7 Tips to Help Your Dog Recover Faster While Wearing a Pet Recovery Collar (Elizabethan Collar)

April 15, 2016

When your furry family member is injured or recovering from a medical issue, it can be a very stressful time for everyone. Here are a few helpful hints that will help get your pet back to good health as quickly as possible.

Although a soft pet recovery e-collar is designed to be far more comfortable than a plastic cone, your dog or cat may need to adjust to having a strange new object around their neck. Most pets adjust rather quickly. Remember that the purpose of a recovery collar is to help your dog heal as quickly as possible, so it’s important to keep the Cuddle Cone on your pet until they have finished healing.

Here are some tips to help your pet heal as quickly as possible:

1. Proper fit. Be sure to measure your dog carefully according to the measuring instructions to ensure the correct fit. The cone should ideally extend a minimum of 2” past your pet’s nose to keep them from reaching the affected area.
2. Keep a close eye on your pet. This is especially important in the first day or two after surgery. They may be sedated or on pain meds, and it is important to keep a watchful eye as they adjust to wearing a cone.
3. Keep calm and cone on. Your pet takes their cues from you. Try to keep your dog or cat’s environment as calm and comforting as possible. A quiet, stress-free, relaxing environment can aid in restful healing and prevent excessive excitement and further injury.
4. Keep food and water accessible. For feeding with the cone on, be sure that your pet’s water and food bowls are small enough to fit within the area of the cone. You may also remove the cone during eating, with careful supervision, or may fold it back to make food access easier.
5. Follow your vet's care instructions. Be sure to apply antiseptics or antibiotics if supplied by your veterinarian. Re-apply as recommended and be sure to keep dressings changed regularly and clean to avoid infection.
6. Resume normal activities slowly. As your dog begins to feel better, they can begin to resume many of their normal activities while wearing the Cuddle Cone. After the wound starts healing, check with your vet to see if it’s okay to remove the collar for short periods of time under supervision. Exercise can help in healing, but proceed slowly. Depending on your dog’s injury, you may want to temporarily curtail some activities such as dog park visits.
7. Keep your dog busy. Even while wearing a cone, many dogs can still enjoy many of their daily activities, such as playing, enjoying a treat, or cuddling. Give them extra attention, reassurance and love.

Follow these guidelines and, in no time, your dog will be feeling as good as new!

These tips are not meant to take the place the expert advice of your veterinarian. Please check with your vet for instructions on caring for your pet’s specific needs.

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