTag on their dog, Rose, but Rose chewed on it while they were away. The result was a trip to the vet after Rose ingested bits of metal and plastic from the device. For expert tips on how to fit a collar on a Belgian Shepherd, this guide offers simple steps to ensure your dog’s collar fits securely and comfortably.
Luckily, the battery was not ingested, but the incident served as a stark reminder that dogs, especially puppies, love to chew and will find objects like AirTags irresistibly tempting.
Ingesting an AirTag Can Lead to Serious Health Risks
Not all stories have a happy ending. A particularly worrying account involved a six-month-old puppy named Luna, who swallowed an AirTag. Luna’s owners rushed her to the vet, but after attempting to induce vomiting and failing, the veterinarians had to resort to surgery to remove the object.
Unfortunately, the surgery wasn’t successful, and the AirTag stayed inside Luna for six weeks before she eventually vomited it up on her own. For detailed guidance on selecting the correct collar size for a Belgian Shepherd, this article provides essential tips to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety.
This story highlights a significant risk: the possibility of the dog ingesting an AirTag, which can cause severe health problems. AirTags contain small batteries that could leak harmful chemicals and damage internal organs if ingested.
The risk increases if the AirTag’s battery is damaged, or if the tracker sits in the dog’s stomach for a prolonged period of time, as the acids from digestion could cause further harm.
Vet Experts Weigh In: Microchipping is a Safer Option
Veterinarians and pet care experts have also weighed in on the dangers of using AirTags as pet trackers. Many vets argue that there are much safer alternatives to keeping track of your dog.
One of the most reliable methods is microchipping, which provides a permanent form of identification that shelters and veterinary offices can scan to identify a lost pet. Microchips are small, implantable devices that contain your contact information and don’t rely on any external device or network to function.
Unlike AirTags, microchips cannot be chewed or swallowed, and they don’t pose a risk to your pet’s health. Furthermore, they are a one-time cost and don’t require any battery replacements. If your dog gets lost, most shelters and animal hospitals will have the necessary tools to quickly scan the chip and reunite you with your pet.
In addition to microchipping, it’s essential to keep your dog’s license and tags on their collar at all times. This provides another layer of identification in case your dog gets lost and ends up in a shelter. Discover the perfect collar size for an Anatolian Shepherd Dog to ensure comfort and security for your furry friend.
Other Preventative Measures to Consider
While microchipping is a great way to keep track of your dog, it’s also essential to take steps to prevent your dog from getting lost in the first place. Consider the following preventative measures:
- Leash Your Dog: Always use a leash when walking your dog, especially if you’re outside of a fenced area. Leashes not only provide control but also prevent dogs from running off if they get distracted or excited.
- Secure Your Home: Make sure all doors, gates, and fences are properly secured to avoid accidental escapes. Remind family members to check that doors are tightly closed when coming in or out of the house.
- Training: Obedience training can help teach your dog important commands like “stay” and “come,” making it easier to manage your dog in situations where they might otherwise bolt.
Conclusion: Why AirTags Aren’t the Right Solution
It is not OK to put an AirTag on your dog’s collar. While AirTags are an excellent tool for tracking everyday items, they are not the ideal solution for pet owners looking to track their dogs. The risks associated with AirTags — including the possibility of ingestion, battery leaks, and limited tracking capability — make them an unsafe choice for pets.
Instead, pet owners should invest in safer alternatives like microchipping, which is a tried-and-tested method for reuniting lost pets with their owners. Additionally, using traditional collars with ID tags and practicing preventative measures like leashing your dog and securing your home will go a long way in ensuring your pet’s safety.
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If you absolutely must use an AirTag, ensure that it is securely attached to a collar designed to hold it flush against your pet’s body, preventing it from being chewed or pulled off. However, as a general rule, relying on AirTags for pet tracking is not recommended — there are safer, more effective options available.
