Dog and cat owners already know their companion animals seem to loathe the ‘cone of shame’ they are required to wear after surgery or when they have a sore or itchy spot. But very little research has been done to assess the cone’s impact on animal welfare.
Now a new study by researchers in the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney has found the cone, or the ‘Elizabethan collar’ as it’s known in vet circles, does indeed impact on an animal’s quality of life – owners, too.
The study, undertaken by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student Yustina Shenoda and supervisors in the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, and published in the journal Animals, surveyed owners about the collar’s impact on their pet’s sleep, eating, drinking, exercise, interactions with other animals and overall quality of life.
For many animals, it is essential to wear the cone to prevent them from pulling out stitches after surgery. Photo: Katie Booth
Owners reported the collar interferes with drinking and playing and can cause injuries or irritation to the animal. It can also cause injuries to their owners and damage to property.
“Elizabethan collars are used to prevent self-trauma, especially after surgery, so they do play an important role,” said study supervisor Dr Anne Fawcett. “But we also learned that some animals suffer from misadventure, injury or irritation due to the collars themselves. Other casualties included furniture, buildings and the legs of owners when Elizabethan-collar wearing owners ran into them.”
Let’s face it – seeing your furry bestie in one of those plastic lampshades is never a fun moment. As a pet parent who’s been through this ordeal multiple times, I can tell you firsthand that the infamous “cone of shame” (or Elizabethan collar as vets fancy calling it) isn’t exactly your dog’s idea of a fashion statement. But do these cones actually hurt our canine companions? This question has probably crossed your mind if you’ve ever witnessed your pup struggling to navigate life with what essentially amounts to a plastic satellite dish around their neck.
The Real Deal About Dog Cones and Discomfort
The short answer? Yes cones can absolutely cause discomfort and distress for dogs – and research backs this up. A study conducted by the University of Sydney surveyed pet owners globally about the impact of Elizabethan collars on their pets’ quality of life and the results weren’t pretty.
The majority of survey respondents reported a significantly worse quality of life for their companions when wearing the cone, This wasn’t just pet parents being overprotective – there were concrete issues that made these devices genuinely uncomfortable for dogs
Physical Discomfort Caused by Cones
When your dog is sporting a cone, they’re dealing with several physical challenges:
- Restricted vision: Cones severely limit peripheral vision, making it difficult for dogs to see what’s around them
- Difficulty eating and drinking: About 60.2% of owners reported their pets struggled to drink while wearing a cone
- Impaired movement: The cone’s rigid structure restricts natural neck movement and makes navigation challenging
- Skin irritation: The hard plastic edges can rub against your dog’s skin, causing chafing and irritation
- Physical pain when bumped: Dogs frequently bump their cones into furniture, walls, and even their owners’ legs, causing discomfort with each collision
One dog owner in the University of Sydney study reported: “My dog is a bulldog and his neck got very wet and inflamed from slobbering constantly with it on. He got very down with it on and seemed depressed.”
Another mentioned: “Made the cat thoroughly miserable but he had licked himself a huge ulcer and the collar was the only way to get it healed. The collar interfered with virtually all aspects of his life.”
Psychological Impact of Cones on Dogs
Beyond just physical discomfort, wearing a cone takes a serious mental toll on our furry friends:
Cone-Related Stress Behaviors
Dogs wearing cones commonly exhibit signs of psychological distress including:
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Reluctance to move around
- Whining and excessive barking
- Self-isolation and decreased social interaction
According to the research, approximately 25% of pets experienced collar-related injuries or psychological distress. This isn’t surprising when you consider how the cone impacts their sensory experience of the world.
Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell and hearing to navigate their environment. When these senses are restricted by a cone, they can become disoriented and anxious. Imagine suddenly having your peripheral vision blocked and being unable to turn your head properly – you’d probably feel pretty anxious too!
How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Adjust to a Cone?
Most dogs need at least a few days to adapt to wearing a cone, though some may never fully adjust. The adaptation period varies based on:
- Your dog’s temperament and personality
- The type and fit of the cone
- How well you help them navigate daily activities
- Previous experience with cones
During this adjustment period, many dogs will show signs of distress. They might refuse to move, have difficulty sleeping, or demonstrate changes in behavior. As a pet parent, it’s crucial to monitor these signs and consult your vet if they seem excessive.
Making Your Dog More Comfortable With a Cone
While cones are often necessary for healing, there are ways to make the experience less miserable for your pooch:
Choose the Right Cone
Not all cones are created equal! Consider these options:
- Soft fabric cones: More comfortable and less likely to cause skin irritation
- Inflatable collars: These donut-shaped alternatives allow better visibility and movement
- Clear plastic cones: Provide better visibility than opaque ones
- Properly sized cones: Should extend just beyond your dog’s nose but not be excessively large
Modify the Environment
Help your cone-wearing friend navigate their world:
- Elevate food and water bowls to make eating and drinking easier
- Remove obstacles from common pathways to reduce bumping
- Create a comfortable resting area away from walls and furniture
- Block access to stairs to prevent falling accidents
Provide Extra Support
Your dog needs extra TLC during this challenging time:
- Monitor them closely, especially during the first few days
- Offer positive reinforcement and treats when they’re calm with the cone
- Assist them with everyday activities like eating and navigating doorways
- Give them extra attention and comfort to reduce anxiety
One owner from the University of Sydney study noted, “The Elizabethan collar was also aversive to me. My shins were so bruised from him banging into me causing less interactions with us.” This reminds us that the cone experience affects the entire household!
What Veterinarians Say About Cones
While vets recognize that cones cause discomfort, they prescribe them because they play a crucial role in preventing self-trauma after surgery or injury. Dr. Anne Fawcett from the Sydney School of Veterinary Science acknowledges: “Elizabethan collars are used to prevent self-trauma, especially after surgery, so they do play an important role. But we also learned that some animals suffer from misadventure, injury or irritation due to the collars themselves.”
Veterinarians recommend:
- Keeping the cone on for the full prescribed duration, even if your dog seems uncomfortable
- Monitoring for signs of excessive distress that might warrant alternative solutions
- Considering alternative protective measures when appropriate
Alternatives to Traditional Cones
If your dog is really struggling with a traditional cone, discuss these alternatives with your vet:
- Inflatable collars: These donut-shaped collars restrict access to wounds without blocking vision
- Soft recovery collars: Made of fabric, these are quieter and more comfortable
- Surgical recovery suits: Full-body garments that cover wounds without restricting movement
- Neck restraints: Less intrusive than full cones but still limit neck movement
- Specialized boots or socks: For paw or limb injuries
Remember, any alternative must effectively prevent your dog from reaching their wound, so consult your vet before making a switch.
Signs Your Dog is Suffering Too Much With Their Cone
While some discomfort is expected, watch for these red flags that might indicate your dog is experiencing excessive distress:
- Refusing to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- Inability to sleep
- Constant attempts to remove the cone, causing additional injury
- Signs of depression or extreme anxiety
- Self-isolation or dramatic personality changes
- Physical injuries from the cone itself
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately to discuss alternatives or adjustments.
Common Problems With Cones (And How to Fix Them)
Problem: Dog refuses to move with cone on
Solution: Start with short, supervised cone-free periods in a controlled environment. Gradually reintroduce the cone while offering high-value treats and praise.
Problem: Difficulty eating and drinking
Solution: Elevate food and water bowls or temporarily remove the cone during supervised mealtimes (only if approved by your vet).
Problem: Cone causes skin irritation
Solution: Pad the edges of the cone with soft material like gauze or purchase a padded cone cover.
Problem: Dog constantly bumps into things
Solution: Clear pathways in your home and consider a soft-edged cone that won’t cause as much discomfort when bumped.
Problem: Dog becomes depressed
Solution: Provide extra attention, gentle play appropriate to their condition, and consider asking your vet about anti-anxiety medications if the situation is severe.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Comfort and Healing
So, do cones hurt dogs? The evidence clearly shows they cause both physical discomfort and psychological distress. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid using them when prescribed. The temporary discomfort of wearing a cone often outweighs the potential harm that could come from a dog interfering with a healing wound or surgical site.
As one vet in the research stated, “While pine cones are not inherently toxic to dogs, it is important for pet owners to be aware of the potential risks associated with ingesting them.” Wait, that’s not right – wrong type of cone! But the sentiment applies – awareness of risks helps us make better decisions for our pets.
The key is finding the right balance between protecting your dog’s wounds and minimizing their discomfort. Work closely with your veterinarian, monitor your dog’s specific response to the cone, and be prepared to try alternatives if needed.
Remember, the cone is temporary, but a properly healed wound will benefit your dog for life. By understanding the challenges and taking steps to mitigate them, you can help your furry friend through this uncomfortable but necessary experience.
Have you helped your dog through the cone of shame experience? What worked best for making them more comfortable? Share your tips and stories in the comments below!
Cone of Shame problems
A global online survey, aimed at owners whose pets wore an Elizabethan collar during the past 12 months, was used to investigate the impact that these collars had on their animal’s quality of life. Most of the respondents were from Australia, with others coming from the UK, USA, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland and Sweden.
The majority of the 434 respondents reported a worse quality of life score when their companion animal was wearing the collar, significantly so when the Elizabethan collar irritated their pet or impacted on their ability to drink or play. Many owners were reluctant to keep the collar on due to changes in the animal’s behaviour or mental health.
Problems for cats and dogs wearing the collars include:
- Difficulty drinking (60.2 percent)
- Inability to play (67.5 percent)
- Collar-related injuries, including itching/irritation, bumping into walls, falling downstairs and psychological distress (25 percent)
- Other problems, including difficulty toileting, grooming, being fitted for a harness or lead, getting through dog or cat door, sleeping in a crate, navigating indoors “without smashing into doorways, tables or chairs” (10 percent)
“Our study found that Elizabethan collars had the potential to cause distress in animals, which in turn caused distress to owners,” Dr Fawcett said. “Some animals found ingenious ways to remove the collars themselves, for example running under furniture at speed, but damaged or poorly fitted Elizabethan collars could increase the risk of injury to animals.”
A Maltese puppy with a cone and IV fluids. Photo: Dr Anne Fawcett
Ditch your dog’s cone and do this instead! #doglover #coneofshame #easydiy
FAQ
What happens if a dog eats a pine cone?
However, if a dog ingests a large amount of pine cones or if they are from certain types of pine trees, it can cause gastrointestinal blockages or other issues. It is important to monitor your dog if they have ingested a pine cone and contact your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of distress.
Are pine cones safe for dogs?
However, the safety and effectiveness of these products are still under debate in the veterinary community. 3. Some dog owners have reported that their pets enjoy chewing on pine cones as a form of natural enrichment, similar to how they would chew on sticks or bones. 4.
Why is a dog cone important?
A dog cone serves important purposes, from preventing your dog from licking wounds after surgery to stopping scratching at irritated spots.
Why do vets put cones on dogs?
“We put cones on animals to prevent them from chewing or scratching at an incision or a spot that we are trying to get to heal,” says Sara Ochoa, DVM, at Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital in Whitehouse, Texas. “Cones are important to keep your pet from causing any problems with their skin or surgical site.
Can a dog wear a cone?
Ochoa also suggests prepping your space for a cone-wearing canine. Even the most well-behaved dog could wreak havoc at home while wearing a cone. “I’ve had dogs break lamps,” Ochoa says.
How do you stop a dog from eating a pine cone?
Keep an eye on your dog when they’re outside. If you see them start to munch on a pine cone, distract them with a toy or treat. – If you have a fenced-in yard, remove any pine cones that fall within the fence line. This will help prevent your dog from having access to them in the first place. – Teach your dog the “leave it” command.
Is it cruel to put a cone on a dog?
Comments Section No, it’s not cruel to help your dog avoid hurting himself. No. That’s why cones exist. It’s for their health and necessary for good recovery. While I wouldn’t say dogs would understand or enjoy it – part of our responsibility is making sure they recover well medically / health wise.
Do dogs get sad when they wear a cone?
Yes, dogs can experience stress, anxiety, and behaviors that resemble depression while wearing a cone due to discomfort, restricted movement, and sensory deprivation. Studies have shown the Elizabethan collar can negatively impact a dog’s quality of life, causing distress and lethargy. However, using alternatives like inflatable collars, soft cones, or monitoring closely with approved breaks can help mitigate these effects.
How uncomfortable is a cone for a dog?
Yes, traditional plastic cones are often uncomfortable and distressing for dogs because they impede peripheral vision, hinder eating and drinking, and make it difficult to move around. However, cones are a necessary medical tool to prevent dogs from licking or biting wounds and injuries. Fortunately, alternatives like soft collars, inflatable rings, or fabric recovery suits can provide a less stressful and more comfortable recovery experience, according to Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic.
Is it safe to leave a dog alone with a cone on?