When your dog suffers an injury or undergoes surgery and needs stitches or some other type of wound care, one of the biggest challenges for you as a pet owner will likely be preventing him from licking the healing area. While this is an instinctive act, it can loosen stitches or cause a secondary infection. While plastic Elizabethan cones can prevent dogs from licking, they are also often uncomfortable and make it difficult for your dog to move around with ease. Fortunately, there are a few other options that may ease anxiety for you both as your pet heals.
1. Dogo Soft Blue E-Collar
One of the most common reasons pet owners do not like traditional plastic cones is because they are rigid and do not offer your dog much opportunity to fit through doorways. This may cause your dog to become anxious about going outside to the bathroom and may even start going in the house instead. Once they begin to unlearn housebreaking, the mess and time it takes to reinforce good habits may feel overwhelming.
A flexible fabric collar, like the Dogo Soft Blue E-Collar, may provide your pet with greater movement and reduce his anxiety as he heals. This collar is made of soft polyester, making it resistant to water so it stays drier in wet weather and while your dog eats and drinks. There are no cumbersome ties or the need for added gauze for a better fit, as the built-in toggle allows you to adjust it easily for a comfortable fit. The blue dotted pattern adds a colorful touch to this cone, and it comes with an added strap for an even better fit for any dog, large or small.
2. Total Pet Health Inflatable Collar
If the shape of a healing cone seems to bother your dog, then you may want to consider using an inflatable collar instead. They eliminate the issues that many animals seem to have with traditional cones, such as blocked vision or the inability to pass through doorways or narrow hallways. The Total Pet Health Inflatable Collar may be a good choice for your dog, especially if he is clever with removing a traditional cone.
This device is simple to use and attaches directly to the collar your dog wears every day, which may reduce the anxiety that some large plastic cones might cause. You simply slip the uninflated unit’s loops through your dog’s collar, then inflate it. Once the collar is inflated enough to suit your needs, fit the everyday collar and the cone back onto your pet and close the fastener. The material is bite-resistant, which makes it suitable even for large dogs.
3. KONG BiteNot Dog Collar
If your dog is the master of escaping his traditional cone after surgery or needing stitches, you already know what a battle it can be to help him heal. This can be especially stressful at night when you lie awake listening for the telltale sounds of your dog pawing his cone off. You can thwart your pet’s efforts by using a KONG BiteNot Dog Collar , which is designed to keep his neck straight and prevent licking and biting.
There are several advantages to this collar, especially for active pets. Your dog will not be limited by a stiff, traditional cone and allow him to play, eat, drink and even climb stairs with no trouble at all. While this device is not meant to protect head wounds or those on the lower legs, but it can be useful for pets who do not tolerate large circular cones. This collar comes in a variety of sizes, from those that fit toy breeds to large-breed dogs, such as Rottweilers.
4. KVP Saf-T-Clear Dog E-Collar
If you prefer the security of a more traditional cone, there are options that provide you with the function of an Elizabethan collar yet allow your dog clearer vision, which may reduce anxiety. The KVP Saf-T-Clear Dog E-Collar gives your pet a better view of his world as he heals while offering full-body protection that prevents licking and biting of any wound. This cone is also made of lighter material than traditional healing collars, which means your pet will be able to get around your home with greater ease. It is also fully adjustable, which means you can use it for multiple dogs in your household when necessary.
5. Calming Cone Spray
Some dog breeds are naturally prone to nervousness, particularly those that are smaller. This can make using a cone difficult, as it might increase a dog’s nervousness and make him shake or cry continuously. Soothing a nervous pet that must use a cone can be difficult, but there are some products that may help. Remedy + Recovery Calming Mist E-Collar Kit for Pets includes several items that are simple to use and make recovery time less harrowing for both you and your dog.
This kit includes a calming lavender spray and several discs that attach to the edges of any e-collar. Simply spray the disks and affix them to the cone, where the scent will soothe your pet’s anxiety and allow him to rest as he recovers.
Preventing your dog from licking or biting a healing wound, stitches, or a surgical area after a spay or neuter can promote faster healing and prevent secondary infection. You may have to try more than cone style before finding one your pet prefers. Remember to keep in close contact with your veterinarian as your dog heals and ask for his or her advice about e-collar use.
