Why You Should NEVER Use a Retractable Leash

For years, the leashes have been criticized by Veterinary Communities and they have considered an attempt to ban the devices, while some pet-friendly businesses and dog-related events prohibit owners from using them.

In 2009 Consumer Reports posted a warning* stating that retractable leashes create serious problems for pets and their owners. "... With horror, she realized it was a human index finger; with greater horror, she realized it was her own. The cord of the retractable leash had looped around her finger."

But do YOU know the risks?

Here are just a few:

1. the cords wrap around an owner or dog causing neck strain or sprain, tail/leg/paw or finger amputation, or cervical intervertebral disc herniation as well as cuts requiring stitches

2. a sudden yank can cause the owner to fall or sustain friction burns, or worse an owner could suddenly lose a finger

3. if your pet is approached by an aggressive dog it is impossible to gain control of the situation at the end of a thin string causing massive chaos to ensure

4. if the leash leaves your hands and 'chases' your pet, fear is now created and the pet will try desperately to get away from the base of the base not knowing what harm it can bring upon itself

Since retractable leashes are not strong and provide no support in comparison to standard leashes, which are designed to be purchased based on the dog's weight and height, a dog can easily break the leash and dart into traffic harming or killing itself.

"A dog on a retractable leash bolted into traffic and was hit by a motorcycle before the owner could retract the cord. It was in severe respiratory distress upon arriving at the Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Levittown, Pa. While there were no external wounds, a tear in the dog's trachea was found and repaired. Dr. Garret Pachtinger, a critical care specialist, was part of a team of emergency personnel who treated the dog. He suspects the dog was hurt more by the yanked leash than the motorcycle collision. We believe the tracheal tear was not from a direct impact from the motorcycle - i.e. blunt trauma - rather likely a pulling injury of the collar/leash on the cervical neck/trachea," Pachtinger said." Phyllis DeGioia-The VIN News Service

If you own a retractable leash there is a warning label attached that clearly states it can cause hand and eye injury, cuts, burns and even amputation of limbs (both to the owner and the dog). You would think that would be enough to deter a pet owner from using one, however it doesn't because most pet owners never read the warning label. In their infinite wisdom, or on the advice of a friend who also hasn't read the warning label, they think they are giving their pet some type of freedom to be able to move about more freely. Instead, they are just inviting injury to occur.

So if you think that this would never happen to you, you're very wrong. If your pet is on a retractable leash and you meet up with someone else who doesn't have control over their dog, you are still part of the problem and not the solution. Time and again I have seen two pet owners using retractable leashes on their pets, standing around talking to each other, not paying attention to their pets when suddenly they are all entangled and flesh is cut and a neck is broken not realizing the culprit is the object they are holding in their hand.

Now that you know the facts be an example, not the excuse, and get your pet away from retractable leashes and to a standard leash (on a harness, not a collar). Now you have to pay attention to your pet on their walk instead of your phone or your neighbors or your music, however, in return, you will have quality time with your pet who will learn commands easily and have an enjoyable walk. Then when you see an owner who has a retractable leash be sure to avoid them while educating them at the same time! Let them know how much better your relationship with your dog is using a standard leash, and give them the information in this article on how dogs (and humans) can be seriously harmed or even die from using them.

*https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2009/03/retractable-leashes-pose-problems-for-people-and-their-pets/index.htm

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-You-Should-NEVER-Use-a-Retractable-Leash&id=9379886