The plastic Elizabethan collar, or e-collar, is common for pets to wear after a medical procedure. However, the “cone of shame” can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for many cats and dogs as they heal after visiting a vet hospital. But are they the only solution to keeping animals from aggravating their wounds? Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital in Southgate, KY, reveals a few pet-friendly alternatives to these cones that may give your furry friend the relief they’re looking for.

5 E-Collar Alternatives Your Pet Can Wear After Coming Home From the Vet Hospital

1. Soft Cone

This alternative resembles a traditional e-collar but is typically made out of a soft cloth that can be adjusted around an animal’s neck. Soft collars are a great option for picky cats or dogs who need to lie down a certain way. Keep in mind, this look still isn’t discrete and may block your pet’s peripheral vision.

2. Brace Collar

Similar to a neck brace, this option fits around a pet’s neck without putting any distracting elements around the face. This restricting brace is ideal for animals who may need a little more mobility or have trouble getting food into their mouths when they wear a cone. If your pet gets spayed or neutered during their vet hospital visit, the brace can restrict movement enough to protect the surgical site. However, it may not fully prevent them from reaching their tail or paws.

3. Pillow Collar

A pillow collar looks quite similar to the neck pads humans wear on airplanes for comfort, except it wraps around the animal’s entire neck like a doughnut. Crafted from a plush material, this option allows cats and dogs to rest their heads comfortably. Animals may find it easier to eat with a pillow collar than an e-collar, but you may have to wash it periodically since pets aren’t the cleanest eaters!

4. Inflatable Collars

An inflatable collar is similar to the aforementioned pillow option, but it is blown up like a pool toy. This option can deflate for travel and is more lightweight than its plush counterpart.

5. Recovery Sleeve

If you don’t want to put anything around your pet’s head or neck, a recovery sleeve is a viable alternative. Sleeves wrap around a specific part of the body — such as the knee, leg, or torso — to shield recovering surgical sites from the elements and biting.  

The best option will ultimately depend on your pet’s preferences and the type of surgery they are recovering from. Understanding that animals are fickle, Dr. Eric Doan of Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital is proud to offer several e-collar alternatives so your companion is comfortable after surgery. To learn more about this veterinarian’s approach to care, visit his clinic’s website. You can also call (859) 781-1800 to speak to a team member about scheduling an appointment at this Southgate, KY, vet hospital.