Wednesday, April 6, 2016

The Better Alternatives To Elizabethan Collar

By Richard Green


The E-Collar, a short form for Elizabethan collar, has become the symbol for the mistreatment to our pets. In fact, it is widely referred to as 'a cone of shame'. Nobody can readily admit that they have come across any dog that likes it. The dog owners see it as a perfect torture device. However, it is what you are likely to get from the vet should you take your dog for treatment of wounds in most body parts. Before accepting it, you need to explore the better alternatives to Elizabethan collar.

Instead of making your dog miserable and uncomfortable with this cone, it is important to consider other options. In fact, the classic cone easily renders any dog that has short legs immobile. It also means no peripheral visibility, which makes them crash on doorways and furniture. The cone also gets stuck in any tight spot and leaves the dog struggling unnecessarily.

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.

The other possible choice is the BiteNot Collars which resemble a neck brace worn by humans. The target is to make it difficult for the dog to reach the wounds on the neck and other body parts. It is very comfortable and most dogs tend to like it. However, the Bearded Collies and other species with long hair or fat necks find it inappropriate.

The Kong EZ Collar is the other common alternative. It relies on a lighter plastic that is transparent to allow for a good peripheral visibility. This makes them more comfortable. However, a lightweight means a compromise to the rigidity. To make them last longer, the outer part is made of a tough nylon material while the inner parts consist of a foam rubber.

The next alternative is the ProCollar which is shaped like a doughnut. It features an inflatable core with a cover that is extremely durable. There are several sizes to choose from. In fact, you can bring your dog along to try the one that fits perfectly.

The full body armor is also an option. It is the solution for dogs that persist to get to the wound despite all other attempts to prevent it. This outfit is normally designed for the extra motivated chewers and can work well in such cases. In some cases, the boxer shorts, booties, sweaters and even the bandages may just work well but not for stubborn lickers.




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