Hi! It’s me, Goose! I have been going with Mom a lot to the vet hospital recently. I like it a lot. I love my Mom. I keep seeing these pets with huge collars around their necks. I know them because Mom puts one on me fairly often. Sometimes, even when I am scratching an itch.
Mom says these are called Elizabethan collars (also known as an E-collar or the cone of shame) and it is a plastic or fabric hood or cone that helps protect injuries or wounds from further damage. It is natural for dogs to lick their wounds, but this can delay healing or even lick out sutures requiring another visit to the doctor.
Most dogs will get used to the collar after a few hours. You can ease the transition by keeping your dog in a confined space where there are no small movable objects such as stools, chairs, and tables which would move if knocked. Sometimes changing from a hard plastic to soft collar or donut collar helps too.
A correctly sized collar should allow for normal feeding and drinking. If your dog refuses to eat with the collar on, try offering food in a shallow dish or plate. If you feel you must remove the protective collar, make sure your dog is supervised, and replace it as soon as the meal is finished.
Mom just went in the exam room and I have an itch to scratch that’s been killing me. Gotta go!
