What Are Elizabethan Dog Collars?

Elizabethan dog collars, also known as cones, are medical devices worn by dogs to prevent them from licking, biting or scratching wounds, so they can heal properly. They are frequently used after injuries or medical procedures. The collars are named after the high-collared "ruffs" worn during Elizabethan times.

The collar looks like a shortened cone and should be short enough in length that the dog is still able to eat and drink. Collars can be purchsed from your veterinarian or a pet supply store, and are most commonly made of plastic. The cone is attached to the dog's regular collar using strings or tabs that are passed through holes punched through the base of the plastic cone.

Softer fabric collars are an alternative to plastic, and may offer more comfort to the doggie patient. Fabric collars often have velcro-type tabs to aid in attaching and/or removing the collar.

Homemade collars can also be made from a variety of household items like plastic buckets, wastebaskets or flower pots - even cardboard or lamp shades.

Most dogs adjust quickly to an Elizabethan collar, however, some refuse to eat or even drink with the collar on. In this case, the collar can be removed temporarily for eating and drinking, and then re-attached.

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