My puppy was spayed this last Saturday. They put the cone collar on her to keep her from licking or biting her stitches. Does this need to be worn until they're taken out or just until the incision scabs over? Stitches will be taking out on Monday. I'm wondering because it is so awkward for her to wear.
2006-07-26 02:44:52 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
You may be able to take it off for short periods of time, as long as she's supervised to make sure she doesn't lick or chew at her incision. But it will probably need to stay on when not supervised until her stiches are removed.
2006-07-26 02:54:59 · answer #1 · answered by Alysse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agree with the other answers -- you can remove it as long as you're keeping a close eye on her. If she shows any sign of licking at the incision at all, however, she'll need to wear it. The important thing is to keep her from licking the incision (possibly causing infection) or pulling the sutures.
If she's having them removed on Monday, she's probably had them in at least 5 days (most vets pull sutures after 10-14 days) the skin has begun to knit, but not enough that she couldn't reopen the incision if she pulls stiches -- having this fixed will cost you $$ and probably require more anesthesia for your dog (which is never easy on them). Better to be safe than sorry!
I know the "cones" are a pain, but they do serve their purpose. Just leave it on when you can't watch her, and be prepared to keep on her if she's not wearing it.
2006-07-26 03:06:21 · answer #2 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can remove it while you're supervising. Whenever one of my pets has a procedure that requires an e-collar, I always give them a little vacation from it a few times a day, while I'm watching to make sure they don't chew their sutures. Sometimes you'll find that your dog doesn't even seem to notice the sutures, so you can let them have the collar off even when you're not 100% supervising (but always put it back on before you leave them alone). But some will go for them obsessively, and for those animals you do have to be very careful when and for how long you take the collar off.
2006-07-26 04:09:03 · answer #3 · answered by tenzo0 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
E-collars aren't really a good thing for dogs to wear. They tend to stick out real far and the dog can run the edge into walls and other things and cause damage to their necks. The best thing to do (if possible) is to get some baby clothes and put them on your puppy. Make sure the clothing goes over the stitches but roll it up out of the way when taking her outside. I have worked at vet's offices and a vet hospital and neither place suggested using those cause of the damage they can cause.
2006-07-26 03:01:58 · answer #4 · answered by polarbaby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it off while you can supervise her, put it on when you can't. The vet will tell you when it is safe to stop using it.
2006-07-26 02:56:19 · answer #5 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the vet said to wear it - usually until the stitiches come out.
2006-07-26 02:48:01 · answer #6 · answered by Brian L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋