{"id":1796,"date":"2021-07-06T12:11:31","date_gmt":"2021-07-06T16:11:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/?p=1796"},"modified":"2022-07-11T11:28:52","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T15:28:52","slug":"e-collars-and-your-pet-cone-of-shame-or-best-friend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/e-collars-and-your-pet-cone-of-shame-or-best-friend\/","title":{"rendered":"E Collars and Your Pet- Cone of Shame or Best Friend?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ah, the dreaded “cone of shame\u2026”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After any surgery, we strive to send your pet home with an incision that looks as nice as possible. The plastic cone or E collar (short for Elizabethan collar) was created to prevent licking. Without it, licking or chewing can cause irritation and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

At best, that may leave a hairless, discolored, ugly scar \u2013 for life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or it could lead to an open incision, that needs another surgery to close it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At worst, it can cause a serious infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WARNING: some pictures below might be disturbing to some sensitive readers.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Despite the stubborn urban legend that animal saliva speeds up healing, licking an incision is a sure way to slow down healing. The tongue, especially in cats, is so rough, that it can destroy healing tissue, and therefore delay healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the particular pet or level of discomfort, licking can lead to nibbling and chewing, especially when nobody is around to watch or distract them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pets have an amazing inherited skill, which allows them to chew up twenty stitches or staples in less than two seconds flat. By the time you realize it, it\u2019s too late!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is an example of a dog who was caught in the act. She went home with a cone that is too short, and does not prevent reaching the incision. Clearly, the correct fit is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I cannot begin to count how many times pet owners have asked me if their pet really<\/em> has to wear an E collar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I cannot begin to tell you how many clients thought their pet was different, or well-behaved, or well-trained, or smarter, and didn\u2019t need a cone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or how many pet owners were in tears after their pet chewed the incision open after they removed the cone \u201cfor only 5 minutes\u201d or \u201cjust to give him a break\u201d or \u201cbecause she looked so sad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a (mild) example of what happens when a pet licks the incision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I cannot begin to add up all the extra money owners have paid to fix open incisions at their vet or the emergency clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I cannot tell you how many clients swear that they will not leave their pet\u2019s side for 2 or 3 weeks. Meanwhile, I\u2019m pretty convinced that these clients will need to sleep, or go to the bathroom, or get a bite to eat. There is no such thing as 24\/7 supervision with a pet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on how bad the damage is, treatment may require rinsing the open area, cutting out damaged tissue and re-stitching the entire incision. For a little bit of perceived freedom from the evil cone, clients sometimes end up spending more money in anesthesia, surgery and antibiotics to fix an entirely avoidable problem, not to mention the discomfort the pet goes through \u2013 and a longer recovery. And ironically, then the pet needs a cone for even longer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is another (mild) example of what happens when a pet licks the incision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Leaving the E collar on at all times is the best way to get your pet used to it. If you feel bad for your pet and take the cone off, then put it back on when you leave, your pet may take it as a punishment and may try to remove or destroy it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients can absolutely eat, drink, walk, pee, poop, and sleep with a cone on. In fact, the stricter you are with the cone, the quicker they will get used to it. In addition, pets do not hold grudges, so they will not be mad at you for being strict with the rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Collars are not to “shame” pets or annoy owners, they are essential for quicker and better healing of the incision. Call it a necessary evil or a cheap insurance policy. Next time your vet recommends an E collar or a similar device, please follow their advice. It truly is in your pet\u2019s best interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moral of the story?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plastic cone is your pet\u2019s best friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any surgery has complications. Some are not predictable. Licking an incision is totally avoidable. We know how to prevent that. Please trust us, and please be part of the solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your pet, in the end, will thank you for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about alternatives to the plastic cone?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marketers spend a fortune trying to convince pet owners that their alternative is better than the hard plastic cone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are soft cones, hard cylinders, foam \u201cdonuts,\u201d inflatable \u201cdonuts,\u201d various covers and sleeves and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a surgeon, I have witnessed what seems like every conceivable complication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience has shown me that these options are not as fool-proof as the standard plastic cone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A stubborn or itchy pet will lick around a donut or soft collar, we see it all the time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bitter Apple or similar product may be placed around the incision – not directly on it. However, this does not deter some pets at all. Some actually love the taste!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So again, the hard plastic cone is your pet\u2019s best friend\u2026 and the cheapest insurance policy against licking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, FF certified<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ah, the dreaded “cone of shame\u2026” After any surgery, we strive to send your pet home with an incision that looks as nice as possible. The plastic cone or E collar (short for Elizabethan collar) was created to prevent licking. Without it, licking or chewing can cause irritation and discomfort. At best, that may leave […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[277,276,157,278,9,10],"class_list":["post-1796","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-e-collar","tag-elizabethan-collar","tag-phil-zeltzman","tag-post-op-incision-protection","tag-veterinary-medicine","tag-veterinary-surgery"],"yoast_head":"\nE Collars and Your Pet- Cone of Shame or Best Friend? | Dr Phil Zeltzman\u2019s Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"After any surgery, we strive to send your pet home with an incision that looks as nice as possible. The plastic cone or E collar (short for Elizabethan collar) was created to prevent licking. 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He performs specialized orthopedic, neurologic, cancer, and soft tissue surgeries on dogs, cats, and small exotics at your family vet\u2019s hospital. After graduating in 1993 from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Liege in Belgium, Dr. Zeltzman simultaneously worked as a general practitioner, emergency vet, and journalist for three years in his native city of Paris, France. He completed a one-year internship at the University of Georgia, followed by a three-year surgery residency at Surgical Referral Service in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. He then worked as a surgeon for four years at a surgical practice in Cincinnati, Ohio, and an additional four years at a surgical practice in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. He is a board-certified surgeon and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, a coveted professional achievement Dr. Zeltzman is also a certified surgeon for the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), having performed thousands of these procedures in dogs from less than 30 pounds to more than 250 pounds! The results of his work have been very impressive. Dr. Zeltzman\u2019s interests include all aspects of soft tissue, orthopedic, cancer, reconstructive, and neuro surgery, as well as physical therapy and emergency cases. He also has a strong interest in the prevention and treatment of obesity. His newest endeavor is stem cell therapy for arthritis, kidney disease, liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). Dr. Zeltzman knew he wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of 5 when his favorite TV shows were Flipper, Daktari, and Lassie. \u201cBecoming a veterinary surgeon has been a dream come true, and I am as passionate about my profession as I was when I first started,\u201d he says. In practice, Dr. Zeltzman\u2019s goal is to offer the best surgical care, the safest anesthesia, and the utmost pain management to all of his patients. Actively involved in teaching, lecturing, and publishing, both locally and internationally, Dr. Zeltzman has published two books: Cocker Spaniels: A Practical Guide for People Owned by a Cocker and Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound, a book on weight loss for both dogs and people, co-written with Rebecca Johnson. He also writes a monthly award-winning newsletter for true dog and cat lovers. It is read in all 50 States, as well as more than 40 foreign countries. This newsletter has evolved into his blog. As a Certified Veterinary Journalist (CVJ), blogger, columnist, and award-winning author, his goal is to write meaningful articles, newsletters, and books that will make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners. He has published numerous articles in national and international veterinary journals, and is currently working on several book projects. He is also a prolific speaker. Dr. Zeltzman is a member of the Cat Writers\u2019 Association, the Dog Writers\u2019 Association and the Authors\u2019 Guild. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Lehigh Valley Veterinary Medical Association (LVVMA), and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). 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Without it, licking or chewing can cause irritation and discomfort.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/e-collars-and-your-pet-cone-of-shame-or-best-friend\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/e-collars-and-your-pet-cone-of-shame-or-best-friend\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/e-collars-and-your-pet-cone-of-shame-or-best-friend\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/image-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/image-1.png","width":1112,"height":741},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/e-collars-and-your-pet-cone-of-shame-or-best-friend\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"E Collars and Your Pet- Cone of Shame or Best Friend?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/","name":"Dr Phil Zeltzman\u2019s Blog","description":"Serious advice for true pet lovers","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Dr Phil Zeltzman\u2019s Blog","url":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/logo.png","width":529,"height":79,"caption":"Dr Phil Zeltzman\u2019s Blog"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DrZeltzman\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/drphilzeltzman\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/drphilzeltzman"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/316f5474f0c7ca4fdcbd26977751788f","name":"Dr. Phil Zeltzman","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1c4906cf28046a4e3991c94ad9fefbe1b1a74c267307ac5746f5e84321e1ac9b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1c4906cf28046a4e3991c94ad9fefbe1b1a74c267307ac5746f5e84321e1ac9b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Dr. Phil Zeltzman"},"description":"Dr. Phil Zeltzman is a traveling board-certified veterinary surgeon, servicing the areas of Allentown (Lehigh Valley), Bethlehem, Easton (Northampton County), Reading (Berks County), Jim Thorpe (Carbon County), Stroudsburg (Monroe County), Quakertown (Bucks County), Pottsville (Schuylkill County), and Harrisburg\/Mechanicsburg (Dauphin County) in Pennsylvania, as well as parts of Western New Jersey. He performs specialized orthopedic, neurologic, cancer, and soft tissue surgeries on dogs, cats, and small exotics at your family vet\u2019s hospital. After graduating in 1993 from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Liege in Belgium, Dr. Zeltzman simultaneously worked as a general practitioner, emergency vet, and journalist for three years in his native city of Paris, France. He completed a one-year internship at the University of Georgia, followed by a three-year surgery residency at Surgical Referral Service in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. He then worked as a surgeon for four years at a surgical practice in Cincinnati, Ohio, and an additional four years at a surgical practice in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. He is a board-certified surgeon and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, a coveted professional achievement Dr. Zeltzman is also a certified surgeon for the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), having performed thousands of these procedures in dogs from less than 30 pounds to more than 250 pounds! The results of his work have been very impressive. Dr. Zeltzman\u2019s interests include all aspects of soft tissue, orthopedic, cancer, reconstructive, and neuro surgery, as well as physical therapy and emergency cases. He also has a strong interest in the prevention and treatment of obesity. His newest endeavor is stem cell therapy for arthritis, kidney disease, liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). Dr. Zeltzman knew he wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of 5 when his favorite TV shows were Flipper, Daktari, and Lassie. \u201cBecoming a veterinary surgeon has been a dream come true, and I am as passionate about my profession as I was when I first started,\u201d he says. In practice, Dr. Zeltzman\u2019s goal is to offer the best surgical care, the safest anesthesia, and the utmost pain management to all of his patients. Actively involved in teaching, lecturing, and publishing, both locally and internationally, Dr. Zeltzman has published two books: Cocker Spaniels: A Practical Guide for People Owned by a Cocker and Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound, a book on weight loss for both dogs and people, co-written with Rebecca Johnson. He also writes a monthly award-winning newsletter for true dog and cat lovers. It is read in all 50 States, as well as more than 40 foreign countries. This newsletter has evolved into his blog. As a Certified Veterinary Journalist (CVJ), blogger, columnist, and award-winning author, his goal is to write meaningful articles, newsletters, and books that will make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners. He has published numerous articles in national and international veterinary journals, and is currently working on several book projects. He is also a prolific speaker. Dr. Zeltzman is a member of the Cat Writers\u2019 Association, the Dog Writers\u2019 Association and the Authors\u2019 Guild. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Lehigh Valley Veterinary Medical Association (LVVMA), and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). He is a monthly contributor to veterinarypracticenews.com and a regular contributor to Dog Fancy, PetsAdviser.com, and PetHealthNetwork.com.","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DrZeltzman"],"url":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/author\/phil\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1796","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1796"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1796\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2257,"href":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1796\/revisions\/2257"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1796"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1796"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1796"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}