E-Collar Alternatives

Having trouble getting your pet to wear his plastic e-collar after surgery? Here are some alternatives to protect his wound, and heal more comfortably while preventing him from chewing on his sutures.

T-shirts

• Forelimb wounds: Long-sleeved T-shirts knotted at the waist to secure them are a handy way to protect sutures located on your pet’s forelimb.
• Abdomen wounds: Short-sleeved T-shirts knotted at the waist are a good way to protect sutures located on your pet’s abdomen.
• Hindquarters wounds: Short-sleeved T-shirts put on backwards (tail through neck hole, legs through arm holes) and knotted to secure can help protect hindquarters sutures. (Note, this needs to be removed when your pet is taken out to urinate or defacate).

T-shirt with top knot to protect abdominal wounds.

T-shirt with top knot to protect hindquarters wounds

Socks

• Leg wounds: Putting 2 snug socks over your pet’s leg can deter wound biting. Loose socks may be difficult to keep in place.

Comfortable Collars

• Comfy cone: This flexible collar enables your cat or dog to lie down more comfortably, while still preventing them from chewing on wounds. (These are sold at Angell’s Pharmacy).
• Bite Free/cervical collars: These collars help prevent wound biting without impeding peripheral vision.(Available at www.drsfostersmith.com)
• Inflatable collars: This is another option which preserves peripheral vision while protecting wounds. (Available at www.drsfostersmith.com)

Comfy Collar (for dogs or cats) – photo from www.drsfostersmith.com

Bite Free Collar – photo from www.drsfostersmith.com

Inflatable Collar with Canvas Cover – photo from www.drsfostersmith.com