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This guide is a home-care support tool. It does not replace personalized advice from your veterinarian. For any questions, contact us at 514-223-1197.
Why an Elizabethan collar?
An Elizabethan collar (sometimes called an E-collar) is designed to keep a pet from reaching certain parts of its body, such as a wound, a bandage, or stitches, so that healing can proceed properly.
After surgery
Spay or neuter, eye surgery, and other procedures.
During healing
While a wound or a bandage is healing.
Licking or scratching
To prevent excessive licking or scratching of an irritated or infected area.
Licking does not heal, it slows healing down
Contrary to popular belief, licking does not help a wound heal. It irritates the area, slows it down, and can introduce bacteria that lead to infection. The collar is there to protect the wound from the tongue and claws.
Choosing the right type of collar
Two main types of collars exist. The right choice depends on the area to protect, and on your pet's size and temperament.
Rigid plastic collar
Thick, sturdy, often clear or white/grey, easy to clean.
Pros
- Strong overall protection, it barely bends
- Very durable, hard to damage
- Easy to wipe down and disinfect
Cons
- Stiffer and sometimes heavy
- Bulky: the pet bumps into furniture
Soft waterproof collar
Thin, flexible, lightweight material, often blue.
Pros
- More comfortable and quieter
- Bumps into furniture less
- Light, gentle if the pet collides with something
Cons
- Less resistant
- A determined pet can damage or remove it
Other options
There are also inflatable collars and neck-brace styles. Ask your veterinarian whether one of these suits the area to protect and your pet's behavior.
Before you start
A few simple checks prevent frustration and keep your pet safe.
Essential checks
- Set up a calm space: choose a well-lit spot. For a large or uncooperative pet, plan for a second person to help.
- Inspect the collar: make sure it is clean, with no sharp edge or crack. Locate the holes, the slots, and the fastening strip before you begin.
- Think comfort: make sure your pet will still be able to eat, drink, and rest once the collar is on.
The fit rule
Two simple landmarks make for a safe, effective collar.
Cone length
The rim of the cone extends past the tip of the muzzle. Otherwise, the pet will reach the area with its tongue or paws.
Fit at the neck
Snug enough not to slip over the head, without squeezing: leave room for 2 to 3 fingers.
Assembling a rigid plastic collar
Some rigid collars arrive flat and need to be assembled. Here is how to form the cone, step by step.
Already a cone, or a soft collar?
If your collar already forms a cone, or if it is the soft blue type, you can skip straight ahead to the 'Putting the collar on' section.
Identify the two edges
One edge has open square holes. The other has parallel slots, often in several rows, used to adjust the diameter.
Form the cone
Overlap the two edges so the square holes line up with the row of slots you want. Adjust the overlap until the diameter fits your pet's neck.
Weave the plastic strip
Insert the end of the strip into the first square hole, then into the slot below it. Pull it through to the inside, back through the next slot, and again through the same hole. Repeat for every square hole.
Make the fastening loops
At the base of the collar, fold the 3 or 4 tabs outward. Slot them into the openings provided, or tie a knot, to create loops. Gauze, a cord, or the pet's regular collar will thread through these to secure the cone to the neck.
Putting the collar on
The technique varies a little with your pet's size. Work calmly, without sudden movements.
Position your pet
Cats and small dogs: sit down and place them on your lap or on a table at a comfortable height. Medium or large dogs: stand behind the pet with its hindquarters between your knees, or have a second person steady it.
Hold them securely
If you are right-handed, position yourself on the pet's left. Support the muzzle or head with your right hand, and use your left arm to keep it from backing away too far.
Slide the collar on
With your left hand, hold the wide rim of the cone. Gently guide the head through the narrow opening, muzzle first. Bring the cone past the ears, keeping the mouth clear and the eyes unobstructed.
Adjust and fasten
Thread gauze, a cord, or the regular collar through the loops at the base. Tighten enough that the pet cannot pull the cone off with its paws, but leave room for 2 to 3 fingers to avoid any choking.
Cats and long-necked pets
- For cats or agile dogs, create a gentle block with your thigh or arm so they cannot suddenly back away.
- For pets with a long neck and a narrow head, run gauze under the armpits and tie it to the collar to stop it from riding up.
- You can attach the cone to the regular collar or to a harness for extra stability.
After it is on
The first few hours take some adjustment. Your calm reassures your pet.
Monitoring
Make sure it breathes well and can eat and drink, raising the bowl if needed. If it seems disoriented, gently guide it until it gets its bearings.
A safe space
Move or protect fragile objects (lamps, vases) and clear a resting area away from furniture corners.
Removing it
If you must remove it for care, do so slowly and under supervision, especially past the ears and eyes, then put it back as soon as possible.
A few seconds is all it takes
Just a few seconds of licking or scratching can reopen a wound or pull out stitches. Do not leave your pet without the collar unsupervised, even briefly.
Your questions, our answers
The most common situations with an Elizabethan collar.
My pet keeps bumping into everything with the collar.
My dog or cat keeps taking the collar off.
My other pet is licking the wound.
Can I make a homemade Elizabethan collar?
My pet won't eat or move with the cone on.
The collar slips off over my pet's head.
Can I skip the collar if I watch my pet closely?
A simple step for a smooth recovery
Well chosen, well assembled, and well fitted, the Elizabethan collar protects the surgical or injured area and keeps your companion safe from licking and scratching. If you are unsure or running into trouble, we are here to guide you.