Here’s why you don’t put an AirTag on your dog’s collar

Apple’s AirTag

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Apple has been clear about whether or not or not it is best to use an AirTag to trace a pet — and the reply isn’t any. Whereas attaching an AirTag to a pet’s collar seems like a good suggestion in observe, it might solely assist discover them whereas inside the house community. In the event that they ran away and obtained picked up by somebody, the individual discovering the pet would wish an up to date iPhone or iPad close by to ping the Find My community.

Even when that they had an Android machine to faucet the AirTag for extra info, they’d should know that it was a functionality within the first place.

So, whereas there have been instances when an AirTag has helped return a misplaced canine, that does not imply it is a significantly good thought.

Nonetheless, that hasn’t stopped numerous numbers of accent makers from creating AirTag-compatible collars, harnesses, and clips for doing simply that. And it definitely has not prevented many well-intentioned pet homeowners from attaching an AirTag to their pets, both.

The Wall Avenue Journal has highlighted tales that exemplify why you should not put an AirTag in your canine’s collar.

One proprietor talked about he had misplaced an AirTag that he’d beforehand connected to the collar of his canine Sophie. When he triggered the AirTag sound alert, he tracked the beeping to the abdomen of his foster canine, Sassy.

Finally, he obtained Sassy to throw the tracker up, and after buying a brand new AirTag holder, he reattached it to Sophie’s collar.

One other couple had connected an AirTag to their canine, Rose, who proceeded to chew the machine and ingest bits of steel and plastic whereas they have been out of the home.

A visit to the vet confirmed that Rose had certainly eaten elements of the AirTag. Happily, the battery had not been ingested. The proprietor admitted that she’d thought it was a fantastic thought with out realizing the potential drawbacks.

One other proprietor wasn’t so fortunate. When her six-month-old pet, Luna, ingested an AirTag, she took her to the vet. Sadly, after failing to get Luna to vomit the AirTag out, the animal hospital had no selection however to try surgical procedure.

Sadly for Luna, the surgeon was unable to find the AirTag and despatched her house. Six weeks later, Luna ultimately vomited up the AirTag on her personal.

And it isn’t simply Apple who warns in opposition to utilizing AirTags to trace your canine, both. Vets have warned pet homeowners in opposition to utilizing AirTags to maintain tabs on their pets.

As a result of AirTags include batteries, there is a vital threat that they may leak and trigger organ injury. The risks of battery leaks improve if the battery has been broken by chewing or if it sits within the canine’s abdomen for a very long time.

As an alternative of placing an AirTag or different merchandise tracker in your canine, it is higher to get your canine microchipped, as most canine shelters and veterinarian workplaces can scan them to deliver up your contact info. Additionally, make sure you preserve your canine licensed and preserve their canine tags on their collar or harness always.

It is also sensible to observe preventative measures to keep away from a canine escaping within the first place. All the time preserve your canine on a leash when not in fenced areas, and guarantee everybody in your house is aware of to go away doorways closed tightly when coming out and in of the home.

When you completely should use an AirTag to trace your canine, be certain that you buy a collar that holds the AirTag flush. Don’t hold an AirTag from the collar the place it may come unfastened or be pulled off by one other canine.