EM Dog Collar FAQs & Natural Tick Questions
EM Dog Collar Questions & Answers
Welcome to EM Campers & Canines' questions and answers.
Here you'll find answers about EM dog collars, EM ceramic beads, natural cork, fitting and caring for your collar, swimming, tick checking, and travelling with your dog.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
EM DOG COLLARS
What is an EM dog collar?
An EM dog collar is a collar containing EM ceramic beads. At EM Campers & Canines, we combine EM ceramic beads with natural cork to create lightweight, plastic-free dog collars.
Our collars are handmade to order for dogs whose owners are interested in a natural approach to tick management and outdoor dog care.
What does EM stand for?
EM stands for Effective Microorganisms.
EM technology is used in a variety of products and applications. Our collars use EM ceramic beads incorporated into a natural cork collar.
How do EM dog collars work?
EM collars are used by people looking for a natural approach to tick and insect management.
We don't claim that an EM collar can guarantee that a dog will never encounter or pick up a tick. Ticks are part of the outdoor environment, so regular checking remains important.
Do EM dog collars prevent ticks?
We don't claim that an EM collar can guarantee protection from every tick.
Our collars are designed for dog owners who want to include a natural EM product as part of their overall approach to outdoor tick management.
We recommend checking your dog carefully after walks, hiking, camping and time spent in long grass or woodland.
Are EM collars an alternative to veterinary tick treatments?
Our EM collars are intended for people interested in a natural approach to tick management.
Can I use an EM collar alongside other Natural tick products?
If you use other Natural tick or parasite-control products, please be aware that anything that comes into contact with the EM bead may affect its efficiency.
Here are some links to my blogs about other natural products we have used.
FITTING YOUR EM COLLAR
How do I choose the right size EM dog collar?
The correct size depends on your dog's neck measurement and the particular collar style.
Always check the sizing instructions on the individual product page before ordering.
Some of our collars are adjustable, while others are handmade to your chosen measurement and cannot be adjusted.
How should I measure my dog's neck?
Use a soft measuring tape around your dog's neck where the collar will normally sit.
The tape should be comfortable rather than tight.
The collars don't need to be tight, as long as it can't slip over your dogs head.
If you're unsure which size to order, contact us before placing your order.
How should I measure my dog's Collar for a buckle collar?
Lay your dog's existing collar on a flat surface, and lay a tape measure next to it; measure according to the image below. If you are unsure about size, please contact me before ordering.
Are your EM dog collars adjustable?
Some of our collars are adjustable and others are made to a specific measurement.
Always check the individual product description before ordering.
Can I attach a lead to an EM collar?
No.
Our EM collars are designed for wearing and should not be used to attach a lead.
Use a suitable harness or lead attachment designed specifically for walking your dog.
Can puppies wear an EM collar?
The appropriate collar depends on the puppy's age and size. Adjustable collars allow some room for growth. Extensions are also available for buckle collars.
Because puppies grow quickly, check the collar regularly to make sure it remains comfortable and correctly fitted.
Always follow the product's fitting and safety instructions.
EM COLLAR CARE
How do I clean my EM dog collar?
We recommend soaking the collar approximately every two weeks in warm water to loosen any dirt.
Keep the EM beads clean and follow the care instructions supplied with your particular collar.
Avoid using soap, bleach, or chemical cleaning products directly on the EM ceramic beads.
How often should I clean my EM collar?
As a general guide, rinse your collar approximately every two weeks.
You may need to clean it more frequently if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, gets muddy or swims regularly.
Can my dog swim wearing an EM collar?
Our collars can be worn while swimming, but we recommend avoiding chlorinated water where possible.
After swimming, rinse the collar with clean water and allow it to dry properly according to the care instructions.
Can my dog wear the EM collar in the rain?
Yes, the collar is designed for everyday outdoor use.
After heavy rain or wet conditions, allow the collar to dry naturally and check it for signs of wear.
How long does an EM dog collar last?
The lifespan depends on the conditions it is exposed to.
Regularly check the cork, beads, fastening, and stitching for signs of wear.
Replace the collar if it becomes damaged or no longer fits correctly.
CORK DOG COLLARS
Why does EM Campers & Canines use cork?
We chose cork because it is a natural, lightweight, and renewable material with a long history in Portugal.
Using cork also allows us to create a dog collar without relying on conventional plastic-based collar materials.
Is cork suitable for dog collars?
Cork is lightweight and flexible, making it a useful material for handmade dog collars.
As with any collar, check it regularly for wear and replace it if it becomes damaged.
Are your EM dog collars handmade?
Yes.
Our EM Campers & Canines collars are handmade to order.
Each collar is individually made and checked before being sent to you.
Where are your EM dog collars made?
Our EM dog collars are handmade in Europe.
Our connection with Portugal is an important part of the EM Campers & Canines story, and cork is a natural choice for our business.
TICK CHECKING & DOG CARE
Should I still check my dog for ticks if they wear an EM collar?
Yes.
We recommend checking your dog after every outdoor adventure, particularly after walking through woodland, long grass, scrub or areas where ticks are common.
No collar or tick-management product can guarantee that a dog will never encounter a tick.
How do I check my dog for ticks?
Run your hands carefully over your dog's body and inspect the skin and coat.
Pay particular attention to areas such as:
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Around the ears
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Under the collar
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Around the face and neck
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Between the toes
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Around the legs
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In the armpits
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Around the groin
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Under the tail
Long-haired dogs may require particularly careful checking.
What should I do if I find a tick on my dog?
Remove the tick promptly using an appropriate tick-removal tool and follow the instructions for the tool.
Avoid squeezing or crushing the tick.
If you're concerned about your dog's health after a tick bite, contact your veterinarian.
Can dogs get ticks while camping?
Yes.
Ticks can be found in many outdoor environments, including grassland, woodland, scrub and areas visited by wildlife.
When camping or travelling with your dog, make regular tick checking part of your routine.
Are ticks a problem when travelling in Europe?
Ticks occur in many parts of Europe, although the species and diseases they can carry vary by region.
TRAVELLING WITH YOUR DOG
Can I take my EM dog collar travelling?
Yes.
Our collars are designed for everyday outdoor use and are particularly suited to owners who enjoy walking, camping and travelling with their dogs.
Check the collar regularly during your trip and make sure it remains correctly fitted.
Are EM collars suitable for camping and motorhome travel?
Our lightweight cork collars are designed with outdoor life in mind.
They are suitable for everyday use during walks, camping trips and motorhome adventures, especially as campsites can be on grass or in woodland.
What should I pack for my dog when travelling?
We recommend taking:
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Your dog's usual food
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Fresh water and a travel bowl
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Lead and harness
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Collar and identification
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Tick-removal tool
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Any prescribed medication
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Dog first-aid supplies
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Towels
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Waste bags
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Veterinary and vaccination records
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Emergency contact information
If travelling internationally, check the current pet-entry requirements for every country you are visiting.
EM CERAMIC BEADS
What are the beads in an EM collar?
Our collars contain EM ceramic beads incorporated into the collar design.
The beads are an important part of the EM product concept and are combined with natural cork to create our handmade collars.
Can I remove the EM beads from the collar?
We don't recommend modifying the collar.
The beads are incorporated into the design, so altering the collar could affect its construction and may compromise its safety or durability.
Do EM beads need to be cleaned?
Yes.
Keeping the beads clean is part of caring for your EM collar.
Follow the cleaning instructions supplied with your product.
SAFETY
Is an EM dog collar safe?
Our collars are designed to be worn by dogs when correctly fitted and cared for.
Because our collars are chemical- and essential oil-free, they are safe for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or seizures.
Check the collar regularly for damage and make sure it is not too tight.
If your dog develops irritation or discomfort while wearing any collar, remove it and seek appropriate advice.
Should my dog wear an EM collar all the time?
YES! The collar should be worn all the time to provide maximum protection, provided it remains correctly fitted and in good condition.
However, we recommend regularly removing the collar to inspect your dog's skin, check the collar for wear, and clean the product when necessary.
Can my dog sleep wearing an EM collar?
Yes, as the collar does not need to be tight, it is comfortable enough to wear 24/7.
However, every dog is different. Monitor your dog and remove the collar if it causes discomfort or irritation.
Can my dog wear an EM collar with a harness?
Yes.
An EM collar can be worn alongside a harness, provided both are correctly fitted and do not cause rubbing or discomfort.
Remember that our EM collars should not be used to attach a lead.
ABOUT EM CAMPERS & CANINES
We are a small independent husband and wife team, so every product is handmade with love and care.
Where is EM Campers & Canines based?
EM Campers & Canines is based in Europe.
Our products are inspired by our love of dogs, outdoor life, travelling and exploring Europe.
Why did you start making EM dog collars?
Our story began while travelling in Portugal with our dog.
After discovering EM products and becoming interested in the possibilities of EM ceramic beads, we began making our own collars.
We wanted to combine this with natural Portuguese cork and create plastic-free, practical products for people who enjoy outdoor life with their dogs.
Do you ship internationally?
We offer shipping to a range of countries.
Please check our current shipping information at checkout, as available destinations, delivery times, and charges can change. If your country is not listed, please contact me so we can arrange delivery.
Why are chemicals bad?
Chemical treatments are not only toxic for your pet but also for you and the environment. You can read more in my blogs.
How do I recycle my products?
The cork from the collars is biodegradable, Metal clasps can be recycled.
EM Beads can be reused in several ways.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
If your question isn't answered here, we'd love to hear from you.
We're happy to help you choose the right collar, check sizing, or answer questions about caring for your EM product.
Natural materials. Handmade in Portugal. Made for outdoor adventures.