What to do if my puppy panics wearing an E-collar after surgery?

Hopefully he will do better tonight as he gets used to the cone. You could try a different type of e-collar - some dogs will do better with a clear plastic or an inflatable version. I’ve had some patients that have needed a sedative to keep the collar on as well. Since he’s a little dog a post surgery bodysuit might be an option. I’d recommend seeing if your vet carries any other types of e collars to try first.

E-collars are not always necessary post-neuter, but if the vets put it on him, then they may have been particularly worried about him bothering the incision. You can always take the e-collar off and observe him for a while. If he's really attacking the incision, then the e-collar may be best, but you can also try your ideas of keeping it covered. You can also try to spray some anti-licking solution (can find this at the pet store) over the cover for the incision if he is still trying to lick that. Essentially, the point is to keep him from breaking open the incision, so whatever works for preventing this should be fine. I hope that helps and all is well with Rexxy.

It may be a combination of factors. Certainly as you mentioned the e collar may be bothering her, and she may just be recovering. I’m not that concerned about pain as it’s been several days since the surgery and she should no longer be in acute pain. I would take off the e collar when you are watching her, then play with her, brush her or interact with her with playing with toys etc. If she becomes more active she’ll get hungrier and will start back eating. As long as she’s drinking and eating treats you’re fine to give her another day or so to see if she returns to normal. If she still isn’t eating and is lethargic then please take her back for a recheck. She may have an infection from the surgery but that is unlikely. Be patient and I expect her to be better in a day or so. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Dewey.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ideally, you find a way to make the e-collar fit. I do not really know what is exact issue you have with the e-collar but keep in mind that you can use things like pieces of clothing or other things to try to tighten it up if that is the issue. I would like to tell you that this is not going to be an issue but in reality this can be an issue if he gets to his incision depending on what kind of incision he has. It is very important he wears his e-collar to prevent something from happening to the incision. If nothing works, you could consider going to your local emergency hospital to get an e-collar as they would be open. Best of luck!

Post up care for an uncomplicated incision is 7 days of keeping it clean and dry. If an e collar will not fit and it bothers him, you can always put a baby sock over his nails. If his collar can't go due to the incision you can always switch to a halter or use a leash an incorporate one arm thru to hold him

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If this is really just from stress then you can consider giving her breaks wearing the e-collar. For example taking it off a few hours a day while being completely supervised to avoid further scratching. This can only be done if approved by your veterinarian who has more knowledge on the case. I would recommend you contact them to propose this to them and see if they agree this is a good plan again k knowing all the details about the case. If she had not been vomiting before you talked to your veterinarian and that is new, she should be evaluated again. Best of luck!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you can keep the E-collar or onesie on him to prevent him from licking it should heal up just fine. Leave the E-collar/onesie on for at least 7-10 days. You do not need to apply anything to the incision; just leave it be. Hope this helps. Best wishes.