Soft e-collars: great as a mild deterrent to licking or biting the affected area. Inflatable collars: allow more movement and a comfier fit. Neck control collars: restrict movement more than soft e-collars but like inflatable collars interfere less with peripheral vision and ears.
Any dog cone alternative including inflatable collars, flexible and soft fabric e-collars, and clothing like onesies and bodysuits can be used instead of a traditional e-collar. Make sure whatever you decide to use protects the affected area from your dog's biting or licking.
Surgical Recovery Suit
Cut the shirt in half, then cut out four holes for your dog's legs. Create ties on either side of the shirt so you can put it on your dog and then tie it closed. 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.
An Elizabethan collar is also known as an e-collar, cone or 'the cone of shame' and is generally prescribed by a veterinarian after a surgical procedure. It is prescribed to avoid your pet from licking or chewing at their incision as it heals. It is not uncommon for an incision site to become itchy as it heals.
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. Experiencing discomfort and stress when wearing a cone. Not disposed to aggravated wound licking and biting.
A basket muzzle is a great alternative to the typical e-collar (also known as a cone) to prevent your pup from licking or chewing at stitches or a wound. Most dogs dislike the experience of wearing an e-collar.
According to PetMD, a dog in pain may be reluctant to move after surgery, which can lead to accidents inside the house. Dog diapers make this no problem at all while still keeping the incision site protected. Just be sure to regularly change your dog's diapers if they do soil them.
If you get them running and jumping too much it can aggravate their stitches or reopen a wound. Potentially the best way to prevent your cat from licking their wound is to cover it. This can be done by buying a feline “onsie” that slides over your cat's torso.
If you have a dog with heat stroke, often the first signs are panting and lethargy or collapse. It is important NOT to place the dog into cold water or put wet towels over them. The cold water can send them into shock and the towels can warm up and act as a barrier, making the animal even hotter.
First, find a pool noodle that coordinates with your dog's outfit or collar. Or one that matches his eyes… Just kidding, any pool noodle will do, as long as the size fits your dog and it has a decent sized hole in the middle. For my dog I used a small noodle since his is a pretty small dog.
All you have to do is roll or fold a towel or cloth lengthwise, gently wrap it around your pup's neck, and secure it with duct tape. For smaller dogs, use a kitchen or tea towel. For larger dogs, use a beach or shower towel. Don't be afraid to play around with the size and shape.
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.
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 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.
“Our study found that Elizabethan collars had the potential to cause distress in animals, which in turn caused distress to owners,” Dr Fawcett said.
When purchasing any type of collar or cone, it's important to choose the appropriate size for your pet, otherwise they may still be able to reach their wound with the collar on. It's advised to try out a few options in advance, if possible, so you can find out what works best for your dog or cat.
Lick Sleeve removes discomfort and increases compliancy 100% of the time. Undue stress is caused when a dog's senses are hampered by the cone. Dogs that do not feel like they can defend themselves have anxiety and aggressive tendencies. An inability to groom degrades the overall body health of dogs.
"Cones should be three to four inches longer than your pooch's snout otherwise they can still chew, lick, and otherwise traumatize their wounds." To make life easier for your dog while they're wearing a cone, Osborne recommends clearing pathways around your home.
For wounds on the feet, dog booties or socks can be a great way to prevent your dog from licking. Depending on the type and severity of the wound, a wound dressing may be applied to the area by your veterinarian. This not only helps protect the wound but also prevents your pet from licking at it.
One of the simplest alternatives for the cone of shame is to dress your cat or small dog in a onesie. A onesie will provide full coverage for your pet, covering their torso, preventing them from licking or tearing at any stitches. It's also a far more adorable option.