How Long Does a Male Dog Have to Wear the Cone After Neutering?
Are you wondering what may be the best time to remove the cone after neutering? Read this article all the way through to receive detailed answers to all your questions on this subject.
Seeing our pups wearing those cones does not feel good because, somehow, it limits their freedom. Even though it pinches the heart when those wide-open eyes seem to be asking, “Why me?”, using a cone is a blessing in disguise.
The Purpose Of Using A Cone
Dogs are fond of licking their wounds, and using a cone is the best way to avoid infection, which can deter your dog’s healing process. This refers to a plastic cone that a dog wears around its head to prevent him from licking his wounds without disturbing his daily routine.
Pros
- Keeps your dog safe from infections caused by licking
- It makes the process of healing smooth
- It makes it convenient to find the dog among the crowd
Cons
- Due to blocked peripheral vision, dogs may bump into things and injure themselves
- Consistent contact with the body can cause rashes and infections
- It also infuriates your dog when he is unable to lick its wounds
What is the Ideal Time to Remove the Cone?
The ideal time to remove the cone can vary depending on the health of your dog. Vets typically suggest removing it on day 10, day 14, or when the stitches are taken out. All these recommendations depend on the healing of the wound.
These tips can enhance the healing of wounds after neutering in dogs:
- Keep the wounds clean so that there should be no infectious elements that can cause any future trouble
- Follow the schedule of medicine prescribed by the vet. Do not try to stop or start medication on your own
- Let the wound heal naturally so that the chance of recurrence may be reduced
How to Help Your Dog Rehabilitate When It is Wearing a Cone?
The process of wearing a cone is a bit different for the dog than routine life. It is essential to learn more about the process so that your pup can be prepared for it when the time comes.
Dogs may have issues with the inability to see on their sides correctly. To solve this issue, place the things accordingly. Be careful with your staircase because your dog is unable to judge it accurately.
Your dog may also struggle with walking because of the cone. The habit of dogs to keep their snouts downwards can irritate them during this period. They collide with the things around them and feel jolts.
Types Of Cones
You will find different types of cones based on two factors: Size and Manufacturing material. Here’s what you need to know regarding this:
According to Size
There are multiple types of cones depending on the dog’s size and the owner’s taste.
1. Comfy Cone Recovery Collar
Product Specifications
- Brand: KVP
- Color: Available in Black and Tan
- Size: Available in 7 sizes
- Material: Nylon
Our Review
This collar is easy to carry around. It is made of nylon and foam and can be folded. It is also easy to wash. Moreover, this collar is available in various sizes to accommodate all kinds of dogs.
2. Kong EZ Soft E-Collar
Product Specifications
- Brand: KVP
- Color: Blue
- Size: Available in 6 sizes
- Material: Machine washable – Soft, tear-resistant material
Our Review
This is a comfy e-collar that is convenient because it is soft and tender. It comes with a drawstring that makes it super easy to adjust the size.
3. Alfie Pets Noah Recovery Collar
Product Specifications
- Brand: Alfie
- Color: Yellow
- Size: Available in 6 sizes
- Material: 65% cotton 35% polyester according to tag
Our Review
If your dog likes going to fancy dress parties, then this cone could be the best choice for him. This cone will make your pup look good while keeping him safe as well.
According to Manufacturing Material
There are three types of cones are according to their manufacturing material:
1. Rigid
This is the most common type of collar. These are known as “lampshade” collars adjusted around the neck of your dog. The material used in manufacturing this collar is semi-flexible plastic.
Although it is rigid enough to stop your dog from licking and biting in the wounded area, it can block your dog’s vision to some extent.
2. Flexible
These are more flexible than rigid collars. They are made of a delicate material like thinner plastic or cardboard. To make it more comfortable, some variants are available with soft padding.
However, they are not as reliable as the rigid ones due to their softness. Like the stiff collar, these also partially obstruct your dog’s vision.
3. Inflatable
This is a collar that is quite similar to the pillows you take with you on a plane. It is made like an inflatable bladder surrounded by durable and comfortable material. It also has a strap to pull your dog around.
Furthermore, this collar does not obstruct your dog’s vision. As a result, it is a much better option if you want to be more careful about your dog.
Alternatives to Wearing a Cone
Many dogs may struggle with wearing a cone. The common problems are difficulty in eating, sleeping, and walking. The alternates of using a cone are as following:
1. The BiteNot Collar
Product Specifications
- Brand: BiteNot
- Color: Black with red straps
- Size: Available in 7 sizes
- Material: Plastic
Our Review
The BiteNot collar is available in the shape of a neck brace. It is made of flexible plastic and foam. It safeguards your dog from bumping into the objects around.
2. The Boobooloon
Product Specifications
- Brand: Headroom Limited
- Color: Transparent
- Size: Available in 5 sizes
- Material: PVC
Our Review
The Boobooloon is lightweight, secure, and provides freedom to your dog by only restricting the area of injury. Unlike the conventional cones, these are known to be quite functional and comfortable.
3. NovaGuard Or Optivisor
Product Specifications
- Brand: Novaguard
- Color: Transparent
- Size: Available in 6 sizes
- Material: PVC
Our Review
Just like the Boobooloon, Novaguard also focuses on the comfort of your pet. Your dog can eat, walk and sleep without any inconvenience.
This device is perfect for dogs or pets who have wounds on their mouth or head.
What Not to Do After Neutering
Dog owners are often in distress after their dogs are spayed, especially those dealing with it for the first time.
Here are some things you should avoid after neutering until the wounds have healed:
1. Bathing
Yes, you heard it right, no bathing till the wound heals. The risk of bacterial infection significantly rises when the surgery wounds come in contact with water. So, it is recommended that no matter how dirty your pet gets, do not wash or bathe them.
However, if it’s an absolute necessity, you can use waterless shampoo while avoiding the wounded area.
2. Long Walks
Long walks outside can be harmful to the health of your dog. Like humans, dogs also need time to recover from the surgery, and dog owners should understand this.
The stitches can be damaged, and harmful bacteria can attack the wound. Sweat can also cause irritation and rashes on the affected area.
3. Excessive Food And Water
The medicine involved in the process of neutering can disturb your dog’s metabolism. However, you can’t just allow your dog to drink as much water as they want because this can cause them to vomit.
Furthermore, do not force them to eat if they are not willing to do so, as it can lead to further complications.
4. Human Medication
We love our dogs like our children, but it is essential to understand that human medicine can be fatal for your pup. Don’t experiment with any human medicine on your dog, especially after neutering.
If you witness any sort of unusual behavior in your dog, contact your vet right away.
Things to Do After Neutering
Just like our loved ones, our pups need some special treatment after they go through surgery. Here are some things you can do to speed up the healing process:
1. Extra Care
Stay alert and keep an eye on your dog after he gets neutered. If he seems more depressed after the surgery, let them rest in a quiet, dimly lit, and comfy place.
It is common for dogs to become quieter, especially for the first 24 hours after surgery. You can also confine them if you see that they are agitated.
2. Observe Bathroom Habits
The first 72 hours after the surgery are crucial, as you have to be attentive to your dog’s behavior. You must be observant to see if they are defecating or urinating regularly or not.
If you witness blood in their urine 24 hours after the surgery, contact your vet immediately.
3. Make Sure They’re Wearing the Cone
This precaution is more critical than most dog owners realize. Ensure that your dog is wearing the cone at all times, especially when he is not in front of your eyes.
Don’t make the mistake of removing the cone at night. Dogs feel irritation when the wound is healing and can tear it up.
4. Teach Them to Walk
Most people tend to ignore this simple yet crucial point. The life of your pet has dramatically changed for a while. While they used to walk with their snouts pointed down, the cone around their heads now keeps bumping into the ground.
That is why you will need to teach them to point their snouts upward when walking.
5. Check Incision Regularly
How would you know that something is wrong if you are not looking for it? To ensure that the healing process is going well, it is recommended to check the incision twice a day. If you see any dramatic changes in the surgery wound, it is best to visit the vet clinic.
Conclusion
Dogs are creatures of habit. Since they are clear thinkers, it makes sense that they would prefer to do things that they know well. This makes it easier to get them in the habit of wearing a cone. Now that you know everything about neutering and using a cone for your dog, you will be able to deal with the situation much better when the time comes.
