Keep a wrench where you normally put on your dog's collar.
Even the most nimble-fingered can struggle with the buckle on a dog's collar.
Imagine doing this with elastics wound tightly around your fingers and gloves on your hands. That's what it can feel like when your fingers are dislocated or your hands are swollen.
So, do put a wrench in it, or rather on it, to help pinch those buckles together.