Taking cone off 6 days after neuter?

[Mireille Renaud]

We got our puppy neutered 6 days ago, and decided this morning the cone had to go. We kept it on at all times since his surgery, and his incision is looking really good (just a little tiny scab, no more bruising or swelling)... Has anyone else freed their furry baby of the cone of shame before the recommended full week?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I aven't but I think he should be fine.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

A week is a general guideline. Everybody and every dog heals differently. If you feel it is time and he leaves it alone, then you are good to go. I never even used a cone at all for my girls neutering.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD was neutered by the shelter 4 days before I adopted him. He never had a cone, he had a No-Bite collar, but I only used it for a day or so and he was fine. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

We kept the cone on only at night when we could not keep an eye on her.

[Jennifer and Lily]

I think it depends on if they lick the incision. Lily never licked it, so she never needed a cone. Each dog is different :)

[Mireille Renaud]

Yeah it's funny how some dogs just seem to not care at all... at this stage of the healing process, I find it pretty normal that he wants to lick it every now and then - it must be itchy! I actually let him lick it under my supervision; at this stage, I feel like it's probably healed enough that as long as he's not biting and possibly undoing stitches (his were internal anyway), it's probably fine. We've also been icing it twice daily since the surgery and he seems to love it... loves being pampered! I imagine the ice has a numbing effect and makes the itch go away.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

My girl LOVED the ice and I hardly ever hear of anyone doing it, so Im glad it worked for you too. Bella has a swollen fluid pocket though, so I used ice for that, but she'd lay there with her legs up in the air for as long as I'd hold it there. Yes, loves being pampered too.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Peri had one of those inflatable rings and she deflated it on Day 4 or 5. She was fine.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I only left the cone on for three days and used a t-shirt for a few days after that.

[Kylee]

Willow never bothered with her incision so I never used the cone. Each dog is different but he should be good!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I never even used a cone with Vern. Fudge had to have one, because we had problems with her incision, but Vern's was fine

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Never used one