How to Increase Comfort for a Dog Wearing an E-Collar

Elizabethan collars, or E-collars, are fabric or plastic hoods dogs wear following accidents or surgical procedures. Veterinarians provide them to prevent canines from licking wounds or incisions, contributing to efficient, complete healing. If your four-legged friend needs to wear this device, here are a few ways you can make it easy for your pup to handle it.

Depending on the size of the E-collar, eating and drinking can become challenging for your dog. Help your fuzzy friend get its mouth over the dishes by moving the containers away from the wall. You can also purchase raised bowls, providing easier food and water access. These products will benefit your canine even after they no longer have an E-collar on, as they improve comfort by eliminating the need to bend over dishes.

2. Keep Pathways Clear

It is not uncommon for dogs wearing plastic cones to bump into walls, furniture, and other objects. This situation occurs because they do not realize their collars create navigation issues. 

To help your canine move around the house comfortably, keep its usual pathways clear of any obstacles. Your furry friend will feel less stressed as a result.

3. Stay Out of the Dog Park

After treatment from a veterinarian, your canine needs rest to allow its body to heal. Therefore, avoid local dog parks for a week or more. This measure prevents your four-legged friend from overexerting itself and possibly reinjuring the surgical site or wound. 

To help your dog relax, give it plenty of love and attention. Softly pet its head, neck, back, and tummy while saying soothing words and phrases, and offer your pup treats. As a result, you’ll provide it with a welcome distraction from the medical device. 

4. Add Pillows or Rolled Blankets to the Dog’s Bed 

Wearing an E-collar can make sleeping on a flat dog bed difficult and uncomfortable. Adding rolled blankets or pillows addresses this problem, helping your pup prop its head up and enjoy a restful sleep. 

Its bed should also be in an easily-accessible place, such as on the ground floor near its pet bowls. If this furnishing is upstairs or in the basement, it can be challenging for the canine to reach during recovery.