A rolled towel duct-taped to hold its shape like a donut collar may work for some dogs. Many dogs find it more comfortable than the plastic cone. You can also thread pool noodles on a collar as a DIY cone alternative if you're willing to do the work.
Towel (or bubble wrap) and Duct Tape:
(Or hey-just use a travel pillow.) Once you've got it sized and in place around their neck, like a life preserver, secure it loosely with a few rounds of duct tape, being careful to keep their fur out of the adhesive.
Surgical Recovery Suit
Cut the shirt in half, then cut out four holes for your dog's legs. Create ties on either side of the shirt so you can put it on your dog and then tie it closed. You can use any shirt that will cover the wound and prevent your dog from licking at it. You can make your own dog cone, too.
Combining sturdy bandages with boxer shorts, sweaters, onesies and even booties can be extremely effective in deterring your pet from licking or scratching.
2) Cut horizontal strips along back of shirt towards the sides. 3) Cut four holes in front of shirt in alignment with your pet's legs 4) Pull shirt collar over pet's head, place legs through four front openings, then tie strips together to secure onto pet.
Use wet, cool towels
This is especially useful for dogs suffering from heatstroke. To keep them cool, drench a towel in tepid water and drape it over your dog. Leave it on for short periods of time and make sure to remove it once the towel has dried as it may make your dog feel warmer.
To create a temporary sling, roll up a soft towel a few times lengthwise and fit it underneath the dog's belly, being careful to avoid sensitive areas underneath, especially for male dogs. Attach a leash to your dog's collar, and use it to lead him; use your other hand to grasp the towel and gently lift the dog up.
Bandaging a wound on your dog can be enough to stop your dog wanting to lick the wound, as it's often a case of out of sight out of mind. Tip - You want to ensure that the bandage is on firmly but not too tight, that it is comfortable for your dog and they are able to move around easily.
You should stop using the cone only when all wounds are fully healed, and your veterinarian usually decides this. If the vet thinks it's too early to remove the cone despite your dog's wounds looking like they're fully healed, it is too early.
Just like in humans, a stitch or fresh wound can become extremely itchy. Your pet may have the impulsive yearning to scratch, lick, or even nibble on its wounds. This is dangerous, as your dog might tear the stitches open or irritate the wound as it scrapes the healing scabs.
1) Stand the bag upright. 2) Cut the bag along the middle of each side from top to bottom. 3) Bag should be able to lie flat like this after cutting. 4) Place the bag around the dog's lower abdomen, and gently provide support by holding the handles.
Good pet towels absorb more water than traditional towels do. Your dog's hair will hold a ton of water, which can cause most traditional towels to become saturated very quickly.
To cool your dog down as quickly as possible, pour cool water over their head and body, gently hose a very gentle stream of cool water over them, or, where possible, submerge them in a tub of cool water.
If you can carry your dog or if your dog is still able to stand and/or walk, take them into the shower. Use the shower head to run tepid water over your dog's body slowly until they begin to cool down.
In general, a recovery onesie like BellyGuard is a great choice for dogs that are: Recovering from abdominal, chest, or spinal surgeries, or hotspots, rashes or injuries to the belly or back. Experiencing discomfort and stress when wearing a cone. Not disposed to aggravated wound licking and biting.
The Lick Sleeve offers 100% knee area coverage which when pet owners were given the option stayed on 3x longer than the cone of shame. It covers everything from the ankle to the hip, so your dog is protected from dirt. It also prevents abrasions, scratching, licking, and biting.
Sometimes an alternative to the cone can be made at home. Bandages, boxer shorts, booties, and baby onesies can help keep injured areas protected. These alternatives should be consulted with your veterinarian before using them. All of these options have their benefits for specific cases.