In the toss-up between the dog onesie vs. dog cone, the right choice will ultimately depend on the individual dog's situation. In general, a recovery onesie like BellyGuard is a great choice for dogs that are: Recovering from abdominal, chest, or spinal surgeries, or hotspots, rashes or injuries to the belly or back.
Elizabethan collars
The Elizabethan collar, or E-collar, is a wide, plastic, cone-shaped collar used to prevent your dog from licking or scratching wounds and/or after a veterinary procedure while they heal. Typically tabs or loops on the Elizabethan collar can be attached to your dog's regular collar.
To prevent licking, most veterinarians recommend your pet wear an Elizabethan collar (or E-collar) which is the classic, plastic cone collar, sometimes called the “cone of shame.” Though it is effective, an E-collar isn't usually the preferred option for most pets because it's stiff, bulky, and can be heavy, which ...
The Soft E-Fabric Collar would be most effective on a relaxed dog that has an injury on the back or upper extremities. Sometimes an alternative to the cone can be made at home. Bandages, boxer shorts, booties, and baby onesies can help keep injured areas protected.
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.
The cone needs to stay on the entire time the dog is healing, especially if you won't be around to watch her. You can consider taking the cone off during walks, or try using a longer leash until the dog becomes spatially aware of what's around them while wearing the cone.
Distract them - Try giving them something else to do that stops them licking, such as a chew toy or a food puzzle. Training - Try training them to sit, or teach them to do something that redirects their licking and is rewarded by your affection and attention, such as giving you their paw or rolling over.
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.
Soft E-Collars
Sometimes the best alternative is the one that is the most similar to the popular option. The soft e-collar uses the same concept as the traditional Elizabethan version, but has a soft cone, which makes it easier for your pet to move.
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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.
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If your furry companion is on the smaller side, a “onesie” may be a good choice. Made of soft, stretchy fabric, this bodysuit covers cats and dogs beginning at the neck, along the body and over the hindquarters.
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.
Atle, a 9-year-old Bouvier, models a step-in, back-snap recovery suit from Cover Me by Tui. To allow the dog to eliminate, you unsnap the lower portion and roll it forward; more snaps secure the flap out of the way.
Praise and treat for any head movement into the cone area by your dog. If your dog is tentative about putting their head into the cone space, that's okay! Just go slow and reward for small increments. Repeat as necessary until your dog is comfortable with placing their head in the wide opening of the cone.
Can My Dog Sleep With an E-Collar On? Your dog should be able to sleep comfortably with an e-collar. While there may be a minor adjustment period as he gets used to the contraption, plan to keep it on him for the two weeks following his surgery or until your veterinarian says it's safe to remove—including during sleep.
By rewarding him when he doesn't lick, with praise, treats and attention and ignoring him, or withholding your attention when he does lick, you can teach him that if he doesn't lick, he gets good things in return, Patel says.
Licking. Have you ever just zoned out while doing a repetitive activity, such as knitting or coloring? That repetitive movement can be quite calming for us, and licking can do the same for our dogs. Licking releases endorphins and serotonin, which regulate anxiety and help your dog feel calm and less anxious.
If your dog is licking themselves, you, or objects excessively, to the point that it seems like a self-stimulatory behavior, this might be a sign of anxiety, boredom, or pain. Obsessive self-licking can also be a sign of allergies or other health problems.
A few days after the procedure, it is probably OK to involve your pup in controlled leash walks – this includes walking up and down the stairs. Take it slow and discourage rough behavior. Be sure to keep the cone on as long as your vet recommends.
1. Absolutely no licking of the incision area is allowed! If your pet is going to lick or begins to lick their incision, they need to wear an E-Collar (plastic cone) for 7-10 days after surgery. A pet can pull out stitches easily which can lead much more damage.
These prevent dogs from reaching any area behind their neck and are supposed to let your pup lie down, sleep, eat and drink comfortably. The neck collar is not meant to be worn longer than 8-10 hours, and if your dog needs a long cone to keep them from biting and scratching, this may not be your option.