In an ideal world, we’d always prepare our dogs for unfamiliar or daunting situations.
But life’s unpredictability often leaves us unprepared.
It would be fantastic if we could all purchase comfortable cones for our dogs, giving them time to acclimate to wearing them before it becomes necessary. With gradual introductions and treats, your dog might even start to appreciate the cone.
However, what if your dog requires an unplanned surgery? Or if there’s no time to get her accustomed to the cone until the day she actually needs it?
This situation became my reality when Cow developed an irritating scab on her tail. Despite my efforts to bandage and apply hemp-infused coconut oil, she couldn’t resist biting it, preventing healing.
Realizing that a cone was essential, I examined various types. Although the soft and cozy cones seemed appealing, many feedbacks indicated they don’t effectively prevent dogs from reaching injuries on their tails or paws. Such designs are more suited for post-spay surgery to prevent belly licking.
I eventually settled on the conventional plastic e-collar. The one I selected had padding around the neck, minimizing discomfort for Cow’s delicate, lightly-furred neck. Still, it was large and cumbersome for her. Each attempt to make her wear it met with resistance.
However, a past experience provided a solution. Previously, when introducing booties to Cow, I had taken her for a run immediately after wearing them. This distracted her from the booties, and by the time we returned, she had adjusted to them. I applied the same technique with the cone and, to my delight, it was equally successful.
A walk post wearing the cone did pose challenges, like her bumping into objects and sniffing becoming a task. But soon, she adapted to these changes. A vigorous walk later, she was exhausted and settled down, cone intact.
Is it safe for dogs to sleep or be crated with a cone? While I didn’t try crating Cow with the cone, and I ensured I was present when she wore it, cones are typically meant to be worn continuously, perhaps excluding meal times.
Before leaving your dog alone with a cone, I’d suggest trying short separations to observe her behavior. The objective is to ensure she remains comfortable and safe. Sometimes, wearing a cone for a brief period might disrupt the itch-bite pattern, allowing you to remove it intermittently. However, the threat of a dog reopening her stitches makes continuous wear safer.
Alternative Solutions If your dog finds the cone excessively stressful, look for other remedies. I’ve explored both traditional and natural solutions for Cow.
For instance, while apple cider vinegar can alleviate yeast-induced itching, its taste was too tempting for Cow. She would lick it, rendering it ineffective. Similarly, she loved the flavor of coconut oil.
However, the Pet MD Antiseptic Spray worked wonders when Cow had an allergic reaction to lamb. And when I misplaced it, Burt’s Bees Itch and Hot Spot Relieving Spray came to the rescue. This product, gentler than the Pet MD spray, proved effective for daily usage, adding to my itch-relief toolkit.
In terms of physical barriers, I’ve had varied success. While shirts or dog pajamas might work for some, finding the right fit that covers all injury-prone areas can be challenging. Neither Cow’s unique shape nor Matilda’s small size allowed me to find suitable protective wear.
