If your dog has to wear the cone of shame because of surgery or an injury, fitting it on him securely might be a problem if he doesn't usually wear a traditional dog collar. Typically you would thread a dog's own collar through the loop-like openings at the base of an Elizabethan collar and then fasten your dog's collar around his neck. There are E-collars available with Velcro that hold them snugly together and in place, so with a little modification you'll be able to secure an Elizabethan collar onto your collarless dog.
Place the Elizabethan collar around your dog's neck, overlapping the sides and pulling it tight enough to be secure, but not so tight that your dog is uncomfortable.
Draw a line with the marker on the bottom piece of the E-collar along the overlapping edge of the top piece of the collar.
Remove the Elizabethan collar from your dog and lay it out flat on a table or countertop.
Lay the Velcro on the E-collar, matching up the long edge of the Velcro with the edge of the collar. Use the scissors to cut the Velcro so that it is the same length as the edge of the collar. Peel the Velcro pieces apart.
Remove the backing from the adhesive on one piece of the Velcro and apply it to the inside edge of the side that will be on top when you overlap the edges of the Elizabethan collar. Be careful as you press the Velcro in place, as it may not stick as well if you have to pull it off and redo it.
Take the backing off of the adhesive on the remaining piece of Velcro and apply it to the outside of the Elizabethan collar, lining it up with the line you drew with the marker. Press the Velcro into place.
Put the collar back on your dog, pressing the Velcro strips together to hold the collar securely in place.
Tips
Depending on how active your dog is or how hard he works at trying to get out of an E-collar, you may want to put a smaller extra piece of Velcro at the base of the collar where it closes around your dog's neck for extra hold.
As an alternative, create a makeshift collar out of a bandana or scarf. Just fold it into a 2-inch strip and thread it through the base of the Elizabethan collar, then tie the bandana around your dog's neck, taking care that it isn't too tight. It might be more difficult to get a secure knot tied than it is to simply click a normal dog collar in place, especially if your dog isn't used to wearing a collar, but it is a solution if you don't have a dog collar or Velcro.
Elizabethan collars are meant to protect your dog and allow his wounds to heal, but they can be stressful to wear. Remove the collar to allow him some relief if you are able to watch him and prevent him from licking or nipping at his wound.
Tips
Depending on how active your dog is or how hard he works at trying to get out of an E-collar, you may want to put a smaller extra piece of Velcro at the base of the collar where it closes around your dog's neck for extra hold.
As an alternative, create a makeshift collar out of a bandana or scarf. Just fold it into a 2-inch strip and thread it through the base of the Elizabethan collar, then tie the bandana around your dog's neck, taking care that it isn't too tight. It might be more difficult to get a secure knot tied than it is to simply click a normal dog collar in place, especially if your dog isn't used to wearing a collar, but it is a solution if you don't have a dog collar or Velcro.
Elizabethan collars are meant to protect your dog and allow his wounds to heal, but they can be stressful to wear. Remove the collar to allow him some relief if you are able to watch him and prevent him from licking or nipping at his wound.
Items You Will Need
- 1 yard of 2-inch-wide Velcro with self-stick adhesive
- Marker
- Scissors
References
Tips
- Depending on how active your dog is or how hard he works at trying to get out of an E-collar, you may want to put a smaller extra piece of Velcro at the base of the collar where it closes around your dog's neck for extra hold.
- As an alternative, create a makeshift collar out of a bandana or scarf. Just fold it into a 2-inch strip and thread it through the base of the Elizabethan collar, then tie the bandana around your dog's neck, taking care that it isn't too tight. It might be more difficult to get a secure knot tied than it is to simply click a normal dog collar in place, especially if your dog isn't used to wearing a collar, but it is a solution if you don't have a dog collar or Velcro.
- Elizabethan collars are meant to protect your dog and allow his wounds to heal, but they can be stressful to wear. Remove the collar to allow him some relief if you are able to watch him and prevent him from licking or nipping at his wound.
Writer Bio
Elle Di Jensen has been a writer and editor since 1990. She began working in the fitness industry in 1987, and her experience includes editing and publishing a workout manual. She has an extended family of pets, including special needs animals. Jensen attended Idaho and Boise State Universities. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications.