{"id":877,"date":"2021-03-19T11:43:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T17:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/?p=877"},"modified":"2022-03-30T08:52:09","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T14:52:09","slug":"new-alternatives-to-the-dreaded-cone-of-shame","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/new-alternatives-to-the-dreaded-cone-of-shame\/","title":{"rendered":"New Alternatives to the Dreaded \u201cCone of Shame\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Most pet owners are familiar with the Elizabethan collar, or e-collar for short. Often referred to as the \u201ccone of shame\u201d, this collar has a much-maligned reputation, despite it serving an essential role in post-surgery recovery for dogs and cats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed to protect pets from licking or chewing at surgical wounds, bandages, sores or itchy spots, the e-collar has been a \u2018go-to\u2019 helper for many years and there are several versions that have become available over time.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Useful Device with a Downside<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While they serve an important purpose, hard plastic e-collars do have their down side. Depending on the type of collar, they can make walking or navigating stairs awkward, they can be hard on furniture and walls as pets bump into them or struggle to get the e-collar off, and they have been shown to cause distress in some pets. E-collars can also cause skin irritations from rubbing on the body, make eating and drinking difficult to impossible, and be uncomfortable to play or sleep in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, several alternative options to the e-collar have become available, including, the soft fabric collars we have available for purchase in our lobby retail store<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if your pet won\u2019t tolerate any e-collar and since we know pet owners are also affected when their pet can\u2019t deal with this device, the staff at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center would like you to know about other options that may just do the trick!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time for New Ways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve already given up completely on the e-collar and the homemade alternatives, such as the t-shirt or your infant\u2019s \u2018onesie\u2019, you know the frustration that goes along with \u201cwhat now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that, today, it\u2019s much easier to find ready-made alternatives designed specifically for pets that overcome many of the obstacles associated with traditional e-collars or home-made substitutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recovery Gear to the Rescue!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to the ever-evolving pet product industry and pet-loving professionals, there are loads of innovations that ease the burden of finding e-collar alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often referred to as \u201cstress-free recovery garments\u201d or \u201crecovery gear\u201d, these items have the safety and comfort of pets in mind and accommodate a wide variety of needs: Inflatable collars, visors, neck restraints, head & ear wraps, body wraps, leg wraps and slings, socks, booties, muzzles and more all answer the call to duty. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, they are also designed to accommodate the specific anatomy of male and female pets. Plus, with adjustable velcro closures or fabric ties, they\u2019re easy to put on and remove when needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, recovery garments deliver numerous benefits and make them well worth the investment, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n