Short answer: if your dog swims, plays in the waves or rolls in wet sand, a waterproof collar is worth it. Regular fabric collars soak up salt water, trap sand and start to smell within weeks. A waterproof collar rinses clean in seconds, dries fast and stays fresh, so your dog can go from the beach to the couch without the wet-dog stink.
What Happens to a Regular Collar at the Beach
Most everyday collars are made from woven nylon or polyester webbing, or leather. They're fine for dry walks, but water changes everything:
- They soak up water. Woven fabric holds moisture against your dog's neck long after the swim is over.
- They trap sand and salt. Grains work into the weave and rub, and dried salt leaves the collar stiff.
- They start to smell. Damp fabric is a perfect home for bacteria, which is where that lingering wet-dog smell comes from.
- They wear out faster. Leather in particular cracks and stiffens after repeated soaking, and metal hardware can rust.
- They can irritate skin. A collar that stays wet for hours can leave the skin underneath red and itchy.
How a Waterproof Collar Is Different
Waterproof collars are made from a coated, non-absorbent material, so water and dirt sit on the surface instead of soaking in.
- Rinse and go: a quick rinse under the tap or beach shower removes sand and salt.
- Dries in minutes: no damp collar sitting on your dog's neck all afternoon.
- Stays fresh: because it doesn't absorb water, it doesn't hold odours.
- Easy to wipe clean: mud, sand and slobber wipe straight off.
- Keeps its shape and colour: no fraying, stiffening or fading from salt and sun.
Waterproof vs Regular at a Glance
| Regular fabric collar | Waterproof collar | |
|---|---|---|
| Absorbs water | Yes | No |
| Drying time | Hours | Minutes |
| Holds smells | Often | Rarely |
| Cleaning | Soak and scrub | Rinse or wipe |
| Best for | Dry walks | Beaches, swimming, rain, muddy parks |
Who Needs a Waterproof Collar?
- Dogs who swim at the beach, river or harbour
- Dogs who love puddles, mud and wet grass
- Dogs walked in the rain
- Water-loving breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Spoodles and Cavoodles
- Owners who are simply tired of washing smelly collars
What About the Lead and Harness?
The collar isn't the only thing that gets wet. A waterproof lead is just as handy at the beach, because it won't drip on you or turn gritty in your hand.
Our No-Pull Harness is made from breathable space mesh and polyester. It's great for comfortable walks but isn't waterproof, so for swimming days we recommend switching to a waterproof collar, and hand washing and air drying the harness if it does get wet. Not sure which to use? Read Harness vs Collar: Which Is Better for Your Dog?
Caring for a Waterproof Collar
- Rinse with fresh water after every beach visit to remove salt and sand.
- Wipe down with a little mild soap if it gets muddy.
- Check the buckle and D-ring regularly and rinse out any trapped sand.
- Keep the fit right: you should be able to slide two fingers flat under the collar.
Where to Go
Looking for somewhere to put a waterproof collar to the test? See our guide to off-leash dog beaches in Sydney's Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs.
FAQ
Can my dog swim in a regular collar?
Yes, but expect it to stay damp for hours, collect sand and start to smell over time. Rinse it with fresh water after every swim.
Do waterproof collars smell?
Much less than fabric collars, because they don't absorb water. A quick rinse keeps them fresh.
Can my dog wear a waterproof collar every day?
Yes. It's comfortable for everyday wear and a great place to attach your dog's ID tag.
Is the Pelucci harness waterproof?
No. Our harness is breathable mesh and polyester. For water days, a waterproof collar and lead are the better choice.
Shop Waterproof
Get the full beach-ready kit with our Waterproof Collar Walk Set: a waterproof collar, matching lead and poop bag carrier. Or start with the Waterproof Collar on its own.