Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog just got neutered. How to handle cone and reduce swelling?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 72 lbs

Atom just got neutered yesterday and has been wearing a cone to keep him from messing with the incision; he keeps bashing the cone info things around the house (out of clumsiness). Is there a better way to protect the incision? Also, he is extremely swollen from surgery, more so than I would have thought. Is there a way to help with that as well?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 14th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Rough day for poor Atom! To your first question, no. Unfortunately the cone is the best we have. Most dogs learn to navigate with it in a day or two.

For the second, yes!! An ice pack is likely to be very welcome and effective. Apply an ice pack or frozen bag of veggies wrapped in a thin kitchen towel or paper towel for 5-10 mins every 4-6 hours to help with that swelling and bruising (and the pain/discomfort that comes with it). This can be repeated for the next few days if needed.

Best wishes to you and Atom!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button