When should you use a dog cone?
When we see a dog wearing a cone, we immediately know that it has undergone surgery and is in the process of postoperative treatment. Do not avoid them, as it is only for the good of your pet! Unfortunately, we must be prepared for the fact that our dog will not be happy with this "antenna," and it takes about two days for them to get used to it – show more understanding and patience then, and it will certainly be easier for them.
What is the purpose of using a dog cone?
This is an essential item that every dog has after any surgery or accident. A protective dog cone is designed to prevent the animal from licking the wound or attempting to pull out stitches. Wounds heal faster, and the dog must wear it for about 10 days. For walks, you can temporarily remove it to make it easier for your pet to relieve themselves, BUT only when you are supervising the dog to ensure they do not touch the surgical site and do not play with other animals. Unfortunately, the dog does not feel comfortable in it and will try to get rid of it. Additionally, it hinders movement, bumps into every piece of furniture, and creates noise that the dog may not like. The best thing we can do is be patient and spend more time with them to simply distract them from the temporary inconvenience. It will certainly get easier with each passing day. Read also: Dog neutering
Types of dog cones
We are familiar with the most traditional dog cone, which is plastic. It comes in various sizes and is adjustable. My Bernese mountain dog had a cone that was fastened with Velcro. They are also available in different colors, but the color itself does not affect the dog's field of vision. Cones can be finished with fabric to protect the skin during wear. Despite the noise and general chaos that a dog can cause by bumping into everything, an undeniable advantage is the ease of cleaning and lightness. They are quite durable, although if one breaks, pay attention to the possibility of sharp plastic pieces. An alternative to the plastic version of the postoperative cone is a fabric cone. It is also lightweight, but the size must be chosen to fit, or you need to find the appropriate size. They are made of waterproof materials, although some models rustle, which can irritate the dog. Recently, I often see dogs wearing "tires" around their necks, which strikingly resemble... a lifebuoy. They are filled with polyester-silicone fiber or another type of material, providing comfort. Most importantly, check that the material does not make an unpleasant sound for your pet. Full visibility is an amazing advantage, and the only thing that might be inconvenient is the limited ability to move the neck. Cleaning can be an issue here, but where there's a will, there's a way! Inflatable dog cones look identical to the "tires," but inside there is an inflatable balloon. When deflated, it is easy to store, although the balloon can burst if it encounters a dog's claw or if the dog bumps into furniture. The noise caused by the balloon bursting can cause great fear in the dog, but comfort and lightness are advantages that lead many people to provide them for their pets. 
An electric nail file is a good solution when our dog needs a pedicure.
What to do if the dog reacts badly to the cone?
A veterinary cone is not pleasant for a dog, and you may encounter their reluctance to wear it. I have listed various cones available on the market above, and this problem can be reduced by choosing the right cone. However, the "tire" style is most popular – visibility is not limited, which does not prevent the dog from observing, only their neck movements. Not to mention that bumping into objects at home will not be as noisy, and consequently, the dog will be calmer. Our support, understanding, and patience are also important. Spend more time with your dog so they feel safe and do not feel lonely. This should be enough for the dog to feel relatively comfortable while wearing the cone.
Alternatives to cones
Unfortunately, there are no significant alternatives to cones. We cannot observe the dog all the time to prevent them from harming themselves, and it only takes a few seconds for a dog to start fiddling with their surgical site. It is also possible to make a cone yourself from plastic, cardboard, fabric, from things that are literally at hand. It is known that a cardboard cone will not last long, and its transparency is zero, limiting the dog's field of vision to a narrow area, which certainly causes greater discomfort. You cannot avoid using a cone, as it is unfortunately not possible, but you can make it so that your dog feels safer and calmer. Choose the right size, the type that interests you, and show your support, and the time spent wearing the cone will fly by.
