Dogs, like cats, tend to naturally lick their wounds, which can often do more harm than good, so keeping your dog from getting at their wound is an important part of surgery aftercare. When a dog gets access to the wound, your dog’s licking could delay the healing process, leading to infection, or even remove the stitches.
In order to prevent licking, it’s standard for veterinarians to recommend your dog wear an Elizabethan collar (or E-collar) which is the classic plastic cone collar, sometimes known as the “cone of shame.” While the E-collar can be effective, it isn’t usually the preferred option for many dogs’ due to it being stiff, bulky, and can even be heavy for some dogs, causing discomfort and makes it more difficult to move around. As a result, this can cause your dog to appear agitated, and some dogs may even refuse to eat or drink with it on.
The good news is that there’re alternatives to the “cone of shame,” including cones and collars that should be much more comfortable for your dog, as well as other tactics to prevent them from licking.
When purchasing a new cone or collar, regardless of the type, it’s important to choose an appropriate size for your dog, otherwise, they may end up still being able to reach their wound with the collar on. It’s always best to try out a few options in advance, if possible, so you can find out what will work best for your dog. Here are some great alternative options to the plastic cone.
Alternatives To Plastic Dog Cones
If your dog isn’t doing well with a plastic cone, then here are some dog cone alternatives:
Inflatable collars
Inflatable collars closely resemble neck pillows and are a softer alternative to the traditional cone. As its name suggests, they are used by inflating them. Many animal health professionals like inflatable collars as they’re a bit more comfortable for the dog and can be far less destructive—no accidentally hitting a lamp off the table.
The bigger the dog breed, the more these collars are recommended, as larger dogs can tear up the plastic cones quicker.
Neck Collars
Neck collars are quite similar to cervical neck braces that humans use. Again, these collars are smaller and
softer than the traditional cone and just wrap around the dog’s neck.
The onesie
Surgical recovery suits are a large piece of fabric that covers most of the dog’s body and can be a better option if your dog won’t let you put anything on their neck. The good news is that they come in an array of colors and sizes, so you can order a cute one for your dog.
Many people make their own homemade recovery suit, normally using an old t-shirt. You can do this by cutting a shirt in half, and then cut out four holes for your dog’s legs. Make ties on either side of the shirt so that you can put it on your dog and tie it closed. You can pretty much use any t-shirt that will cover the wound and prevent your dog from licking at it.
Try Using Distractions
Redirecting your dog’s attention away from their wound is another useful technique that can be used alone or in conjunction with one of the products mentioned above. You can keep your dog busy with something safe to chew on, like a carrot or a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or canned dog food (by freezing it first you’ll make it last even longer!).
Another good option is puzzle toys. You simply fill them with some dry food or treats and let your dog get to work trying to release their tasty reward.
