Thursday, January 22, 2015

How To Choose The Right Dog Cone Alternative

By Janine Hughes


An E collar or Elizabethan collar is situated around the neck of a canine that can protect against the formation of injuries or wounds from surgery. These devices have been developed to prevent the pet from being able to turn and reach the site that is affected by continuous licking and scratching. There are many pets that will protest having to wear a traditional collar, but a dog cone alternative can aid in making the best decisions for your canine companion.

An older Elizabethan collar includes a cone design. It must be secured around the neck region of the canine. It aims to restrict the overall movement of dogs to turn towards the lower body and prevents the back legs from being able to scratch the head.

It is not possible to supervise pets around the clock to ensure that the wounds remain well cared for and will be able to recover. The use of a protective collar will protect against the possibility of severe irritation and infection without having to watch pets on a 24 hour basis. It is a suitable option for those who are working and have to leave recovering animals at home.

While the large contraption worn by healing pets can leave many owners feeling guilty that their canine companions are in utter misery. It is important to remember the purpose of these devices is to protect your pet and to facilitate recovery. Any cone must be introduced with positive reinforcement and support top ensure that pets are provided the chance to familiarize themselves with the apparatus.

A popular alternative to the E collar is the brace that is placed along the neck and restricts the ability for the head to turn and reach the back legs. These devices are not recommended for surgery performed on the upper body and head as pets can still reach these areas with the back legs. The brace must be moved high up on the neck area and can prove more comfortable than having to wear a large cone.

The cone shaped collar is available in different materials including a softer paper. This is a common choice for smaller dogs that have had surgery, but may not prove best for canines that are large and strong. Rolling on the contraption with excess weight will destroy the collar and reduce the effectiveness of protection.

Soft and flexible boots can be placed on the feet of dogs that have had surgery on the head, ears, and upper body. It prevents the claws from reaching the wounds and causing irritation, but will not prove effective for damages that are present along the hind legs and lower body. Discussing solutions with an experienced and qualified veterinarian can aid in making an informed decision.

All dogs must be provided supportive devices to minimize poor healing processes. The introduction of E collars can prove most stressful for pets, but serves an important purpose to prevent against the possibility of infection and additional damage. Alternatives are available and should be assessed to make an informed decision.




About the Author:



No comments: