Kylie Ora LobellYour dog is going to get surgery, and one thing you’re concerned about is the cone of shame he’s going to have to wear afterward. He hates having the traditional cone on. He scratches at it, paws at it, and tries to take it off. You know that he’s not comfortable, and you get upset seeing him suffer like that. Now, you’re wondering: is there an alternative to the dog cone collar?
Learn more about the best dog cone alternatives when it comes to pet care. Then, decide which one is right for your dog to make the experience after surgery as comfortable as possible.
An Inflatable E-Collar
The first pet cone of shame alternative dog owners can try out is the inflatable collar. You can control how much air you pump in to stop your dog from licking his wounds and sutures after surgery. Y
our dog will still be able to walk, play, eat and drink as he would as usual. You may not have to pump much air into it depending on your dog’s personality.
Even if your dog just has this dog cone alternative on, he might not feel the need to lick his wounds and sutures. It’s a great alternative to the Elizabethan collar.
A Soft Collar
Another e-collar alternative is a soft e-collar. The soft collar is the same shape as an e-collar, but it gives your dog much more flexibility and tends to be more comfortable. Typically, these comfy cones are machine washable so you can use it if your dog has more than one surgery and needs it multiple times. This dog recovery collar comes in different sizes and, as long as pet parents get the right size, it should stay on the dog whether they’re walking or playing around.
One of the brands that sells a soft cone collar is Alfie Pet. They have a cute Noah Lion Recovery Collar that is comfortable and makes your dog look like a cute little lion.
A Comfy Collar
Ditch the hard plastic cone e-collar and go for something more comfortable for your dog’s neck instead. The Comfy Collar is a protective collar that is cone-shaped and foam-backed with padded nylon. There are Velcro closures sure you can create a custom fit and easily take it on and off. It’s water resistant and can be easily washed by hand. Your dog can recover from hot spots, allergy flare-ups, rashes, and surgery in comfort and not gain access to the affected area.
A Recovery Suit
You can forget the lampshade altogether and get your dog a recovery suit instead. Recovery suits, like the Suitical Suit for small or large dogs and cats, can be found on Amazon. They are onesies that cover your dog’s entire body and can stop your dog from licking his wounds and sutures. They are also helpful if your dog just went through a spay or neuter surgery, as it will stop them from trying to lick their wounds from it.
They are also stretchy and flexible, providing maximum comfort, and your dog can move about and eat and drink freely. Make sure that you find the right size for your dog and you invest in a recovery suit with breathable materials. Some are machine washable, while others must be washed by hand. They are typically made out of cotton and Velcro.
Helping Your Furry Friend After Surgery
After your dog goes through some kind of surgery or treatment, along with providing him the right recovery cone, you should make sure he has everything he needs to get comfortable at home.
First, make sure that he has a place where he can settle down and relax. This can be a crate that you place in a separate room or perhaps in your room. You can put a nice bed in the crate so that he can rest when he needs to.
The Original Calming Donut Shag Cat & Dog Bed by Best Friends By Sheri is perfect for dogs of all sizes. This innovative cuddler shag design will help your dog get better sleep, which is critical when he’s recovering from surgery. The bed also supports joints and offers a calming, self-warming effect. For dogs who like to burrow, the bed creates a perfect space for cuddles and top-notch snuggling.
You can also place your dog’s food and water bowls near his bed so that he doesn’t have to walk so far to access them. Make sure that he has toys to play with in case he gets bored. One toy he’ll be sure to love is Outward Hound’s Hippo Squeaker Matz Plush Toy. These soft plush dog toys are made with multiple rows of squeakers that mimic bubble wrap to keep your pup engaged for hours at a time. The soft plush fabric is gentle on the teeth and gums, plus, minimal stuffing is included to prevent major cleanups after the games are over. Since no toy is indestructible, watch your dog when he’s playing with it just in case it comes apart.
Along with ensuring that your dog can relax post-surgery, look out for red flags. If the wounds are bleeding or you see pus, go to the veterinarian right away. If your dog is crying, howling, vomiting or unresponsive, you’ll also need to take him in for an emergency visit. If your dog’s wounds reopen, take him to the vet for surgery. You don’t want to run the risk of your dog’s wounds getting infected. This could lead to illness or, in the worst-case scenario, your dog could pass away.
Ensuring Your Dog Heals
With an alternative pet recovery collar, you can keep your dog comfortable and happy as he heals. Hopefully, having an alternative to the cone of shame will speed up the healing process at the same time.
