The BENCMATE Inflatable Dog Collar is different from other dog cones in that it looks more like a neck pillow than the traditional e-collar. This collar, when inflated, is plush and extremely comfortable, so your dog will likely prefer this over the usual rigid plastic version.
Having a rolled blanket or pillow to prop their coned head on can be much more comfortable. Lots of rewards. Provide lots of positive reinforcement when they're calm and relaxed in the cone. Treats and affection help to show them they're doing the right thing and eases their tension.
Keep the Cone On
The first step in how to make a dog cone more comfortable is to keep it on. It might be tempting to take the cone off every time you see your dog struggle. But it is best to be consistent and strict with the cone in order to help them adjust to wearing it and to protect them post-surgery.
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.
Add in rotating the cone around their head while they're wearing it. Reward heavily throughout. Add gently tapping on the cone to the routine on the inside and outside, which helps your dog get used to the different sounds they will hear while wearing the cone.
“You can also help by holding the cone up to guide them if they seem to be scared, and [they're holding] their head down.” But sometimes it's best to just help take your dog's mind off his cone altogether by giving him a treat or a toy.
Alternatives to the “cone of shame” are inflatable collars, soft E-collars and neck brace collars. Try covering the wound with soft fabric secured by medical tape to prevent licking. Keep pets busy with other fun things to distract them from licking wounds.
Some dogs do not mind wearing dog cones any more than they mind wearing other clothing, whereas it causes quite a bit of distress to others. For those dogs who do not tolerate a cone well, an inflatable collar may be a better option. A word of caution though, inflatable collars do not offer full-body protection.
How Long Dogs Should Wear the Cone. A cone should stay on for about a week while your dog is healing. "Usually about seven to 10 days is all you need," Ochoa says. The cone needs to stay on the entire time the dog is healing, especially if you won't be around to watch her.
Veterinarians Prefer the E-Collar
While some of the alternatives to the plastic E-collar might work for your pet, Werber and other experts say the most reliable protection for your fur kid is typically going to be the plastic E-collar. “Most pets will get used to it and do fairly well—even cats,” says Werber.
If your pet has a short face or doesn't tolerate cones, an inflatable collar may be a better option. The donut-shaped Kong Cloud Collar is ideal for short-nosed dogs because it still prevents them from licking most surgical sites but lets them eat more easily than a traditional cone.
A soft collar resembles the shape of a plastic cone but they're much more comfortable for your dog. The soft fabric is less likely to cause irritation which is ideal for dogs with skin problems or if their skin is sensitive, and they're more flexible so they'll feel less restricted as well.
The best way to get your pet to stop is to get an Elizabethan (or “E”) collar, AKA “Lampshade”, or “Cone of Shame”. These stay on your pet during the healing cycle and prevent your pet from licking.
So while licking will slightly help decrease these two types of bacteria, there are many other bacteria that can start to overgrow in the wound. Unfortunately, this means that dog saliva ultimately does not help clean or heal the wounds, so it's best to prevent dogs from licking their wounds.
If your dog persists in licking its incision, you may have to purchase an Elizabethan collar to prevent this behavior (see handout “Elizabethan Collars in Dogs” for more information). Not surprisingly, many dogs find these collars strange at first and will attempt to remove them.
Muzzles can also play an important role after a vet visit. A basket muzzle is a great alternative to the typical e-collar (also known as a cone) to prevent your pup from licking or chewing at stitches or a wound.
If your furry companion is on the smaller side, a “onesie” may be a good choice. Made of soft, stretchy fabric, this bodysuit covers cats and dogs beginning at the neck, along the body and over the hindquarters.
Unlike cones that push into your dog's neck every time they look down or turn around, with an inflatable collar they essentially have a large, soft travel pillow around their neck. As long as it stays firmly inflated and uses soft material, your dog should have no problem comfortably sleeping in it.
Soft, natural, and rugged leather is the undisputed top choice dog collar material to pick.
The cone should stay on until the site is fully healed, and/or the sutures are removed. Most sutures and staples are left in for 10-14 days. Other lesions may take less or more time than that to heal completely.
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.
Should I take my dog's cone off at night? You should not take a dog's cone off at night. If you do take the cone off when your dog is sleeping, it could wake up and irritate the wound leading to infection and the possibility of further surgery.
Your pet needs to be kept in an indoor crate/ kennel for most of the day and night for the next 10 days. The time of highest risk for the sutures breaking down is 3-5 days after surgery.
If your pet is going to lick or begins to lick their incision, they need to wear an E-Collar (plastic cone) for 7-10 days after surgery.