Elizabethan Collars

 

To prevent dogs from disturbing their wounds after surgery, many veterinarians supply pet owners with a conventional Elizabethan collar. Resembling a cone, these collars allow a pet's wounds to heal without irritation from biting and licking. However, some pets do not adjust to wearing these collars. These collars are typically uncomfortable and since they are opaque they can limit the pet's vision causing him to bump into things. Be aware that because of the collar and the noise created from bumping into things other animal members of the family may become wary of the patient.

 

Very often conventional cones cause the pet some sort of distress and as he fights the collar you may become afraid that he may hurt himself. You, as the pet owner, may want to help your pet adjust to wearing the collar and feel comfortable or may want to find another alternative.

 

When training your pet to accept the collar, make sure to reinforce his positive behavior. For example, giving him a treat when calm and relaxed, not when high-strung or anxious about the collar, will teach your pet to wear the collar without anxiety. This will work also for other members of the pack. Remember to keep yourself and your body calm. Breathe slowly; keep your voice soft and your hands calm and soft. Try some massage; rubbing your pet's ears softly is very relaxing. Try a book from our bookstore on massage to learn more about treating your pet with massage.

 

However, if he cannot adjust to the collar there are some alternatives available. A collar we like is the Pet Botanics E-Collar which is very similar to the traditional Elizabethan Collar but it is translucent. The clear plastic does not restrict pets’ peripheral vision and is also lighter than the plastic used in the conventional Elizabethan collar. This collar is also padded around the neck for increased comfort and uses snaps to more easily adjust and secure the collar.

 

Another interesting choice that may be used is the Bite Not Collar. It resembles a neck brace and is fully padded on the inside and secured with Velcro. By limiting the amount of movement and flexibility of your pet's neck, this collar prevents him from licking wounds on the back, genitals, chest, abdomen, rump and tail. However, wounds on the dog's head or feet may be accessed as the collar does not prevent the dog from scratching his head or biting his feet. Your pet may react better to this collar than a cone style and more easily go about his daily business. 

 

Pros for Elizabethan Collars

 

• Prevents pet from irritating most wounds

 

Cons for Elizabethan Collars

 

• Uncomfortable for most pets 

• Obstructs peripheral vision

• Interferes with pet's usual activities

 

Pros for Pet Botanics E-Collar

 

• Does not limit peripheral vision

• Layer of padding around the neck for comfort

• Sturdy, lighter-weight plastic

• Plastic snaps make securing collar easier

 

Cons for Pet Botanics E-Collar

 

• Pet may react similarly to conventional Elizabethan collar

 

Pros for Bite Not Collar

 

• Your pet may react better to this collar than conventional collars

• Pet can continue with its natural activities

 

Cons for Bite Not Collar

 

• Pet may be able to reach feet or head wounds

• Pet may not be able to bend neck to the floor