Turning the Cone of Shame into the Halo of Healing pt. 1
This is the first of a 2-part series discussing the plastic Elizabethan collar that veterinarians send pets home with after surgery or injury. This month's article is about your attitudes and training. Next month I will discuss options and troubleshooting.
The advice in these columns is hard won. As a veterinarian for 38 years, I like to think of the plastic cone as the halo of healing. I have brainstormed with hundreds of pet parents about how to manage “Fluffy” in their Elizabethan collar (E collar or cone of shame). But it turns out, we must manage ourselves first.
Dogs and cats often want to lick or chew at incisions or wounds. While it may seem like licking is just nature taking its course, we know that healing times are shorter and less painful if left alone. But this knowledge does not erase the emotional distress WE feel when we see our pets in such an awkward piece of plastic.
We feel like bad pet parents. We feel sorry for our pets because we know life could be different. But what do our pets know? They live in the moment, one day at a time. And this day is the day they wear the funny cone. They do not know that most other dogs are E collar free right now. If they did, would they care?
"Fluffy" has never had an explanation for anything and is not expecting it. Humans feel better when we are told reasons why we need to be in a cast and not go swimming. Our pets are not expecting to know why things have changed and how long this might last.
As a pet parent, you set the rules. You have already given them the rules of housebreaking, leash walking, and not jumping up on strangers. This time, you set the rule that for 2 weeks they will have a funny collar on. Most will adapt. Please, know in your heart that what you are doing is the right thing for them. Animals are very intuitive and can pick up on this.
The best way to minimize your pet's upset is to familiarize them with the collar/cone before it is needed. Have one at home and have them wear it for 10 minutes, give them lots of treats, then take it off. Slowly increase the amount of time they wear it. Place it on before meals or walks so they will associate it with good things. This is easiest for puppies and kittens, but any age dog or cat can learn new things. If you know your pet needs surgery, take home the recommended cone/collar right away and get them used to it. Give them lots of praise and treats. Make this fun. Cats may need to have the top of their litter boxes off while wearing their cones, some do not seem to care.
Most animals are adept at managing life’s changes without an explanation. We need to remember this and allow them to heal quickly with less pain and embrace the halo of healing.
Written by: Dr. Lissa Richardson, DVM, Dip. Amer. College of Veterinary Surgeons