What Are E-Collars & How to Put an Elizabethan Collar on a Cat & Dog ?
Elizabethan collars (“E-collars”) are lampshade-shaped devices a dog or cat wears around the neck to protect its own tissue from self-trauma during healing. Commonly an E-collar is worn after surgery to keep the animal from licking, chewing, or otherwise disturbing the area of the body that was operated on. A dog or cat’s licking, contrary to popular myth, is not helpful but in fact delays tissue healing and favors infection. Other common uses of E-collars include protecting bandages or dressings that cover wounds and during treatment of ear infections or facial lesions to protect these areas from being scratched with a hind paw.
An Elizabethan collar is a plastic cone placed around an animal’s head to prevent them from licking or biting a wound. Unfortunately, some pets find Elizabethan collars uncomfortable, and there has been much debate about whether they’re truly necessary.
What Is An Elizabethan Collar?
An Elizabethan collar is a plastic cone placed around a pet’s neck to prevent them from causing infection or further injury to a wound.1 There are several types of cones and alternatives, and the sizes vary based on the size of the pet since the goal is for the cone to extend beyond the nose to prevent licking and chewing a wound.
Elizabethan collars for dogs and cats are typically worn for a week or more, depending on how long it takes for them to heal. Since cones prevent pets from hurting themselves, they’re especially beneficial when pet parents can’t be around to watch their pets and prevent them from licking or biting themselves.
There are several different types of E-collars available. Generally these can be acquired at a veterinary hospital or a pet supply store.
The two most popular types are:
• Plastic (clear, white, or grey): These are thick, durable, multipurpose E-collars. Owing to their strength, they provide the best protection. They are also easy to clean. Before construction, these look like a half-circle of plastic with open square notches along one end and slits along the other end. Tabs face the center of the half-circle. When assembled, they are cone shaped and are held in place with a loop of gauze around the neck. There are variations of this type of E-collar that are secured with Velcro or metal stud-type buttons.
• Thin, waterproof paper (blue): These are shaped like a satellite dish and are soft, pliable, lightweight paper collars that are appropriate for pets that do not vigorously attempt to reach around them. A major advantage is that they do not hurt when the pet collides with a person’s legs, nor do they have as much potential to cause damage to doorways or furniture as the hard plastic collars. With a strong and determined dog or cat, however, these paper collars may not be sturdy enough (destroyed with a few strong scratches or chews). These large paper collars are simply secured with fabric laces around the neck.
There are several types of Elizabethan collars for cats and dogs, including:
- Lampshade: The lampshade e-collar is the most common type, and they’re made from a flexible plastic that fits around the pet’s neck to prevent them from licking their wounds. Dogs and cats seem to dislike this type of e-collar the most because it’s the less flexible option available, and it may block their sight because it must extend beyond the nose.
- Flexible/soft: Flexible or soft e-collars are made from more flexible materials and have a thin layer of padding to provide pets with additional comfort. They’re more comfortable for dogs and cats but not as effective as the more rigid designs because of their flexibility.
- Inflatable: Inflatable e-collars, often known as donuts, have an inflatable, circular design covered in soft material. Unlike other types of e-collars, they’re not cone-shaped, so they won’t block a pet’s sight and only prevent them from being able to turn their heads to lick themselves. But, of course, because they don’t extend beyond the nose, it’s possible for a dog or cat to still lick their wounds, depending on the location.
TROUBLESHOOTING BEFOREHAND
All types of E-collars are available in various sizes and should be sized appropriately. An E-collar that is too big can easily slip off, whereas one that is too small can irritate or even cut the skin around the neck or interfere with breathing. A properly sized E-collar is comfortable and effective at blocking self-trauma.
The main points to watch out for when placing the E-collar on a dog or cat (either for the first time or if it has slipped off) are:
• Make sure the E-collar is properly assembled and clean.
• When putting the plastic E-collar together, don’t worry about whether it is inside-out or right-side-out (same thing).
• Make sure plastic tabs and any other protruding parts don’t poke the pet’s eyes or ears while you are slipping it over the face and head. With hard plastic collars, you should firmly bend the loops that hold the string or gauze (which will tie the E-collar in place around the neck) outward, away from the hole for the head, for easier passage of the collar over the face.
• Make sure the string or gauze that will be tied around the neck is loose and is kept away from the pet’s mouth when you slip the collar over the face and head.
• When putting the E-collar on the dog or cat, there should always be one hand on the animal and one hand holding the collar. A common pitfall to avoid is to try putting an E-collar on a dog or cat by holding just the collar, not the animal. Holding the E-collar by the outer edge with both hands in an attempt to thrust it through and over the head in one quick motion is likely to frighten, annoy, or injure the pet and is not recommended.
• Make sure it is long enough to accomplish the goal of an E-collar: the length of the collar, when resting as far back on the neck as the pet’s shoulders, should still extend past the tip of the pet’s nose.
What Are Elizabethan Collars Used For?
Pets, especially dogs, lick their wounds because it’s soothing and their way of cleaning it. Unfortunately, when a pet licks its wounds, it can prevent proper healing and cause infection or further injury. Vets use e-collars to stop this behavior and prevent dogs and cats from licking their wounds to prevent them from injuring themselves.A few instances where an Elizabethan collar might be necessary for pets include:
- Recovering from wounds: Dogs and cats with a surgical wound or injury will receive an e-collar to prevent them from licking the wound, which can prevent proper healing or cause infection. For example, vets often recommend cones after spaying and neutering or after removing a tumor.
- Excessive licking behavior: Dogs and cats can excessively lick or chew themselves, causing open wounds. If there is no underlying cause of the behavior, they may do this when they’re anxious or have another type of behavioral problem. While you’re treating the underlying issue, your vet may recommend an Elizabethan collar to prevent your pet from causing further harm to their skin.
- Allergies/skin issues: Parasites like ringworm and skin allergies that cause itching can force dogs and cats to scratch themselves and create wounds. If your dog or cat is scratching themselves, you must determine the cause and treat skin issues to reduce pain and discomfort. However, an e-collar can help them heal any wounds they’ve created while your vet treats the underlying issue.
- Scratching of the face/head: Dogs with ear infections may scratch their ears and worsen their infection or cause further pain. Of course, there are several medications available that can reduce itchy ears almost immediately. Still, some dogs may continue to scratch themselves, so vets may recommend an Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from injuring themselves. While ear infections in cats are less common, a vet may give your cat an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from worsening their infections or accidentally removing any of the medication by scratching at themselves.
PROCEDURE FOR ASSEMBLING THE E-COLLAR
When the collar is already in a cone shape, see below. If you need to assemble the hard plastic E-collar (new—flat sheet of plastic in the shape of a semicircle):
1. First identify the edge with the open square holes and the other edge with the slits. Note that on one edge, there are two or more parallel rows of slits. In step 3, you will need to choose the appropriate row of slits to create a collar that is the correct size.
2. Bend the collar into a cone shape such that these edges overlap. The square holes on one edge of the collar should lie on the outside (convex surface) of the cone on top of the slits on the other edge. To assemble the collar, the square holes and the slits will be held together by weaving a long plastic strip through them.
3. Since there are two or more parallel rows of slits, this is the opportunity to size the E-collar properly. Choose an amount of overlap (i.e., a particular row of slits) so that the hole for the neck is just large enough to allow the E-collar to pass over the head and ears snugly.
4. With the square holes lined up with the chosen row of slits, you can now use the long plastic strip to weave the two edges of the collar together in overlapping fashion. Bend the long strip of plastic to the outside (convex surface) of the collar, and slip it through the closest square hole and the first slit beneath that hole. Pull the strip all the way through into the concave part of the collar. Then feed the strip through the second slit and back through the same square hole, and pull the whole tab through to the convex surface of the collar. Pull firmly on the long strip to firmly seat the edges of the collar together; there should be two small plastic “shoulders” that prevent it from feeding too far in. You should now have the long strip forming a loop then diving into the collar and back out again, binding the two edges of the collar together at that point.
5. Repeat this “weaving” process with the second and third square holes (and their underlying strips) to fasten the edges of the E-collar together at three points and make a solid, firm cone.
6. To make loops for the gauze ribbon or lace that will hold the E-collar in place around the neck: curl each of the three or four small tabs toward the convex surface of the collar, and push each one first through the bottom slit (pointing it to the concave surface of the collar) and then back out through the second slit.
PROCEDURE FOR PLACING THE E-COLLAR ON YOUR PET
1. This procedure assumes the E-collar is already assembled, meaning it is cone or dish shaped. If it is not (i.e., it is a flat sheet of plastic), see above for assembly.
2. Sit or stand beside your dog or cat. For a right-handed person, be on the pet’s left side. Both of you should be facing in the same direction, meaning the pet is along your right thigh. Face to face does not give you control and challenges the pet to escape.
3. Pick up the E-collar by the edge, at the large end of the cone, with your left hand.
4. Reach around with your right hand to the right side of the pet’s head, and hold the side of the head (cats, small dogs) or the side of muzzle (larger dogs).
5. Guide the nose and head through the smaller end of the E-collar as you slide the cone to sit in place, past the ears and around the neck.
6. For cats, it can be helpful to use your right elbow to create a nook with your right thigh (when you are sitting on a couch to do this, for example) that restrains the cat’s hind end, preventing the cat from backing out and away.
7. Likewise, keep the edge of the collar out of the cat or dog’s mouth by keeping the pet’s mouth closed with your right hand and pointing the nose through the hole of the E-collar. In other words, one hand takes the whole head (cats, small dogs) or just the muzzle (bigger dogs) and guides it nose first through the opening in the E-collar until the back edge of the collar has come to rest well past the ears.
8. Tie the string or gauze in a shoelace-type knot, snugly but not too tight. You should be able to slip two or three fingers comfortably between the neck and the tied string/gauze.
How Does It Work?
Elizabethan collars serve a fundamental purpose: keeping your pet safe from itself. E-collars prevent animals from chewing or scratching at their body while it heals from surgery or injury.
The device is typically attached to your cat’s collar with strings or tabs. The collar’s neck should be shallow enough that your pet can still eat and drink as normal. However, don’t be surprised if your finicky kitty decides to skip meals in protest while it wears its e-collar. Some cats don’t take well to them. If this is the case with your kitty, remove the collar for meals and supervise your pet the entire time.
Your vet will provide a rough estimate of how long your cat will need to keep the collar on. Typically, they recommend between seven to ten days, which can feel like a lifetime for you and your pet. You must keep the collar on the entire time your cat is healing, though. Even the most well-behaved kitties can get obsessive with licking and scratching when they’re in pain or uncomfortable. Before you stop using the e-collar, touch base with your vet to ensure it is safe to do so.
Pros & Cons
If your pet has ever used an Elizabethan collar, you may have noticed they either tolerate it or try to rub it against the furniture to get it off. Unfortunately, while e-collars may not be the most comfortable thing your pet has worn around their neck, they are necessary. Cats with Elizabethan collars may be less tolerant than dogs because they’re not used to wearing anything other than a collar around the home. Dogs and cats may experience the same type of discomfort as e-collars can make it difficult to fall asleep, play with their favorite toys, and enjoy their regular daily activities. Let’s discuss a few pros and cons of e-collars.
Pros
Elizabethan collars are important tools for vets, and not wearing e-collars can cause pets to chew their stitches, delay healing, and even cause infections that may result in the need for surgery.1 Therefore, they effectively prevent more dangerous situations, even though they may be slightly uncomfortable for pets. Ultimately, because a dog may open their wounds or cause infection by licking, Elizabethan collars can save lives by preventing injuries.
E-collars are lightweight and sturdy to prevent pets from harming themselves while ensuring they can do their regular daily activities like going on walks, napping, eating, and drinking water. They’re also affordable for pet parents and easy to clean. The classic lampshade e-collar is the most effective because it provides full coverage to prevent the licking, chewing, or scratching of wounds.
Cons
Elizabethan collars can cause anxiety in pets because they’re uncomfortable and block their peripheral vision (depending on the type of e-collar used). They can also cause ulcerated skin if the plastic digs into their necks when the pet tries to take them off, or they can cause dangerous situations.2 For example, a dog might try to walk into their crate while their pet parent isn’t monitoring them and get stuck because of their collar. In addition, dogs and cats can easily bump into things and knock them over because they don’t have full visibility.
Still, most pets get used to their e-collars after a few hours of wearing them, but pet parents should keep them safe by either monitoring them or keeping them in a safe space where they can’t walk into anything.
Many pet parents also think their pet’s e-collar will prevent them from eating or drinking. However, a properly fitted collar should never prevent a dog or cat from reaching their food or water bowls. Still, depending on the type of bowls you use, you may have to use a plate to give them easier access.
FAQs
Can my pet sleep with an Elizabethan collar on?
Yes, most pets can position themselves to sleep with an Elizabethan collar on. Both dogs and cats with Elizabethan collars shouldn’t have difficulty sleeping. However, if your pet seems to have difficulty, you can discuss alternatives with your vet to ensure your pet can get the sleep they need to properly heal. Pets will eventually get used to their cones, and it usually takes a few hours in most cases for them to become comfortable wearing them. In addition, the more you make them wear the e-collar, the faster they’ll get used to it and find comfortable positions.
It’s important not to take the cone off when your pet is sleeping because you can’t monitor them at all times, so they may wake up and start licking their wounds. Therefore, letting your dog or cat sleep in their Elizabethan collar will help them become more accustomed to it to prevent any discomfort or anxiety they may feel when wearing it.
Is there an alternative to Elizabethan collars?
There are many alternatives to Elizabethan collars and many variations on the classic cone. Of course, many vets will tell you the original plastic lampshade cone is best because it offers full coverage to prevent your dog or cat from licking their wounds. Alternatives to traditional Elizabethan collars include:
- Inflatable e-collars: Inflatable e-collars are a good option for many pets because they prevent them from moving their head to reach their wounds. However, even though this option allows your dog to see more than the traditional e-collar, they’re not as effective and don’t offer full coverage. Therefore if your dog’s wound is easily accessible, an inflatable collar might not prevent them from licking or biting their wounds. Still, inflatable collars could be a good choice for your pet if you want to prevent them from knocking into things that could be dangerous.
- Neck collars: Neck collars work similarly to inflatable collars. Instead of going around the dog’s entire head, they only go around the neck to restrict movement, so they won’t block your pet’s vision and are less likely to cause distress. Depending on the type of material they’re made from, some are more effective than others because they’re stiffer. However, these collars can prevent your dog or cat from being able to eat or drink easily because they keep the neck in an upright position.
- Cloth cones: Cloth cones use the same cone or lampshade shape as traditional Elizabethan collars for cats and dogs. However, they’re made of soft, collapsible materials. They’re more comfortable for pets, but they may collapse too easily, making it easier for your pet to lick their wounds if not supervised.3
- Recovery suits: Recovery suits are completely different from cones; they consist of a soft fabric that covers most of the dog’s body. They don’t restrict movement or block a pet’s peripheral vision but can cover up wounds to prevent licking. Unfortunately, they don’t cover the legs or face, so if your dog has a wound, they shouldn’t lick or scratch in those areas, recovery suits won’t work.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
