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The Better Alternatives To Elizabethan Collar

By Richard Green


The Elizabethan collar, simply known as the E-Collar, seems to the only solution known by the vets when it comes to stopping the dog from licking and aggravating their wounds. They are so common yet uncomfortable, a characteristic that has earned them a bad reputation among the dog owners. In fact, some people refer to them as 'a cone of shame'. It is more of a torture device than what it is meant to, which is to help the dog's wounds heal faster. As such, there is a need to explore the alternatives to Elizabethan Collar.

If your dog has shorter legs, it is very easy to be rendered immobile with the e-cone. It also interferes with the visibility, a factor that can increase their misery as a result of continuous crashing on the furniture and doorways. This device can also test the dog's patience to the limit, especially when it gets stuck in the tight spots where the dog wishes to pass through.

The alternatives are designed with the dog's comfort in mind. This means better visibility, improved mobility and soft material that mean more comfort. This does not sacrifice its primary goal which is to prevent the dog from self-aggravated wounds, licking of the existing wounds, the possibility of tearing the surgical stitches and even the temptation to remove the bandages.

The Soft E-Collar like the normal Elizabethan Collars but are made of a more comfortable and softer material. It works very well for most dogs but is not strong enough for a stubborn dog that persists on trying to lick the wounds. At times, the heavy duty plastic may be too firm, or painfully firm. In this case, you can try the paper cones. Although they wear out faster, they offer a good alternative for relaxed dogs.

BiteNot Collars, as the name suggests, are the cones that can resist the bites. They resemble the neck braces that are commonly worn for fashion. With these cones, the dogs get it very difficult to get access to the wound and the bandages. It is comfort makes it favorite for most dogs, but even with this, it does not work well with the dogs that have fat neck or those with long hairs like the Bearded Collies.

Close to this is the Kong EZ Collar which is also a plastic cone. Unlike the e-cone, the plastic used is transparent and lighter in weight. However, making it light and comfortable means a compromise on their rigidity. The outer part of the cone is made of very tough nylon. The inner part on the other hands has a foam rubber.

The ProCollar on the other hands features an inflatable core. It has a cover that makes it very durable and it comes in different sizes and colors. Normally, it has a doughnut shape and is very comfortable for dogs.

If none of the alternatives is working, you could opt for full body armor. It is a design targeting the dogs that are extra motivated and extra aggressive. Other than the body armor, there are cheaper solutions like the boxer shorts, the sweaters, the bandages and the booties among others.




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