Cone Heads

[Kaya]

So Sven has his big appointment on Thursday, obviously he is going to have to wear a cone but does my other dog have to wear a cone as well so she doesnt lick out his stitches? Also how can I make the cone less stressful for him?

[Elizabeth Harlow]

Hi I've never had my other dogs also wear a cone of shame and it has never been a problem. Having a spare on hand might not be a terrible idea though, just in case. It probably depends on how cuddly the two dogs are. But having Sven in a cone might result in your other dog keeping their distance. I highly recommend a Comfy Cone: http://www.allfourpaws.com/the_comfy_cone.php. I am not sure if you'll have enough time to order one online for Thursday or if you could get one in a store in your area.  Many of my friends have borrowed my Comfy Cone over the years and all agree with me it's been less stressful on their furry babies. Best of luck with the "big day!"

[Tracey & Spike]

I second the comfy cone. They are able to wear it normally at night and when your not around but when you are they can wear it backwards almost like a cape. This way they can eat and drink normally. Spike had no issue this way. He did really well with it so I just put shorts on him when I was home. Bought a cheap men's drawstring pair at Walmart. Cut a tail hole. And tied the strings tight but not only knotting them but looping the string around his collar. The shorts are in the picture :)

[Carlene and Kobe]

Hi we just survived 9 days of the cone at the end of June.  When we left the vet's office they had put him in a cone that had a velcro closure; however Kobe had that off before we even got to the car!! So we had to go back in and they got another cone that uses plastic-type rope to attach/tie it to his collar for the duration. He is a licker so we could not take it off - we tried the supposedly yucky no-lick cream but that wouldn't stop him.  He also tried to eat the edge of the cone - by the end it was definitely the worse for wear! That being said, he managed okay - one thing I did have ready was a few new toys to keep him occupied.  Best of luck!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Most of my dogs haven't needed a cone, but one foster dog chewed his stitches out even with a cone, so go figure!  Some people have their pups wear little boys underwear backwards so there is a place for the tail.