How to Make a Cone Collar

If you're looking for a way to keep your pet from hurting itself, consider using a cone collar. Cone collars, also known as Elizabethan collars or e-collars, are devices placed around the necks of pets to keep them from chewing at a wound or bandage. Cone collars are also used to prevent your pet from scratching at its ears and face. You can make a cone collar for your pet by using a light plastic container, such as a margarine tub, ice cream tub, plastic flower pot or any other cylindrical plastic container.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Light plastic tub or bucket
  • Compass
  • Heavy-duty scissors
  • 1 package of moleskin
  • Small screw driver or steel skewer
  • Twine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the size of cone collar you need by measuring the distance between your pet's collar (still on its neck) and the end of its nose. Record this number for later use. The container you choose will have to be that many inches deep.

    • 2

      Loosen your pet's collar so it slips easily over its head; measure the collar diameter while it's still fastened. Write down this number for later use. This will be the diameter of the cone collar's neck hole.

    • 3

      Use your recorded measurements to locate a light plastic container that is deep enough to fit your pet. Make sure this container has a bottom measuring close to the necessary diameter.

    • 4

      Set a compass to one-half of the diameter you previously measured. Use the compass to draw a hole on the bottom of your container. Cut out this hole with heavy-duty scissors.

    • 5

      Cut strips of moleskin and stick them over the plastic edge of the hole. Cover the entire edge. This ensures that your pet's neck won't be injured by the cone collar.

    • 6

      Use a small screw driver or steel skewer to punch four to six holes around the cone, about 1/2 inch in from the neck hole. Peel back some of the moleskin, if necessary.

    • 7

      Cut five-inch pieces of twine and loop them through all the holes on the cone, around your pet's usual collar, and back around the edge of the neck hole; tie loosely. Place the entire cone and collar over your pet's head and tighten its collar as normal. Then tighten and knot all the pieces of twine so the cone holds firmly to your pet's collar.