There’s nothing like the rich natural smell of a new leather dog collar. It’s the perfect way to show your pet that you care. But does it last? And more importantly, does it smell bad?
In this article, I’ll take a look at whether or not leather dog collars tend to smell over time. Leather is a natural material that is made from the skin of animals. It’s been used for centuries to make clothing, shoes, and other accessories.
When it comes to dog collars, leather is a popular choice because it’s strong and durable. However, one downside of leather is that it can absorb smells over time. This means that your dog’s collar may start to smell bad if it’s not cleaned regularly.
There are a lot more reasons why dog collars smell. So, stick around as I share with you everything I know about this topic. Let’s get started!
Reasons Leather Dog Collars Smell
1. Your Dog’s Skin Oils
One of the basic reasons why your do will have a stinky collar is because of his own skin oils. No matter how often you bathe your furry friend, he will still produce natural oils from his skin. These oils can transfer to the leather collar and cause it to smell bad over time.
If you have a leather dog collar, make sure to clean it regularly with mild soap and water. This will help remove the oils and prevent the collar from smelling bad.
You can also try using a leather conditioner to keep the collar clean and free from odor. Just be sure to test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the leather.
2. Dirt And Debris
Another reason why your dog’s leather collar may start to smell is because of dirt and debris. Even if you wash your dog regularly, he will still get dirty when he’s outside.
We all know how our furry friends love to roll around in the grass and play in the mud. Unfortunately, this can cause his collar to become caked with dirt and debris, leading to a bad odor.
Also, with regular cleaning, you can avoid this problem. Just be sure to clean the collar thoroughly after your dog has been outside. You can also try using a toothbrush to remove any dirt that’s difficult to reach.
If you don’t clean the collar, the dirt and debris will build up and cause the leather to smell bad.
3. Unhygienic Bacteria Build Up
Another common cause of the foul odor is unhygienic bacteria build-up. Just like our own skin, our furry friends’ skin also has bacteria.
This isn’t necessarily bad as some bacteria are good for the skin. However, when these bacteria build up on the collar, it can cause it to smell bad.
This is why it’s important to clean your dog’s collar regularly. You can use a mild soap and water to remove the bacteria. You can also try using antibacterial wipes to clean the collar.
Just be sure to condition and dry the leather collar thoroughly after cleaning to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
4. Old or Damaged Collars
Dog’s leather collar may start to smell because it’s old or damaged. Over time, the leather will begin to break down and develop cracks, especially if it’s not properly cared for.
This can cause the collar to absorb more smells, which will make it stink over time. If you have an old or damaged leather collar, it’s best to replace it with a new one.
5. Exposure To The Elements
Your furry friend(s) needs to get quality outdoor time. But if your dog’s leather collar is constantly exposed to the elements, it can cause it to smell bad.
This is because the sun, wind, and rain can all contribute to the breakdown of the leather. This will make the collar more susceptible to absorbing smells.
While you cannot do much to prevent this, you must ensure proper care and maintenance of the leather dog collar.
Related Article: Do Mice Like Leather? The Surprising Answer
Cleaning Your Dog’s Leather Collar
There are different types of leather used for dog collars. Some of these are full-grain, top-grain, bonded, and faux leather.
Before cleaning, it’s important to know what leather your dog’s collar is made of. This is because each type of leather has different care instructions.
But some general cleaning hacks would work for all types of leather. Here’s how to clean your dog’s leather collar;
Using Vinegar Solution
As far as cleaning your dog’s leather collar is concerned, white vinegar is your best friend.
This is because vinegar is a natural disinfectant that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. It’s also gentle on leather, making it ideal for cleaning dog collars.
Because vinegar is a natural-based product, it will not irritate your furry friend’s skin or will it have a scent that will bother your dog. To use this hack,
- Step One: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bowl.
- Step Two: Dip a clean cloth into the solution and use it to wipe down the leather collar.
- Step Three: Rinse the collar by wiping it with a damp clean cloth, follow up by wiping with a clean, dry cloth, and allow it to air dry completely.
- Step Four: Apply leather conditioner or any oil your dog may not be allergic to, like coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, or cocoa butter.
- Step Five: Allow the leather conditioner or oil to soak in for a few minutes and buff it off with a clean, dry cloth.
- Step Six: Allow the leather conditioner to dry. Voila!
Using Baking Soda Solution
Another cleaning hack you can use is a baking soda solution. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that will help remove any bad smells from the leather collar. It’s also gentle on leather and won’t damage the material. To use this hack;
- Step One: Make a solution using baking soda and some warm water.
- Step Two: Like the vinegar solution, use a clean cloth to wipe down the leather collar with the baking soda solution.
- Step Three: Rinse the collar by wiping it with a damp clean cloth, follow up by wiping with a clean, dry cloth, and allow it to air dry completely.
- Step Four: Apply leather conditioner or any oil your dog may not be allergic to.
- Step Five: Allow the leather conditioner or oil to soak in for a few minutes and buff it off with a clean, dry cloth.
Using Mild Dish Solution
Using mild dish soap solution is also an awesome way to clean and deodorize your dog’s leather collar without spending too much money. Chances are you already have dish soap at home. To use this hack;
- Step One: Make a solution using mild dish soap and warm water. 5-10 drops of mild dish or baby shampoo will suffice.
- Step Two: Use a clean cloth to apply the solution to the entire leather dog collar.
- Step Three: Rinse the soap with some cool water and dry your leather dog collar with a clean cloth.
- Step Four: Repeat this process as needed.
- Step Five: Apply your regular leather conditioner.
- Step Six: Let your leather dog collar dry thoroughly in a cool place before putting it back on your pup.
Using Leather Cleaner
You can use leather cleaner if you want to get a bit fancier. You can purchase this at any store that sells leather goods or online. Leather conditioners are specially formulated to clean and condition leather. To use this;
- Step One: Read the instructions on the leather cleaner carefully as each brand is different.
- Step Two: Apply the leather cleaner to a clean, dry cloth and wipe down your dog’s leather collar.
- Step Three: Wipe off any excess cleaner with a clean damp cloth.
- Step Four: Apply your regular leather conditioner.
- Step Five: Let the collar dry in a cool place before putting it back on your pup. Cleaning and conditioning your dog’s leather collar is important to extend the collar’s lifespan and keep your pup smelling fresh and clean.
Preventing Your Dog’s Leather Collar from Smelling Bad
The best way to prevent your dog’s leather collar from smelling bad is to clean it regularly. Try to clean it at least once a week, or more often if needed. You can also try using a leather protector spray to help repel dirt and keep the leather in good condition.
If you use any of these hacks, check out the ingredients and ensure your furry friend isn’t allergic to any of them. Some dogs can be allergic to certain oils or soaps, so consult your doctor before using these solutions.
Final Thoughts
Leather dog collars are a great option for many dog parents because they’re strong, durable, and look great. But, like anything else, they need to be cared for properly.
Be sure to clean your dog’s leather collar regularly to prevent bad smells. If you notice a scent, try one of these simple cleaning hacks to eliminate the stink. Happy tails!