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If your dog or cat has ever had to wear the dreaded “cone” after undergoing a medical procedure, you know that most animals are not the biggest fan of the device. Although it’s designed to keep pets safe by stopping them from licking or biting a wound or incision, they can also make them pretty uncomfortable. The traditional cone limits an animal’s range of motion, and it can also make it difficult for your pet to eat and drink. It may also impact their ability to see or hear.
If your pet struggles with the cone, there is actually a pretty easy DIY alternative to keep your furry friend comfortable while they recover at home. You can make your pet a “jacket” out of an old T-shirt, and it can cover wounds or scars just like the cone.
The DIY site Instructables has a complete tutorial on how to make a jacket for your pet. To get started, all you need is a T-shirt or other piece of material, scissors, a marker and four safety pins.
For a medium cat, your material needs to about 20 inches square, and you’ll need to size up or down accordingly, depending on the size of your pet. The author notes that the jacket should fit snugly without being too tight.
For a tutorial on how to construct a protective wrap for a pet using a tank top, check out this video posted to YouTube by Susan Holt:
Rather than restricting their head, the jacket covers a wound or incision on their belly or back so that your pet cannot get to it.
The Instructables author says it’s OK if they lick or bite the material, but if they actually bite or lick through it, the cone may be your only option.
Size Information:
XS— Chest Girth: 32cm/12.59″; Neck Girth: 22cm/8.66″; Back Length: 7.87″-9.44″
S— Chest Girth: 39cm/15.35″; Neck Girth: 29cm/11.41″; Back Length: 9.44″-11.41″
M— Chest Girth: 45cm/17.71″; Neck Girth: 32cm/12.59″; Back Length: 11.41″-14.56″
L— Chest Girth: 59cm/23.22″; Neck Girth: 42cm/16.53″; Back Length: 14.56″-18.11″
XL— Chest Girth: 68cm/26.77″; Neck Girth: 45cm/17.71″; Back Length: 18.11″-21.25″
2XL— Chest Girth: 82cm/32.28″; Neck Girth: 50cm/19.68″; Back Length: 21.25″-28.34″
Note:
1. Please do measure your dog and refer to the size chart before choosing a size( Neck Girth, Chest Girth, Back Length). Explanation about the three phrases please refer to the main pictures about size chart (Manual measurement, so please allow an error of 0.39”-1.18”.)
2. If your dog is ON THE TOP OF A SIZE, please choose A LARGER ONE.
3. IF YOU STILL DONT KNOW HOW TO MEASURE OR CHOOSE THE SIZE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL US FOR HELP.
How to Put a Shirt on a Dog After Surgery
Tighten the Shirt Carefully
This step is crucial if you are using a DIY t-shirt for your dog. Most shirts for dogs that are available online are usually designed so that the end of the shirt closes appropriately. And it is nothing like DIY shirts where the end of the cloth is typically loose and open. If it is left like that, the whole function of the garment will go down the drain. The wide opening at the bottom will be unable to conceal the incision. And the dog will go back to his licking routine.
So, to avoid such complications, you can choose to buy shirts specially designed for dogs that went through an operation. But if budget is the problem, then you can always lend your T-shirt to your little buddy. All you need to keep in mind is the loose opening at the bottom. Make sure you tie the end of the t-shirt. And do not tighten it too strong, or else it may suffocate the dog.
FAQ
How do you use a shirt to keep a dog from licking a wound?
Can I put a shirt on my dog instead of a cone?
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