If you’ve ever had a dog who needed to wear a collar cone, you know how hard it can be to get them to eat and drink.
Dogs are creatures of habit, and when they’re used to eating and drinking without a cone, getting your dog to adjust can be challenging.
In this blog post, we’ll share some ways to ensure your dog can still drink with a collar cone and tips for making them comfortable while wearing one.
Why do Dogs need Collar Cones?
Collar cones, also known as Elizabethan collars, are cone-shaped devices that fit around a dog’s neck and head. They prevent dogs from scratching or licking wounds or hot spots on their bodies.
Dogs may need to wear a collar cone for several reasons:
- They may have undergone surgery and need to keep their stitches clean and dry.
- They may have an allergic reaction or infection that needs to be kept away from their face and mouth.
- They may have a hot spot or another wound that needs to heal without being licked or scratched.
Collar cones come in different sizes and shapes to fit different-sized dogs. They should be fitted snugly around the dog’s neck so that the dog cannot pull it off, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable.
Some collar cones are made of soft material, such as cloth, while others are made of hard plastic. Some have a strap under the chin, while others do not.
There are many different brands of collar cones available on the market, so it is essential to choose one that is comfortable for your dog and easy for you to put on and take off.
Benefits of Collar Cone for Dogs:
The collar cone, also known as an Elizabethan collar, is a type of neckwear commonly used on dogs and cats. There are many benefits to using a collar cone on your dog. Here are five of them:
1. It Prevents your Dog from Licking or Scratching Wounds
If your dog has stitches, a hot spot, or any other type of wound, the last thing you want is for them to lick or scratch at it. The cone will prevent them from being able to reach the wound, which will help it heal faster.
2. It keeps your Dog from Chewing on Bandages or Splints
If your dog has a broken bone or needs to wear a bandage for any reason, the collar cone will keep them from being able to chew on it and make it come off. It is essential because they could injure themselves further or get an infection.
3. It stops your Dog from Eating Things it Shouldn’t
Dogs have a reputation for getting into inappropriate situations and consuming inappropriate foods. If you have a trash-loving dog, the collar cone will keep them out of the garbage can. Or if your pup likes to nibble on plants, the cone will protect them (and your plants) from harm.
4. It Prevents other Animals from Getting to your Dog’s Wounds
If your dog is injured and has open wounds, the last thing you want is for another animal to be able to get at them and make them worse. The collar cone will protect against this by keeping other animals away from the area.
5. It Gives you Peace of Mind Knowing your Dog is Safe and Protected
Perhaps the most crucial benefit is that using a collar cone will give you peace of mind getting to know that your dog is safe and protected when they need it most.
How to Make your Dog Drink with a Collar Cone on?
- The first step is to measure your dog’s neck and head circumference. The collar cone should be snug but not too tight, so it’s essential to get the right size. Once you have the right size, put the collar cone on your dog’s head and adjust it so that the opening is at the top of the nose.
- Getting your dog to drink with a collar cone may take patience and persistence. Start with a small amount of water in a bowl. If they don’t try to drink, gently hold their muzzle and guide it towards the water bowl. Once they start drinking, let go of their muzzle.
- If there are still some issues with your dog drinking water with the cone on, you may need to remove it a few times a day so they can drink. Be sure to closely supervise them when the cone is off and put it back on as soon as they are done drinking.
Your dog will eventually learn to drink with the cone on with patience and persistence.
- You can also use a straw to make your dog drink water. Hold the straw up to your dog’s mouth and let them drink. You may need to help guide the straw into their mouth, but once they get the hang of it, they should be able to drink on their own.
You can always talk to your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog getting enough water. They will be able to give you specific advice on how much water your dog needs and how to make sure they are staying hydrated.
How to Adjust your Collar Cone to Make your Dog Eat and Drink?
It is essential to adjust the cone size so your dog can still eat and drink comfortably. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- If the cone is too big, your dog may have difficulty eating and drinking. Try trimming the bottom of the cone to make it more comfortable for your dog to eat and drink.
- If the cone is too small, your dog may be able to get its tongue through the opening. It can cause irritation or even injury. Try enlarging the cone’s opening so your dog can eat and drink more comfortably.
- You may also want to try different cones, such as inflatable collars or soft-sided cones. These may be more comfortable for your dog and allow them to eat and drink more easily.
Tips on Making your Dog Comfortable While Wearing Collar Cone:
- Get the right size cone for your dog. If the cone is too big, your dog may be able to get your dog’s head out of it; if it’s too small, it will be uncomfortable and may rub against your dog’s skin.
- Put the cone on your dog gradually. Let your dog wear it for a few minutes first, then slowly increase the amount of time your dog wears it each day.
- Make sure your dog has plenty of toys and chews to keep him occupied while wearing the cone. It will help prevent boredom and make him more comfortable.
- Take your dog for walks often, so he can get used to moving around with the cone. Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance as he gets more comfortable.
- Be patient and understanding with your dog while he’s getting used to the collar cone. It may take some time, but eventually, he’ll return to his usual self!
FAQs:
Q: Should you take off your dog’s cone at night?
A: It is not necessary to take the cone off at night. Some dogs may be more comfortable without the cone, but others may need extra support. If you are concerned about your dog’s comfort, you can try removing the cone for short periods to see how they do.
Q: Is it OK to leave a dog in a crate with a cone?
A: It is lovely to leave a dog in a crate with a cone. Many veterinarians recommend crating to keep dogs safe and comfortable while they recover from surgery.
Q: Is there an alternative to the cone of shame?
A: Yes, there are alternatives to the traditional plastic Elizabethan collar. There are inflatable collars that can provide similar protection without being as bulky or intrusive. Soft cones are also made from fabric that may be more comfortable for some dogs.
Q: Are inflatable collars better than cones?
A: It depends on the individual dog. Some dogs do well with inflatable collars, while others find them too restrictive or uncomfortable. Ultimately, it is up to the owner to decide what type of collar is best for their dog.
Q: How long should a dog wear a cone after neutering?
A: Most dogs only need to wear a cone for about ten days after surgery. However, some dogs may need to wear the cone for longer if they are prone to licking or biting at their stitches.