When the time comes for a trip to the veterinarian, coaxing the family dog into the car is the first hurdle. The second is caring for that animal if surgery is recommended. Any operation can be traumatic, but wearing the protective gear that prevents dogs from licking wounds afterward can also cause distress. Plastic barriers are effective, but many pet owners seek a better dog cone alternative.
Watching a forlorn canine try to do things he finds impossible because of a big plastic device around his neck can be heartbreaking. Some say these creatures do not feel emotions such as embarrassment, humiliation, or depression, but animal lovers know better. Many dogs become so upset they actually refuse to eat or move, making a speedy recovery more difficult than necessary.
Standard protective devices are made of tough, rigid plastic. They resemble a white megaphone with the small end around the neck, and the flared end extended past the nose, making it impossible for the animal to reach the itchy places. They are sometimes called Elizabethan collars, because they resemble the familiar formal neck wear of that period. Dogs universally hate them.
Licking is instinctive, but may reopen an incision, causing bleeding or infection. Complications from not wearing protection can be expensive and painful. Larger pet supply stores usually carry a selection designed to do job less intrusively. They are sold under various brand names, but fit into a few general categories. Because dogs vary, certain styles may be more functional.
In this age of euphemism, these protections are labeled avoidance tools. One style closely resembles the human neck braces commonly worn by whiplash victims. This adaptable choice makes it harder to bite a healing wound, but in a less restrictive manner. They are most advantageous when a problem affects the torso or front legs. Another style is a wide, inflatable collar that looks like a life-saver shaped balloon.
Although many larger dogs have little difficulty deflating them, their soft exterior is perfect for quieter, calm animals. They work well in preventing gnawing and chewing on the hindquarters because they restrict the ability to fully turn. While uncomfortable, most dogs tolerate them well. Also available are body-hugging sweaters that can be helpful during recovery, as well as soft footwear and pants.
Large, strong dogs that are adept at chewing and biting themselves may benefit from flexible collars that extend from neck to torso. Filled with foam, they restrict specific movements without increasing anxiety. Many dogs feel more comfortable wearing a traditionally shaped style that is made of fabric-covered foam instead of hard plastic. Smaller pets, including felines, find they make eating easier.
Before making a final choice, be sure to take neck measurements. A cone-shaped device works well when it reaches an inch beyond the nose. Choose a collar that makes restrictions appropriate for the injured area. Pet owners who must be gone during the day should observe how the dog reacts before leaving him alone. Helping a dog to heal quickly is well worth the effort.
Watching a forlorn canine try to do things he finds impossible because of a big plastic device around his neck can be heartbreaking. Some say these creatures do not feel emotions such as embarrassment, humiliation, or depression, but animal lovers know better. Many dogs become so upset they actually refuse to eat or move, making a speedy recovery more difficult than necessary.
Standard protective devices are made of tough, rigid plastic. They resemble a white megaphone with the small end around the neck, and the flared end extended past the nose, making it impossible for the animal to reach the itchy places. They are sometimes called Elizabethan collars, because they resemble the familiar formal neck wear of that period. Dogs universally hate them.
Licking is instinctive, but may reopen an incision, causing bleeding or infection. Complications from not wearing protection can be expensive and painful. Larger pet supply stores usually carry a selection designed to do job less intrusively. They are sold under various brand names, but fit into a few general categories. Because dogs vary, certain styles may be more functional.
In this age of euphemism, these protections are labeled avoidance tools. One style closely resembles the human neck braces commonly worn by whiplash victims. This adaptable choice makes it harder to bite a healing wound, but in a less restrictive manner. They are most advantageous when a problem affects the torso or front legs. Another style is a wide, inflatable collar that looks like a life-saver shaped balloon.
Although many larger dogs have little difficulty deflating them, their soft exterior is perfect for quieter, calm animals. They work well in preventing gnawing and chewing on the hindquarters because they restrict the ability to fully turn. While uncomfortable, most dogs tolerate them well. Also available are body-hugging sweaters that can be helpful during recovery, as well as soft footwear and pants.
Large, strong dogs that are adept at chewing and biting themselves may benefit from flexible collars that extend from neck to torso. Filled with foam, they restrict specific movements without increasing anxiety. Many dogs feel more comfortable wearing a traditionally shaped style that is made of fabric-covered foam instead of hard plastic. Smaller pets, including felines, find they make eating easier.
Before making a final choice, be sure to take neck measurements. A cone-shaped device works well when it reaches an inch beyond the nose. Choose a collar that makes restrictions appropriate for the injured area. Pet owners who must be gone during the day should observe how the dog reacts before leaving him alone. Helping a dog to heal quickly is well worth the effort.
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