After undergoing pet surgery or sustaining an injury, your small animal hospital may prescribe an Elizabethan collar—often called an E-collar or “cone of shame”—for your dog or cat. The purpose of this plastic cone is to prevent your four-legged friend from licking, biting, or scratching a wound or skin irritation while it heals. If your pet needs to wear this device after returning home from the animal hospital, here are a few tips to help them adjust. 

4 Ways to Help Your Dog or Cat Wear an E-Collar

1. Provide Guidance

As you leave the animal hospital, your pet may be confused and frustrated by the E-collar since it requires a greater clearance and they may not be able to walk and jump in their usual manner. To ease the transition, provide guidance as they get in and out of the car, once they enter your home, and as you take them on walks around the neighborhood. Keep in mind that their sight line could be hindered by the device, and their spatial awareness will be off, so stay vigilant and guide them as necessary to avoid running into things. 

2. Eliminate Obstacles

Once you’re at home and getting your pet settled in, walk the space with them to observe any obstacles. You may need to move furniture to create wider walkways and move the location of their bed so they can get around without bumping into walls, doorframes, and large objects. 

3. Relocate Food & Water Bowls

Check to see if your pet is able to drink and eat while wearing their cone. You may need to position these bowls away from a wall or prop them onto a tray to allow easier access. If your pet is having trouble eating with their E-collar on, remove it during meal times then put it back on as soon as they’re done. 

4. Give Plenty of Praise

Most importantly, celebrate your pet when they make the appropriate adjustments, walk nicely, or eat while wearing their E-collar. Receiving positive reinforcement, love, and affection while they heal can put your pet at ease and help them acclimate to the cone. They might even ignore it after the first couple of days. 

If you’re a pet owner located in the greater Enterprise, AL, area and are looking for a dedicated small animal hospital that treats pets like family and happily provides care recommendations to ease the transition after pet surgery, Animal Health Center is your one-stop shop for comprehensive service. With over 50 years of experience and a reputation for pairing the latest techniques with a friendly bedside manner, you can trust Dr. Bruce Donaldson, Dr. Matthew Farris, Dr. Jake Hendrix, and their team of support staff with your furry friend. Call today at (334) 347-0544 to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to review their services and receive a coupon for your first visit.