Alternatives to the “cone of shamecone of shameAn Elizabethan collar, E collar or pet cone (sometimes humorously called a pet lamp-shade, pet radar dish, dog-saver, or cone of shame) is a protective medical device worn by an animal, usually a cat or dog.” are inflatable collars, soft E-collars and neck brace collars. Try covering the wound with soft fabric secured by medical tape to prevent licking. Keep pets busy with other fun things to distract them from licking wounds.
Helpful hint - Four ways you can stop your dog licking their wounds
How to Keep Your Dog from Licking Their Stitches
For dogs licking paws, try placing a specially designed paw bandage, or even one of your socks wrapped with adhesive surgical tape, over the irritated paw. Putting a T-shirt on your dog to cover a wound provides loose protection that also lets air reach the spot. You can purchase a recovery suit to protect your dog.
Since the incision still appears to be closed, you don't need to rush to an emergency vet tonight. Instead, put an e-collar (cone) on Kimber to prevent further licking and take her to the vet in the morning. I hope that all goes well!Filed under:
Veterinarians often recommend e-collars to prevent dog wound licking after surgeries such as spaying and neutering, as well as following any procedure that may require stitches. Similarly, groomers and veterinarians will also recommend an e-collar during treatment of hot spots.
The wound and the stitches that hold it together may be cleansed gently with mild soap and water after 24 hours. Twice daily washing may decrease the risk of infection. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend the use of an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin or Neosporin to help minimize infection.
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Contact us or your regular veterinarian about what might help your pet. The best way to get your pet to stop is to get an Elizabethan (or “E”) collar, AKA “Lampshade”, or “Cone of Shame”. These stay on your pet during the healing cycle and prevent your pet from licking.
“That's why humans can be forgiven for translating licks as 'kisses,'” she says. “They do, after all, seem to happen more when our dogs are relaxed at home and in situations where they're most likely to be displaying affection.” But that doesn't mean there isn't an affection component, too.
Veterinarians suggest that the only guaranteed way to protect a wound from licking, especially at night or when you're not watching the dog, is to use a properly fitted Elizabethan collar.
A simple way to address behavioral paw-licking is to distract your dog. Take them for more walks, play with them more often, and offer them toys to hold their focus. Don't scold them for licking, but don't reward them with treats either.
There are many reasons why dogs lick or chew their paws, and if the licking is excessive, a veterinarian can help you pinpoint the underlying cause.
Here are the fundamental steps for cleaning a dog's stitches:
Your dog licking their nose here and there isn't usually a cause for concern. Most dogs lick their noses to calm themselves, cool down their body heat, or keep it moist. It is only when the licking becomes persistent and is combined with other abnormal behavior that you should start taking the act more seriously.