Friday, 15 January 2016

How To Pick Alternatives To Elizabethan Collar That Are Right For Your Dog

By Patricia Kennedy


As guardians of our feline and canine companions, it is our job to keep them healthy and comfortable. Sometimes for our pets surgery is a necessity and this may result in us needing to find creative alternatives to keep them comfortable and allow them to heal. Alternatives to Elizabethan collar and other tricks may help you manage your cat or dog's discomfort and get them on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

These devices can go by several different nick names. Sometimes they are referred to as a cone or as an e-collar. The device looks like an inverted lampshade that is attached around a dog's neck. This is either accomplished by slipping the collar through loops at the small end of the cone or by threading a piece of gauze through the loops and then tying it around a dog's regular collar. The idea behind them is that they prevent a canine from being able to get at their body or limbs.

While some dogs don't have a problem wearing these items many do. Smaller canines may catch theirs against the ground when they walk. Some canines don't like how the cone distorts sound when it is being worn. Also, other dogs may have issues when they try to eat or drink unless their bowls have been elevated. Larger dogs may end up damaging their surroundings with their cone.

There may be many different reasons why a dog should not lick a particular part of their body. They may be recovering from surgery and if an incision is licked they may either develop an infection or dissolve their sutures. If an incision opens up it can quickly become a serious medical emergency.

Covering a canine's body with a t-shirt or other child's garment can be one way to help them heal. Some dogs will work clothing off of their body or nose it aside to reach an affected area. This method also tends to work better if used to cover the torso or stomach rather than a limb.

Another alternative is to use an inflatable collar that prevents the dog or cat from turning their head and getting at a particular part of their body. These can be quite comfortable and make it easy for a pet to eat and drink. It is also less likely that a pet will catch themselves on a door or on furniture with an inflatable collar.

Bitter apple sprays and other strong tasting liquids may help prevent a pet from licking as well. Because most come in liquid form they may not be suitable for treating incisions as the liquid may end up softening or dissolving sutures. They may be good for infections or areas where a pet has caused inflammation because they have been chewing at their skin.

Speaking with your veterinarian will give you a good idea of how long recovery is expected to take. They may also have other strategies for keeping your pet comfortable enough that they will not bother with an affected area of the body.




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