Alternatives to the Elizabethan Collar

Dogs and other pets have a natural inclination to bite or lick at their wounds, even after the wounds are dressed and healing. To prevent that, traditionally veterinarians have used a conical plastic device called an Elizabethan collar (or an e-collar, cone or lampshade) to keep the dog from aggravating the wound. However, this method can make it difficult for dogs to eat and drink, and even to see and hear. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives devised by ingenious dog owners.

  1. Homemade Options

    • Devising an alternative to an Elizabethan collar for your pet can be as easy as repurposing an item of clothing you have lying around, such as a T-shirt or a pair of shorts. For small pets, child-size T-shirts can cover wounds neatly̵2;just put one on your pet as you would on a child, but be sure to secure it tightly. Or take a length of fabric, cut it to fit your pet and sew it together for a "body sock." If the wound is on the dog's hind end, find a fitted pair of old shorts and fasten them to the dog's collar with a string. Any of these items can be removed when your pet goes outside.

    Foam Collars

    • Commercially-available products such as the BiteNot collar are made out of thick, soft foam that's both durable and comfortable for your pet. These protect your dog's wound while still allowing it to see what's going on around it, and make eating and drinking easier. A similar product, the Neck's Best Thing, is flexible in that it can be cut to fit around your pet's neck, to act as a splint for its leg, or for use as a compression bandage on the abdomen. The instructions provide a guide for measuring your pet and cutting the product to fit. Either way, your pet will appreciate the comfort and versatility. Other commercial collars resemble Elizabethan collars but are floppy and more mobile, allowing your pet to see where it's going.

    Facial Options

    • The Optivisor and Novaguard are types of adjustable clear plastic muzzles that fit over a dog's eyes, nose and mouth. They work to protect a dog's face after injuries or trauma in that area, and act as barriers to wounds in other areas. Made of PVC, they're available in multiple sizes and can be wiped clean easily.

    Considerations

    • Be sure to consult your veterinarian before trying any of these methods. Your pet will thank you for allowing its wound to heal cleanly and painlessly.