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Cone of Shame. Party Hat. Both of these terms all describe the plastic dog cone or soft dog cone that your pup has to wear after a surgery or injury.
The most common nickname for a dog cone is the Elizabethan collar or E-collar, named after the “ruff,” a popular collar style in Britain in the late sixteenth-century during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. When it comes to dogs, however, this collar is more about function than fashion.
They may look silly, but these collars are not meant to embarrass your pet — theyre an important part of your dogs healing process.
Despite the stubbornly persistent myth that animal saliva speeds up healing, licking an incision is a sure way to interrupt the healing process. A dog licking their wound or chewing on their skin could cause them to inadvertently rip out their stitches, which could then reopen the incision or wound and introduce bacteria into it, which could cause a secondary infection.
Depending on how bad the damage is, treatment could require rinsing the open area, cutting out damaged tissue, and re-stitching the entire incision. The potential harm that can be done in a few minutes of “freedom” from the cone of shame is not worth the risk of causing more harm to your dog and ultimately prolonging their discomfort (not to mention the money that extra trip to the veterinarian is going to cost you).
By leaving the cone on when they’re asleep (and in effect, when you’re asleep and can’t watch them), you 100% ensure this doesn’t happen.
With that said, if your dog absolutely cannot stand the cone, there are certain E-collar alternatives (as well as tips and tricks) that can help make your dog more comfortable while still achieving the same purpose.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]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. Plus, leaving the cone on at all times is one of the best ways to ensure they heal as quickly as possible.
Neck Control Collars for Dogs
The Bitenot collar works by restricting the movement of your dog’s head. Some pet parents find neck control collars incredibly effective for their dogs.
Not recommended for protecting dogs recovering from eye or ear issues, the Bitenot is made of flexible foam and plastic. They are machine washable and designed so dogs can eat, drink, sleep and play while protecting the back, rump, the base of the tail, flanks, chest, abdomen, and genitals (even feet in small breeds).
It is a good idea for some dogs, and the reviews are mixed. Some people had great success and recommend the Bitenot while others found it failed. Make sure you order the proper size for your dog.
¿How Long Should A Dog Wear A Cone?
Is there anything more pitiful looking than a pet in a cone after surgery? If you want a safe alternative to a cone for dog patients recovering from surgery, we empathize and have you covered. Your dog needs to rest and not bother his injury or wound.
A cone for dogs acts as a physical barrier so they can’t tear, lick, or scratch at their wounds. Your dog probably hates wearing the cone, sometimes called the cone of shame or E-collar (Elizabethan collar). Depending on why your dog requires a cone, there are viable options to keep him safe and comfortable during recovery.
Dogs have been a part of my life since childhood, so I know a thing or two about watching them recovery after surgery. We’ve been through everything from eye surgery to ACL repairs for ligament tears, lump removal surgeries, and spay and neutering operations.
Times have changed for the better, and an E-collar isn’t always needed. First and foremost, your dog should not be able to access their wound. He can make matters worse if he irritates, scratches, or is able to reach the wound. Here is our list of favorite cone for dog alternatives along with some postoperative recovery tips.
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