Yes – dogs can sleep, eat, drink, pee, and poop with a cone on. In fact, the stricter you are with the cone (officially called an Elizabethan collar or E-collar for short), the quicker your dog will get used to it.
Patients can eat, drink, pee, poop, and sleep with a cone on. In fact, the stricter you are with the cone, the quicker they will get used to it. In addition, pets do not hold grudges, so they will not be mad at you for being strict with the rules. If the incision is over the chest or belly, a T-shirt may be worn.
The cone should stay on until the site is fully healed, and/or the sutures are removed. Most sutures and staples are left in for 10-14 days. Other lesions may take less or more time than that to heal completely.
Cones don't have to be uncomfortable.
The cone is essential to ensuring your pet's recovery process goes smoothly. Just know that your pet probably won't be the biggest fan of their new accessory. It can be uncomfortable and may take a little getting used to — but there are ways you can help make the experience better.
Alternatives to the “cone of shame” are inflatable collars, soft E-collars and neck brace collars. Try covering the wound with soft fabric secured by medical tape to prevent licking. Keep pets busy with other fun things to distract them from licking wounds.
Veterinarians suggest that the only guaranteed way to protect a wound from licking, especially at night or when you're not watching the dog, is to use a properly fitted Elizabethan collar.
Even if the dog continues wearing the Elizabethan collar for the recommended two weeks, some dogs are still able to reach their foot or hind leg to lick and chew.
You should avoid taking off your dog's cone while they are sleeping, as they are designed to allow dogs to sleep normally. It may take them some time to get used to, and it may be tempting to remove it to help them sleep more comfortably, but cones should be kept on as long as possible, including at night.
“Depending on the type of cone some animals can become very nervous,” Corazza-Harrison said. “The clear ones tend to help them feel more comfortable since they can see through them.” But your dog isn't always guaranteed to get a transparent cone, and might feel isolated or scared if he's in a cone he can't see through.
You can use any shirt that will cover the wound and prevent your dog from licking at it. You can make your own dog cone, too.
And there have been cases of animals spreading resistant strains of staph infections and other diseases by licking cuts and wounds after surgery, so it's not recommended that pets be allowed in bed then.
Make a Visit to Your Vet Immediately
If a suture is pulled out, the risk for events like blood loss, infection, and painful scarring becomes increasingly likely. According to the VCA, stitches coming out is more common than you might think.
What can I do? Solid deodorant sometimes will work to stop licking—same thing, apply it around the incision. Too much of this can be bad for your pet, though, so if he or she continues licking, you will need to find another solution. T shirts and onsies can also work to help block licking.
Typically, a dog will need to wear their cone for 10 to 14 days after a spay or neuter surgery — but will need it for much longer (6 to 12 weeks) for orthopedic surgeries. With some simple conditioning, it will be much easier for you to put the cone on and take it off your dog throughout their recovery.
If you have a nervous dog, the cone may actually make them more anxious as they'll feel as though they can't do their usual activities. When this occurs it's advisable that a dog cone alternative is found.
Most cats hate the feeling of the cone around their neck and there's usually an adjustment period. During the first few hours, many cats have difficulty even walking around with the cone.
In general, to protect your pup's neck, Hodges recommends rotating between a few different collars and regularly checking that they still fit well. She also recommends letting your dog sleep at night without a collar to give your pet's skin a chance to air out.
Keep Stitches Dry
If unable to avoid rain, cover your dog's incision site properly to maintain dryness. No ointments or topical creams should be applied unless instructed otherwise. This includes alcohol and hydrogen peroxide as these chemicals can cause damage to the tissue.
To prevent irritating the incision, we recommend you purchase an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) to keep your pet from being able to reach the area with their mouth. These cone collars are the most effective protection against your pet causing trauma to their incision, and should be worn for 10-14 days following surgery.
When can I take the cone off after spay? Ideally, the cone should stay on until the dog is fully healed or the sutures are removed. Experts suggest that you should keep a dog's cone on for at least 10-14 days after surgery. This is because most of the sutures and staples are left in for 10-14 days.
If your pet has a short face or doesn't tolerate cones, an inflatable collar may be a better option. The donut-shaped Kong Cloud Collar is ideal for short-nosed dogs because it still prevents them from licking most surgical sites but lets them eat more easily than a traditional cone.
Do not allow your dog to lick or scratch at the incision, as he may pull the sutures out and could introduce an infection into the incision. If the incision is not bandaged, inspect it at least twice daily.
We pet our pups to show our love and affection. Turns out they do the same. "By putting his paw on you whilst you are stroking him, he is further extending contact and reciprocating affection back," writes Rebecca Forrest, an assistance dog trainer, for The Dog Clinic.