Here's why you don't put an AirTag on your dog's collar
If you're considering putting an AirTag on your dog's collar, don't -- the risks outweigh the rewards.
Apple's AirTag
Apple has been clear about whether or not you should use an AirTag to track a pet -- and the answer is no. While attaching an AirTag to a pet's collar sounds like a good idea in practice, it would only help find them while inside the home network. If they ran away and got picked up by someone, the person finding the pet would need an updated iPhone or iPad nearby to ping the Find My network.
Even if they had an Android device to tap the AirTag for more information, they'd have to know that it was a capability in the first place.
So, while there have been times when an AirTag has helped return a lost dog, that doesn't mean it's a particularly good idea.
Still, that hasn't stopped countless numbers of accessory makers from creating AirTag-compatible collars, harnesses, and clips for doing just that. And it certainly has not prevented many well-intentioned pet owners from attaching an AirTag to their pets, either.
The Wall Street Journal has highlighted stories that exemplify why you shouldn't put an AirTag on your dog's collar.
One owner mentioned he had lost an AirTag that he'd previously attached to the collar of his dog Sophie. When he triggered the AirTag sound alert, he tracked the beeping to the stomach of his foster dog, Sassy.
Eventually, he got Sassy to throw the tracker up, and after purchasing a new AirTag holder, he reattached it to Sophie's collar.
Another couple had attached an AirTag to their dog, Rose, who proceeded to chew the device and ingest bits of metal and plastic while they were out of the house.
A trip to the vet showed that Rose had indeed eaten parts of the AirTag. Fortunately, the battery had not been ingested. The owner admitted that she'd thought it was a great idea without realizing the potential drawbacks.
Another owner wasn't so lucky. When her six-month-old puppy, Luna, ingested an AirTag, she took her to the vet. Unfortunately, after failing to get Luna to vomit the AirTag out, the animal hospital had no choice but to attempt surgery.
Unfortunately for Luna, the surgeon was unable to locate the AirTag and sent her home. Six weeks later, Luna eventually vomited up the AirTag on her own.
And it's not just Apple who warns against using AirTags to track your dog, either. Vets have warned pet owners against using AirTags to keep tabs on their pets.
Because AirTags contain batteries, there's a significant risk that they could leak and cause organ damage. The dangers of battery leaks increase if the battery has been damaged by chewing or if it sits in the dog's stomach for a long time.
Instead of putting an AirTag or other item tracker on your dog, it's better to get your dog microchipped, as most dog shelters and veterinarian offices can scan them to bring up your contact information. Also, be sure to keep your dog licensed and keep their dog tags on their collar or harness at all times.
It's also wise to practice preventative measures to avoid a dog escaping in the first place. Always keep your dog on a leash when not in fenced areas, and ensure everyone in your home knows to leave doors closed tightly when coming in and out of the house.
If you absolutely must use an AirTag to track your dog, ensure that you purchase a collar that holds the AirTag flush. Do not hang an AirTag from the collar where it could come loose or be pulled off by another dog.
Read on AppleInsider
Apple's AirTag
Apple has been clear about whether or not you should use an AirTag to track a pet -- and the answer is no. While attaching an AirTag to a pet's collar sounds like a good idea in practice, it would only help find them while inside the home network. If they ran away and got picked up by someone, the person finding the pet would need an updated iPhone or iPad nearby to ping the Find My network.
Even if they had an Android device to tap the AirTag for more information, they'd have to know that it was a capability in the first place.
So, while there have been times when an AirTag has helped return a lost dog, that doesn't mean it's a particularly good idea.
Still, that hasn't stopped countless numbers of accessory makers from creating AirTag-compatible collars, harnesses, and clips for doing just that. And it certainly has not prevented many well-intentioned pet owners from attaching an AirTag to their pets, either.
The Wall Street Journal has highlighted stories that exemplify why you shouldn't put an AirTag on your dog's collar.
One owner mentioned he had lost an AirTag that he'd previously attached to the collar of his dog Sophie. When he triggered the AirTag sound alert, he tracked the beeping to the stomach of his foster dog, Sassy.
Eventually, he got Sassy to throw the tracker up, and after purchasing a new AirTag holder, he reattached it to Sophie's collar.
Another couple had attached an AirTag to their dog, Rose, who proceeded to chew the device and ingest bits of metal and plastic while they were out of the house.
A trip to the vet showed that Rose had indeed eaten parts of the AirTag. Fortunately, the battery had not been ingested. The owner admitted that she'd thought it was a great idea without realizing the potential drawbacks.
Another owner wasn't so lucky. When her six-month-old puppy, Luna, ingested an AirTag, she took her to the vet. Unfortunately, after failing to get Luna to vomit the AirTag out, the animal hospital had no choice but to attempt surgery.
Unfortunately for Luna, the surgeon was unable to locate the AirTag and sent her home. Six weeks later, Luna eventually vomited up the AirTag on her own.
And it's not just Apple who warns against using AirTags to track your dog, either. Vets have warned pet owners against using AirTags to keep tabs on their pets.
Because AirTags contain batteries, there's a significant risk that they could leak and cause organ damage. The dangers of battery leaks increase if the battery has been damaged by chewing or if it sits in the dog's stomach for a long time.
Instead of putting an AirTag or other item tracker on your dog, it's better to get your dog microchipped, as most dog shelters and veterinarian offices can scan them to bring up your contact information. Also, be sure to keep your dog licensed and keep their dog tags on their collar or harness at all times.
It's also wise to practice preventative measures to avoid a dog escaping in the first place. Always keep your dog on a leash when not in fenced areas, and ensure everyone in your home knows to leave doors closed tightly when coming in and out of the house.
If you absolutely must use an AirTag to track your dog, ensure that you purchase a collar that holds the AirTag flush. Do not hang an AirTag from the collar where it could come loose or be pulled off by another dog.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
just as bad
I had a dog pull a leather strapped keychain off the counter and chew up the strap. Never use an AirTag with your keys, you never know if a dog will chew the keychain.
We were going to put an AirTag into our kid’s jacket as it kept getting misplaced. Then I remembered a dog that used to search our clothes for hidden treats. Never attach AirTags to clothes, dogs may investigate pockets and other areas.
By the way, my labradoodle swallowed a hard rubber ball and then regurgitated it two weeks later. Completely unscathed (both her and the ball). So I doubt the battery is going to leak.
Now, just to pile on the article:
Microchipping is not an alternative to tracking. If you're worried about swallowing the tag, get a GPS collar. A chip is fine too, but it's not going to help unless it can be scanned by a vet or shelter.
What risk, exactly? Dogs eat batteries and all kinds of horrible non-food items all the time. They rarely get sick. Stomach acid isn't generally strong enough to eat through the plastic and the battery casing.
Are we just making shit up now? I googled it and saw nothing about organ damage. It looks like stomach irritation, ulcers and even internal burns from the electrical charge of disc batteries are possible. That's not what most people think of when they see "organ damage."
Is this a joke??
While AirTags are not foolproof (can be torn off, break away collars come off, taken off by thieves, etc) your chances of finding your animal are far better and quicker outside just putting a gps tracker on it. Because it’s more active than a chip. Considering many in the USA (sorry foreigners) use iPhones, the network is there to find your pet. And lost mode can also make tracking easier because it will notify someone who is in range.
We lost a cat many years ago, weeks went by, we thought he was dead, only to hear 2 months later someone found him hiding under their deck, skin and bones, and called the number on their tag (we’ve changed phone numbers many times over the years so we were lucky the tag was up to date). I have no doubt AirTags would’ve reunited us sooner. Each day that passes decreases the chances you’ll find your pet. After about a week, 2 tops, it’s generally safe to consider it gone.
I for one can attest AirTags have been useful in finding our pets and breeders. The pros far outweigh the cons. Especially with our breeders which are much, much more expensive.
As others have repeatedly posted chips only help once the dog is captured and taken to a facility that has a chip scanner. The AirTag will actually tell you where the pet is if it's near an iPhone. It's the equivalent of having a luggage tag on your bag vs an AirTag. Which is more helpful in locating a lost bag?
Ulcers, and internal burns are most definitely organ damage. There is large body of Emergency Medicine literature on swallowed coin batteries in children that can be extrapolated to dogs. Recommendations vary depending on the age of the child and the size of the battery. The problem arises primarily when the esophageal mucosa conducts electricity between the battery terminals. This heats up the tissue and can cause a localized burn which can become an esophageal perforation, a potentially fatal complication. The risk is lower but not zero once the battery passes into the stomach.
Alkali burns can actually be more serious than acid burns in terms of tissue damage. Batteries usually do not leak but it's also not unheard of so the risk is not zero.
Having said all that, this article is completely lacking in rational common sense. I have an underground fence and have had collars on our dogs for the last 10 years. Amazingly they're both still alive. And in the yard.