Alternatives to an E-Collar

Many dogs can not tolerate the large, conical, Elizabethan Collars that most veterinary offices provide following canine surgery. If you are dealing with a dog that is able to get their e-collar off, refuses to lay down with the e collar on, is marking up the furniture with the collar, unable to eat, sleep, or rest with the collar in place, or is acting in an aggressive manner toward the ecollar, there are options available.

The ProCollar has an inflatable inner bladder made of a plastic vinyl that is inflated through a two-way air valve much like a beach ball. When the Pro Collar is inflated, the size and thickness of the ProCollar function as a soft deterrent to biting. The inner bladder is protected by a pliable plastic outer jacket lined with a durable canvas material to resist bites and scratches. While wearing the ProCollar, pets are able to eat, sleep and play at ease while staying protected. The ProCollar is held in place by inserting the pet’s everyday collar through the ProCollar’s three inner rings, and the velcro strap should be placed at the back of the neck and then adjusted for a perfect fit.

The Neck’s Best Thing Collar is also another option for your dog instead of an E-Collar. The collar will not block your pet’s vision, allowing them to be more comfortable during the recovery process. The collar comes in a flat sheet of 12″ X 28″ non-toxic ribbed foam that can be cut down into a variety of custom sizes to fit just about any pet. A soft backing and velcro make the collar easy to attach and remove. Using scissors you can make a splint, a wound covering, a neck brace to keep them from getting at wounds or whatever else you can think of. All from one 12″ x 28″ piece. The Neck’s Best Thing will not prevent your dog from licking its front lower legs or paws so you’ll need something else for that, but it can be used as a wrap around the front leg. It gives your pets the freedom to go about daily activities with fewer distractions while still providing time for wounds to heal. The Necks Best Thing collar is weatherproof and hand washable.

There is also a soft E-Collar on the market, which simply looks like a life preserver worn around your pet’s neck. The Soft-E-Collar is a lightweight foam pillow covered with a durable, attractive vinyl. It is an effective alternative to the plastic elizabethan collar (“E Collar”), and is easily cleaned and stain resistant. The pillow passes over the pet’s head and ties around the neck with a drawstring. The Soft-E will prevent a dog or cat from licking or biting most parts of his body.

Another alternative to an E-Collar is PetSleeves Rx. Pet Sleeves are disposable pet wear that are perfectly suited to the post operative canine, made from human-quality surgical gown material. PetSleeves Rx provides a wide range of sizes and fits, allowing owners to avoid using their own shirts, pants, towels, or having their pet wear an uncomfortable collar. This product is not commercially available and must be ordered by your veterinarian, so it would be wise to contact them as far as possible in advance to surgery to make sure you have the PetSleeves available.