What an IP rating actually tells you
An ingress protection code has two digits. The first describes protection against solid particles such as dust; the second describes protection against water under defined test conditions. A higher number is not a promise that a dog can wear the device in every wet situation.
| Rating | What the digits indicate | What an owner should still check |
|---|---|---|
| IP67 | Dust-tight, with temporary immersion under conditions stated by the manufacturer. | Maximum depth and time, condition of seals, salt water guidance and whether the rating applies after battery replacement. |
| IP68 | Dust-tight, with continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer. | The specified depth and duration; IP68 conditions are defined by the maker and are not automatically unlimited. |
| No rating published | No verified level should be inferred from marketing words or product photos. | Request the current written specification and avoid immersion until it is confirmed. |
Published water-resistance claims for products UK owners compare
| Product | Published claim checked 20 August 2026 | Practical interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Apexia Smart Tracker | No IP rating is currently published on the Apexia product page. | Do not assume swimming or immersion protection. Ask Apexia for the current exact model specification. |
| Apexia QR Pet Tag | No verified material specification or IP rating is published. | Inspect the surface and QR readability regularly. Do not assign an immersion claim that Apexia has not made. |
| Tractive dog GPS models | Tractive’s current UK dog tracker page describes the range as waterproof; listed model details include IP68. | Check the rating and care instructions for the exact size/model you buy, rather than transferring a claim from another model. |
| Apple AirTag (2nd generation) | Apple publishes IP67: maximum depth of 1 metre for up to 30 minutes under laboratory conditions. | Apple says resistance is not permanent and may decrease with wear. AirTag is designed for objects, not pets. |
Rain, puddles and swimming are different tests
Rain and wet grass
These are usually brief splashes rather than immersion, but water can enter through a damaged case, charging port or badly seated battery cover. Check closures before every wet walk.
Mud and sand
Fine debris can collect around seals and buttons. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions; forcing grit into a seal while wiping can cause more damage than the original splash.
Fresh-water swimming
Swimming creates movement and pressure beyond a stationary laboratory dunk. Confirm that the maker explicitly permits swimming and state the maximum depth and time.
Sea water
Salt is corrosive and can remain around seams after the device looks dry. Use only the maker’s approved rinse and drying method. A freshwater IP test does not automatically make a device suitable for repeated sea swimming.
Choose the whole collar setup, not just the electronics
- Attachment: the case or clip should stay secure during running, shaking and contact with undergrowth.
- Weight: check suitability for the dog’s size and the combined weight of collar, identity plate and tracker.
- Charging or battery cover: repeatedly opened seals need careful inspection and correct reseating.
- QR readability: on an ID tag, scratches, dirt and glare matter even when water has not entered anything.
- Temperature: water ratings do not cover every hot, freezing or rapidly changing condition.
A five-minute maintenance routine
- Remove surface mud using the method in the product instructions.
- Inspect seams, covers, attachment points and visible cracks.
- Dry the device completely before charging or opening a battery compartment.
- Scan any QR tag to ensure the code still opens the correct profile.
- Open the tracker’s finding app and check its last update and battery indicator.
Waterproof tracker questions
What waterproof rating should a dog tracker have?
Choose a product with a published IP rating and conditions that cover the dog’s real exposure. IP67 and IP68 both include complete dust protection, but the manufacturer must state the water test conditions and any limits.
Is water-resistant the same as waterproof?
No. Water-resistant is a general description. An IP code gives defined laboratory ingress tests, although protection can still reduce with wear or damage and is not a permanent guarantee.
Is the Apexia Smart Tracker waterproof?
Apexia has not published an IP rating for the Smart Tracker. Do not assume it is safe for swimming or immersion until Apexia supplies a current written specification.
Is the Apexia QR Pet Tag waterproof?
Apexia does not publish a verified material specification or waterproof/IP rating for the QR Pet Tag. Check that the printed code remains clear and scannable, and ask Apexia for a current rating if water exposure is critical.