So, your furry friend had surgery and must keep one of those uncomfortable cones around their neck during recovery?
Even though these cones are uncomfortable and might look funny, they’re a must after surgical procedures as they protect your dog from licking or scratching wounds.
But what if your dog won’t keep the cone on? They’re pacing around, breaking stuff, and trying everything to take it off; what should you do?
Fortunately, there are some handy alternatives to traditional dog cones, such as soft, flexible fabric and inflatable cones. Additionally, there are some techniques to help your dog wear a cone more easily.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to make the cone-wearing experience stress-free for your dog. So let’s get started.
What Can I Use Instead of a Dog Cone?
As essential as they are, dog cones are usually uncomfortable for our furry friends.
Your dog might find the cone uncomfortable and distressing as it interferes with their daily activities, such as drinking, eating, and playing.
Some cones also obstruct vision, making it harder for dogs to navigate their surroundings.
Luckily, there are many alternatives to traditional Elizabethan collars. Every collar type has unique features, pros, and cons, so it might take a while to try different ones until you find the suitable one for your dog.
1. Soft Collars
Soft collars, also known as comfy collars, are excellent alternatives to traditional e-collars. They’re flexible, more comfortable, and usually made of padded fabric and mesh.
Since these collars can easily fold down, they allow your pup to drink, sleep, eat, and move much more easily.
Soft collars are machine-washable and come in various sizes to fit every dog. So, they’re a great option in the long run in case your dog undergoes other surgeries.
Be careful, though; some soft collars are too flexible to the point that they don’t prevent your dog from licking the affected area.
They might also be too easy for your dog to take them off. While they don’t offer as much protection as e-collars, soft collars can be a great alternative if your dog has minor wounds.
2. Inflatable E-Collars
Inflatable e-collars are another decent option if your dog can’t tolerate hard plastic collars. They’re flexible and provide adequate cushioning and support for your pup.
Additionally, you can control how much air gets into inflatable collars to make drinking and eating easier for your dog.
The main downside of inflatable collars is that they can get punctured pretty easily. So, monitoring your dog closely for the first few days of wearing this type of collar is crucial.
3. Recovery Suits
Recovery suits can be a handy alternative to traditional dog cones for dogs who can’t stand anything around their neck.
These suits are like full-body wraps that cover wounds and incisions while allowing your dog to move freely and comfortably. If you opt for recovery suits, invest in a recovery suit made from high-quality materials such as Velcro and cotton. They’re breathable and machine washable.
4. Flexible Fabric E-Collars
Flexible fabric e-collars feature a hard skeleton, but they’re soft fabric as well. They provide the needed support while allowing your dog to move, eat, and drink freely.
They’re a good alternative to traditional collars as the hard skeleton makes it hard to take them off.
How Do You Keep a Dog From Licking a Wound Without a Cone?
Some dogs can’t stand cones and become irritated and pace around the house until they get rid of them.
However, cones are crucial after injuries and surgeries as they prevent dogs from licking and infecting wounds. But luckily, cones aren’t the only answer.
There are other ways to keep a dog from licking a wound without using a cone:
1. Use Medical Shirts or Recovery Suits
Recovery suits cover your dog’s whole body, not only the affected area. Still, they’re much more convenient for dogs than a traditional cone. They’re soft, durable, and flexible enough to allow your dog to move around freely without restrictions.
By acting as a barrier between the wound and your dog’s mouth, recovery suits prevent your dog from licking his wounds and making them worse.
2. Cover the Wound
Covering the wound is another approach to prevent your dog from licking it. Instead of limiting your dog’s head movement with a cone, you can simply cover the wound with a bandage if possible.
Before doing so, consult your vet, and never apply tape directly to your dog’s fur. You might try specialized sleeves, socks, or suits to cover your dog’s wound. However, this approach won’t work for all dogs, as some will even chew the bandage.
3. Distraction
If your dog is always trying to lick his wounds, you should try to distract them using chew and puzzle toys.
You can also give him something safe to chew on, such as Kongs stuffed with peanut butter or carrots. Rotating between different toys is also a good idea so that your dog stays interested and distracted.
4. Use Anti-Lick Spray
Apply anti-lick spray or strips on the wounds and stitches; their unpleasant taste will deter your dog from licking.
You can find many anti-lick products in your local pet store, but make sure to buy products that only contain natural ingredients. That way, you minimize any potential side effects.
How Can I Make My Dog Wear a Cone Easier?
You must have seen those endless memes about dogs wearing the “cone of shame” after surgery. While our furry friends might look funny wearing these plastic cones, it’s a frustrating experience for them.
With all the alternatives to cones out there, cones are still a must after certain injuries and operations. But what if your dog can’t adjust to cones? Here are some useful tips to make your dog wear a cone easier:
1. General Introduction
Start slowly, and don’t rush to put the cone on your dog. Put the cone in front of your dog and let them inspect it; reward them with treats once they show interest in the cone. Then, start presenting the cone to your pup and praise them for any head movement towards the cone.
Once your dog puts the cone on, let it on briefly while giving them treats and rewards. This helps your dog associate the cone with positive experiences so they get accustomed to it faster.
2. Keep Your Dog Busy
Keeping your dog’s mind occupied while wearing the cone is crucial to distract them from the inconvenience. You need to use tasty treats as rewards for your pup keeping the cone.
You can also use praise words consistently to show your dog they’re doing the right thing wearing the cone.
To take your dog’s attention away from the cone, keep them entertained and focused with puzzle toys and mind games.
But make sure these activities don’t strain your pup’s neck. So instead of playing fetch, play hide and seek, do scent training with a snuffle mat, or teach your dog new tricks.
Remember that wearing a cone is a stressful experience for your dog, and they might feel vulnerable. That’s why you have to give them extra love and support.
The power of your bond assures them that everything will be fine.
3. Change Your Dog’s Bed
To ensure your dog’s bed is accessible to them while wearing a cone, consider making a few adjustments. For instance, if the bed has a frame, place the bedding at ground level to eliminate any obstacles.
That way, your dog can easily access the bed with no restrictions. For extra comfort, add a rolled blanket or a pillow.
Are you interested in reading our post, Dog Won’t Get Out of Bed, Here’s Why…
4. Watch Out for Obstacles
If your dog is wearing a traditional cone, walking around the house through narrow areas will be difficult. So, you must carefully guide your dog through corridors and narrow spaces until they get used to walking with the cone.
Clear pathways to your dog’s sleeping and feeding area so they don’t bump into your furniture.
FAQs
Why won’t my dog keep the cone on after being neutered?
It’s common for dogs to resist wearing a cone, especially after being neutered. They find it distressing, restrictive, and uncomfortable.
Additionally, cones limit the dogs’ vision and make it difficult for them to find their way throughout the house.
How do I get my dog to stop licking the neuter site without a cone?
If your dog can’t stop licking the neuter site and won’t tolerate a cone, there are other comfortable alternatives to prevent licking.
You can opt for recovery suits, inflatable e-collars, or soft collars. Moreover, you can cover the wound site with a bandage and use anti-lick spray.
To Wrap Up
Dogs don’t tolerate cones for various reasons. Cones restrict your dog’s mobility, limit their field of vision, make them uncomfortable, and cause stress and anxiety.
That being said, you have to help your dog get accustomed to the cone of shame, but it requires some patience and consistency from your end. You can try alternative solutions like recovery suits, soft e-collars, and inflatable e-collars.
Remember that, as pet parents, we have to stay positive. Give your pup lots of praise and treats to help them feel comfortable wearing the cone.
