Key Takeaways
Dogs and cats tend to instinctively lick their wounds, which can often do more harm than good, so keeping your pet from licking their wound is an important part of surgery aftercare. With access to the wound, your pet’s licking could delay healing, lead to infection, or even remove the stitches and reopen the wound. Show To prevent licking, most veterinarians recommend your pet wear an Elizabethan collar (or E-collar) which is the classic, plastic cone collar, sometimes called the “cone of shame.” Though it is effective, an E-collar isn’t usually the preferred option for most pets because it’s stiff, bulky, and can be heavy, which causes discomfort and makes it more difficult to move around. This may cause your dog or cat to appear depressed, and some pets may even refuse to eat or drink. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to the “cone of shame,” including cones and collars that are more comfortable for your pet, as well as other tactics to prevent licking. When purchasing any type of collar or cone, it’s important to choose the appropriate size for your pet, otherwise they may still be able to reach their wound with the collar on. It’s advised to try out a few options in advance, if possible, so you can find out what works best for your dog or cat. Here are some great alternative options to the plastic cone. Inflatable collarsAn inflatable collar is similar to an airplane pillow and prevents your pet from licking by greatly reducing the mobility of their head. These collars are lightweight, soft, and allow your dog or cat greater visibility than the traditional E-collar which blocks all of their peripheral vision. There are a number of inflatable collars available, such as the KONG Cloud Collar, the Protective Inflatable Cone Collar, and the Well & Good inflatable collar. Soft E-collarsSimilar to the traditional plastic E-Collar, a soft collar is made of fabric, which is quieter, more flexible, and ultimately more comfortable for your pet. The Comfy Cone is the most recognized brand, but there are other choices, like the E-KOMG, and various attractive collar designs by Alfie Pet, such as a sunflower and a lion’s mane. Neck brace collarSimilar to a neck brace for humans, these pet collars for dogs and cats have a rigid plastic exterior and a soft, padded interior. When properly fitted, it prevents your pet’s neck from bending and only allows for lateral head rotating. One popular brand is the BiteNot collar which is available in seven sizes. Cover the woundAnother method to prevent licking is to cover the wound, rather than restricting the movements of your pet’s head. There are specialized recovery body suits you can purchase for dogs and cats, or you can use a t-shirt, onesie, or sock (for leg wounds) and medical tape to secure the fabric (but never apply tape directly to your pet’s fur). DistractionRedirecting your pet’s attention away from their wound is another technique that can be used alone or in conjunction with one of the products mentioned above. Keep your dog busy with something safe to chew on, such as a carrot or a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or canned dog food (freezing it first will make it last even longer!). Puzzle toys are another great option for both cats and dogs. Simply fill them with dry food or treats and let your pet get to work trying to retrieve their tasty reward. Want to make sure your pets are covered from those unexpected illnesses or injuries with no limits on payouts? Get a quote and make sure you’re covered for those dog and puppy mishaps and unpleasant surprises.
As an Amazon Associate, we may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you. Learn more. When your pup is injured or after he’s gone through surgery, there are high chances that he will lick his wound in an attempt to reduce pain or irritation as well as clear any discharge from the wound or incision. While minor licking may not be an issue, excessive licking could delay healing, remove stitches, reopen the wound, lead to infections, make it hard to apply any gel or crème on the wound, and even kills tissues around the incision area. To ensure complete healing, therefore, it is important to figure out how you can limit your dog’s access or ability to lick the wound as much as you can. Most vets recommend the use of Elizabethan collars (or e-collars). While they are effective, they can be a pain in the butt as your pup tries to navigate his day-to-day life around your home. For instance, some e-collars are stiff and bulky, making it a bit hard for dogs to move around. Some may also be too large and can scare your dog and limit his ability to see properly. As a result, your dog may appear depressed while wearing an e-collar and even refuse to eat or drink. Put simply, most dogs will not be thrilled to be stuffed into an Elizabethan collar. Fortunately, there are several tactics that you can use to prevent your dog from licking his wound instead of forcing him to endure these “cones of shame”. 1. BandagingBandaging the wound will not only ensure that your dog doesn’t access the wound but will also create a hygienic wound environment that can go a long way in promoting fast healing. However, wounds require free flow of oxygen to heal. So, while it is important to ensure that the bandage is on firmly, ensure that it is not too tight and that it restricts the free flow of air or your dog’s movement. You can achieve this by applying the bandage using even pressure and ensuring that there are no wrinkles in the bandage. The only issue with using a bandage to cover dog wounds is that some dog breeds love chewing things, especially if the thing is on their body and they want it off. Such dogs will simply chew through the bandage to access their wounds! If your dog falls in this category, consider using other strategies on this post because using a bandage for him will be ineffective. If your dog isn’t a heavy chewer and you decide to use a bandage to cover his wounds, ensure that it is changed regularly—2-3 days for open wounds. Remember to also follow your vet’s directions and call him immediately if you notice swelling, soreness, or foul smell. 2. Surgical Recovery SuitInstead of restricting the movement of your dog’s head using a cone, you can simply prevent licking by covering the wound. One of the best ways to cover a dog’s wound, especially if it is located on his body, is to use a surgical recovery suit. The surgical suits are made of soft fabric and are designed to cover your dog’s wound in a way that limits obsessive licking, prolonging the healing process. Some are even customized to snap or fold up so that your dog can eliminate with ease. They also come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes, allowing you to choose what suits your dog. 3. T-shirts, Onesies, and Men’s BoxersIf you cannot afford a surgical recovery suit or access one for whatever reason, a T-shirt or men’s boxers will still do the trick. If the wound is located near your dog’s back legs, tail, rump, or genital area, you can cover it using men’s boxers. And if the wound is located in the chest or abdominal area, wearing a T-shirt will offer excellent protection. For small dogs, baby onesies will come in handy. Just ensure that you choose a baby onesie for 12-24 months and that it is flat against your pup’s fur for maximum comfort. Consider rolling it forward when your dog wants to potty. While these items will prevent your dog from touching his wound or stitches, some dogs may still manage to scratch through the fabrics. So, they may only be effective for minor injuries or if you are just looking for a way to prevent your dog from licking some topical lotion you’ve applied on your dog’s wound. It is also advisable to supervise your dog while wearing these items so that he doesn’t remove them. 4. BootsBoots are fairly easy to pull on and off, making them an excellent option for covering wounds on your dog’s legs or paws. As you can guess, boots won’t be very helpful for wounds located in your dog’s tummy or back. You can use boots on their own or make your pup wear them over a bandage. If you decide to use both, it important to opt for boots that are at least one size bigger. This will ensure that the boots not only stay on your dog but are also not too tight for him. Some dogs will hate boots the same way they hate e-collars. If your dog falls in this category, you should re-consider using boots because you’ll basically be picking one evil over another. 5. Anti-Lick Sprays And StripsAnti-lick sprays and strips are designed with terrible flavors like bitter apple to discourage your dog from licking. The best options are products that are made with natural ingredients because they have few side effects and seldom trigger allergic reactions. Many vets vouch for Grannicks Bitter Apple as one of the best products in this niche. Not only does it discourage your dog from licking his wounds but you can also use it to deter your dog from chewing your furniture or biting your valuables. The only issue with ant-licking sprays is that they are not effective for all dogs. Some dogs will continue to lick their wounds regardless of how bitter a spray taste. If this describes your dog, try other methods we’ve mentioned on this post or come up with a more creative solution. Most importantly, always discuss with your vet before you use any spray on your dog’s wound—some products may cause serious irritation, which could cause even more licking. 6. Distract Your PupAnother simple strategy that you can leverage to stop your dog from licking his wound is to redirect his attention away from the wound. Consider keeping him occupied with something to chew or make his tongue and paws busy using the following tactics:
7. Invest In Itch Relief ProductsIn most cases, your dog will lick his wound because it is itching. You can help your pooch by getting him products that are meant to relieve itching, including medicated shampoos, plain Benadryl, or steroids for severe cases. 8. ExerciseYour dog may also resort to licking his wounds due to boredom. So, even if you buy some of the products we’ve recommended on this post, don’t just lock your pup in his kennel and expect him to steer clear of his wound. The moment he becomes bored, he will start licking his wound or ripping out his stitches. Ensure that your pup gets a good walk or run depending on how active he is. Final ThoughtsHopefully, now you understand how to stop a dog from licking his wound without a collar. Whatever strategy you decide to use, supervise your dog to figure out if it is working for him. And in case you cannot get your pup to stop licking his wound obsessively, we recommend contacting your vet for more professional input. Your vet will either prescribe for you medication that can curb the behavior or propose other creative ways that you can use to distract your dog’s attention from his wound. |