Alternative to Elizabethan collars

There are times when our pets need to wear one of those contraptions to prevent them from reaching a certain place on their body. This is typically a surgical site, bandage, hot spot, lick granuloma, or any number of other conditions that would be aggravated by licking and/or chewing.

My dogs have worn Elizabethan collars, or e. collars as they are commonly called, and hated them. The large opaque plastic cones worn around neck severely limit vision and must be truly terrifying. Just think about it - the animal is in pain, possibly still recovering from anesthesia, and its perception of environment is drastically altered by the cone. Dogs (and cats, too) do not seem to understand the width and length restrictions of the e. collar and continue to bump into things as they try to navigate their surroundings. Many of them refuse to eat and even move around, which is not good for convalescing animal.

Good news! There are much better alternatives for almost all cases when animal needs to be restrained from reaching a certain spot. Here they are!

BiteNot collars

http://www.bitenot.com/

Neck donuts

http://www.petco.com/product/100555/ProCollar-Premium-Inflatable-Protective-Collar.aspx

The Comfy Cone

http://www.allfourpaws.com/

Neck's Best Thing Collar

http://www.sitstay.com/dog/supplies/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=40541

I have personally switched to the BiteNot collars and loved them as much as you can like this type of products. The girls tolerated it very well without any undue stress. All of them seem to be thoughtfully designed for most comfort and are probably as suitable. One thing to keep in mind is the type of restriction required. In some of those collars, agile dogs can reach certain spots even with the physical restrain of the collar - something to consider when choosing the model.

Most vets or pet stores do not carry these alternative restraining collars. With elective surgeries, multiple dog households, or longer convalescent times, you might consider investing few dollars into one of these to dramatically increase your pet's comfort during recovery. He or she will certainly benefit from your consideration and forethought.