Tuesday, August 19, 2014

How To Choose A Better Dog Cone Alternative

By Deanne Shepard


When the time comes for a trip to the veterinarian, coaxing the family dog into the car is the first hurdle. The second is caring for that animal if surgery is recommended. Any operation can be traumatic, but wearing the protective gear that prevents dogs from licking wounds afterward can also cause distress. Plastic barriers are effective, but many pet owners seek a better dog cone alternative.

Watching a forlorn canine try to do things he finds impossible because of a big plastic device around his neck can be heartbreaking. Some say these creatures do not feel emotions such as embarrassment, humiliation, or depression, but animal lovers know better. Many dogs become so upset they actually refuse to eat or move, making a speedy recovery more difficult than necessary.

The standard material for manufacture is a durable but flexible plastic. Each resembles an old-fashioned megaphone, with the small end fastened around the neck, and the bell-shaped part jutting past the muzzle. They make it virtually impossible for a dog to chew on a maddening itch. Sometimes referred to as Elizabethan collars, they comically resemble the neck-wear of that era, and are universally despised by dogs.

Licking may be a natural instinct, but it reopens surgical incisions, encouraging infection and bleeding, complications that are painful and costly. Most larger pet supply centers feature devices that provide cone-like protection without the stress. Sold under various brands, they fit several categories. Because canines vary in features and size, designs target different parts of the body.

They are euphemistically called avoidance tools. Depending on location of the injury, a replacement resembling a human whiplash neck brace may be a workable choice. They also make reaching the wound difficult, but are less restrictive than cones. They help most when the problem is on the front legs or forward torso. Another popular option is a blow-up collar resembling a puffy life-saver encircling the neck.

Although many larger dogs have little difficulty deflating them, their soft exterior is perfect for quieter, calm animals. They work well in preventing gnawing and chewing on the hindquarters because they restrict the ability to fully turn. While uncomfortable, most dogs tolerate them well. Also available are body-hugging sweaters that can be helpful during recovery, as well as soft footwear and pants.

Larger dogs benefit from healing collar designs that extend from jawline to shoulders, and block licking and chewing. Made of foam with a plastic exterior, they limit self-injury without adding extra discomfort. There are also traditional-style shapes that are crafted from soft foam, sometimes covered with fabric instead of harsh plastic. Smaller animals, including cats, find they make eating a simpler proposition.

Take a neck measurement before visiting the store. Most barriers work best when extended one inch or more past the nose. Select a collar that will appropriately restrict access to the injured area. If the dog normally stays home alone during the day, do a test observation before leaving to make sure he can move and drink water properly. A speedy recovery depends on concerned care.




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