Cones are fun for a game of ring toss or laid out in a pattern for agility training. Wearing one. That’s quite another story.
Many of our beloved pets may need to wear a head cone following a procedure or while recovering from an infection to prevent them from licking, scratching or rubbing the affected area. Our Lilly, the Boston terrier, has donned one since last Thursday after a mouth sore mushroomed. The prescribed topical antibiotic has shrunk it, but she has a ways to go; about a week, the vet said. Until then, we’re learning how to smooth out the temporary wrinkles in Lilly’s life.
Adjusting to (temporary) life with a head cone:
Cones come in various sizes depending on the size of the pet and the treated area. Larger pets with longer limbs may be less affected by the cone. For example, it may be easier for a larger dog to hover directly over a food/water bowl.
Try to keep the cone in place until your vet determines that it is safe to remove. Watching your pet paw at their head or try to wriggle out of the cone may be heartbreaking, but a prolonged infection and suffering would be more so.
The cone may come loose with normal movement or jarring events like walking into walls. Periodically check for tautness and adjust as necessary. The fit should be snug, but comfortable: two fingers separation between the cone collar and your pet’s coat.
A cone can weigh a pet’s head down, particularly a lighter pet. Compensate by offering treats or playing games that require the pet to hold their head up. If walking a dog, try using a harness with front and back leash attachments for improved control (e.g. The Freedom No-Pull Harness). Hold the leash more taut, tilting up slightly to step over steep curbs. Consider picking up small dogs when walking up/down stairs.
Medical grade cones are usually made of hard or soft plastic and may be clear, translucent or opaque. In any case, your pet’s vision will be limited/distorted to a degree. Walking into walls and clipping corners or stairs is common. Guide your pet into making wide turns; ensure clearance while walking through doors.
Many dog and cat breeds have conical-shaped ears that swivel, allowing acute hearing under normal circumstances. Adding a radar shaped cone further magnifies sound. Avoid noisy environments, use an “inside” voice to keep pets calm.
Depending on the size of the cone and the height of your pet, feeding/drinking can be more challenging. Optimally, the pet should be able to access bowls with their tongue. In Lilly’s case, we use a soft, silicone baking cup shallow and malleable enough to hold between her lips and the cone. We’ve liquified her food so she maintains adequate hydration.
Recovering from an injury or surgery is stressful. The presence of a cone can compound these feelings. Keep normal routines. Long walks and play are the best stress-reducers.
Some companion animals adjust readily to the cone. Others take more time or adapt to certain aspects of cone wearing better than others. Be patient and attentive to the activities in which they need help. When you can, let them find their way.
If you do decide to remove the cone for eating/drinking, you may have a tough time replacing it. “Lure” your pet back into wearing the cone using the same reward system for crate/pet carrier training.
For now, Lilly’s living in an open-ended space capsule. We’re counting the days until “lift off.”