Introduction
Many dog owners face a difficult decision after their pet undergoes surgery or suffers an injury – should they leave the protective cone (or e-collar) on their dog, or take it off? While the stiff plastic cone may look uncomfortable, it serves an important purpose in preventing your dog from interfering with wounds while they heal. Removing the cone too soon could lead to complications like infections that prolong recovery. This article provides dog owners with a comprehensive guide on when it may be appropriate to remove the cone, safer alternatives to try, and signs that mean the cone should stay on. With the right information, you can make the best decision for your dog’s health and comfort.
Purpose of the Cone
The main purpose of the cone is to prevent dogs from licking, biting or scratching their wounds after surgery. The cone creates a physical barrier that stops the dog from being able to reach the surgical site on their body.
Allowing a dog to lick, bite or scratch their incision can lead to infections, slowed healing, or even reopening of the wound. According to Paws and More Vet, “A cone helps prevent dogs from licking, scratching, or biting a surgical site until it completely heals.” https://pawsandmorevet.com.au/dog-cone-after-surgery/
Wearing the cone allows incisions and wounds to heal properly without disruption. As Briarwood Animal Hospital explains, “Having your pet wear a cone (typically for 7 – 14 days after surgery) means that they are unable to scratch the incision, and thus cannot pull stitches or otherwise damage the incision site.” https://www.briarwoodanimalhospital.com/blog/june-2019/does-my-pet-really-need-to-wear-the-cone
Risks of Removing the Cone
Removing the cone prematurely can lead to serious risks and complications in your dog’s recovery. The main purpose of the cone is to prevent your dog from licking, biting, or scratching at the incision site from a surgery or procedure (Kafka, 2020). Without the barrier of the cone, your dog will likely try to mess with the incision area.
This can lead to the incision reopening, infection developing, or otherwise impede the proper healing process. As the incision is healing, it is highly vulnerable and needs protection (Sydney University, 2020). Excessive licking and scratching can introduce bacteria and cause inflammation or further trauma.
According to vets, the most significant risk is your dog interfering with the incision site and surgical area. The licking and biting can delay healing, cause infections, or even lead to the dog pulling out stitches or reopening the wound (North Town Vet Hospital, 2022). The cone needs to stay on during the initial healing phase to prevent this.
Overall, removing the cone prematurely greatly heightens the risk of complications and slowed recovery for your dog after medical procedures. It is crucial to keep the cone on as directed by your vet for protecting the incision area and allowing proper healing.
When It May Be Okay
In some cases, it may be okay to remove the cone for very short periods while constantly monitoring the dog according to the veterinarian from Keep The Cone On! The cone can be removed “Only with constant supervision” and just “For very short periods of time” (Keep The Cone On!). This may work for some dogs who don’t bother the wound area. However, any dog who tries to lick or chew at the incision site should have the cone put back on immediately.
According to pet owners on Reddit, some only kept the cone on for 5-7 days and monitored their dog closely after that. However, most vets recommend keeping the cone on for the full 7-14 days that stitches are in to prevent complications (Keep The Cone On!). It’s best to consult your veterinarian before removing the cone early.
Alternatives to the Cone
There are several alternatives to the traditional plastic Elizabethan cone that may be more comfortable for dogs while still preventing them from licking or biting their wounds. Some popular options include:
Inflatable collars are soft, inflatable plastic cones that are lighter and more flexible than traditional cones. Brands like Zenpet’s ZenCollar offer increased visibility and mobility for dogs while still blocking access to injuries.
Onesies or recovery suits cover the dog’s body to prevent licking and scratching. They often have Velcro closures for easy on and off. Ensure the onesie does not rub or irritate incision sites.
Applying bitter apple spray to bandages or wounds deters dogs from licking due to the bitter taste. Reapply frequently and monitor in case the dog tries to lick through the bitter taste.
In severe cases, anxiety medications prescribed by a vet can reduce anxiety and prevent self-trauma in stressed dogs who persistently try to remove their cone.
Monitoring the Dog
It is crucial to closely monitor your dog if the cone has been removed, even if just for a short period of time. Look for any signs that the dog is excessively licking or biting at the incision site or injured area. Licking and biting can cause infection or reopen wounds, setting back the healing process.
Check the incision site and any injured areas regularly, especially if the cone has been off. Look for any redness, swelling, discharge or bleeding which could indicate a problem. Check to ensure there are no new injuries from scratching or biting. Frequently examine the dog’s paws and body for any evidence of licking or chewing.
If the dog is intent on licking, biting or scratching, the e-collar or cone should be placed back on immediately. Leaving the cone off without properly monitoring the dog risks serious setbacks in the healing process. It’s ideal to limit cone-free time to periods when the dog can be directly watched.
Activities to Avoid
While wearing the protective cone, there are certain activities that should be avoided to prevent injury and keep your dog safe. Here are some key things to limit during cone recovery:
Unstructured Play Time: Avoid letting your dog engage in unsupervised and energetic play. The cone can bang into walls and furniture, potentially causing harm. Don’t let your dog roam freely without supervision.
Access to Furniture: Don’t allow your dog to jump up on furniture or beds. The cone could get caught or hit surfaces. Restrict access to furniture to spaces that have been cone-proofed.
Situations Dog Can’t Be Watched: When you are unable to directly watch your dog, keep them in an enclosed space like a crate or small room where they can’t injure themselves. Don’t let them roam unobserved with the cone on.
For more tips, see this guide on keeping a dog’s brain busy after surgery. Activities should be structured and monitored during cone recovery.
When to Call the Vet
If your dog’s incision shows signs of infection, it’s important to contact your vet right away for an exam. Signs of infection include swelling, redness, heat, discharge or oozing, and a foul odor. According to Folly Road Animal Hospital, you should call your vet immediately for any signs of infection as it may require antibiotics or additional treatment.
You’ll also want to call your vet if your dog is excessively bothering or licking the incision area. Dogs have a natural instinct to lick their wounds but too much licking can reopen the incision or damage the healing tissues. As recommended by PetHelpful, use an Elizabethan collar and other deterrents to prevent licking, but call your vet if your dog keeps trying to bother the area.
Issues with healing like the incision opening, stitches becoming loose, fluid discharge, or lack of improvement over time are other reasons to contact your vet. Your vet will examine the incision and determine if additional intervention is needed like restitching or wound care. Calling your vet promptly at the first signs of healing problems allows them to take action before major complications arise.
Conclusion
It’s best to keep your dog’s protective e-collar (cone) on at all times until fully healed from surgery or injury. The cone prevents your dog from licking, biting, or scratching the affected area and aggravating the wound. Removing the cone too soon can lead to complications like infection, slower healing, or even the need for additional medical procedures.
However, there may be some instances where you can temporarily remove the cone under close supervision, such as for short activities, eating, or sleep. It’s important to constantly monitor your dog and look for signs of bothering the incision site. Limit activity during this time and never leave your dog unattended without the cone.
If your dog absolutely will not tolerate the cone, discuss alternatives with your vet like an inflatable collar, bite-not collar, or body suit. But do not simply remove the cone without a backup plan. With proper precautions, you can minimize risks while briefly giving your dog relief from the cone when needed.
References
No sources were cited in the creation of this content. As the author, I relied on my own knowledge and expertise on dog care and veterinary medicine to write this article. Though no outside sources were directly referenced, the information presented represents accepted practices and recommendations within the veterinary community.