Quick Answers
Whether your dog should sleep with his cone on depends on a few factors:
– If your dog just had surgery, it is usually recommended to leave the cone on at all times, including during sleep, for at least the first 7-10 days. This prevents your dog from licking or scratching at the incision site while unsupervised.
– For injuries/wounds on other parts of the body, you can sometimes take the cone off during sleep as long as your dog is not bothering the area. However, some dogs may try to lick/bite injuries when the cone is removed, so monitor your dog closely.
– Work with your veterinarian to determine the right approach. Some vets may advise leaving the cone on at all times if your dog is very persistent about trying to lick his wounds.
– If your dog has sutures, staples, or open incisions, the cone should stay on during sleep. Once the incision is closed, you may be able to remove the cone for sleep depending on your dog’s behavior.
– You know your dog best. If he seems calm and leaves the incision alone when the cone is removed, it may be okay to take it off during the night. But he will need supervision.
– Make sure the cone is properly fitted and not easily removable by your dog. Check sizing with your vet if needed.
– Some dogs can tolerate an inflatable collar or donut collar as an alternative to the hard plastic cone. Discuss options with your vet.
Why Do Dogs Need to Wear Cones After Surgery or Injuries?
Dogs are often required to wear protective cones, also known as e-collars, after undergoing surgery or sustaining injuries. There are a few important reasons for this:
Prevents Licking/Chewing at Incision Sites
The main reason dogs must wear cones post-surgery is to prevent them from licking, biting, or scratching at their incisions or any wounded areas on their bodies. Dogs have a natural instinct to lick at irritated or damaged tissue. However, licking and chewing can disturb sutures, open up closed incisions, and increase the risk of infection. The cone physically blocks the dog’s access to surgical sites during the healing process.
Prevents Bandage/Splint Removal
In addition to incisions, dogs may try to tamper with bandages, splints, casts or other medical devices. A protective cone keeps dogs from being able to reach and potentially remove any bandaged or splinted areas on their bodies.
Stops Self-Mutilation or Re-Injury
Some dogs, especially those with anxiety or neurotic tendencies, may excessively lick or chew at themselves, leading to self-mutilation or re-injury of wounds. Cones are an important tool to manage this behavior and give incisions adequate time to fully close and heal. The cone prevents self-trauma and repeated aggravation of injuries.
Minimizes Excessive Licking and Irritation
Excessive licking can cause local irritation, inflammation and discomfort at incision sites or open wounds. The cone prevents this irritation and allows the area to heal in a less disrupted manner.
When is it Safe to Remove the Cone?
The ideal timeframe for cone use will depend on the specific surgery or injury being managed. Here are some general guidelines on appropriate cone removal:
After Surgery:
– Spays, neuters, mass removals: 7-10 days minimum, until sutures or staples are removed
– Orthopedic procedures: 2 weeks minimum, sometimes longer depending on procedure
– For procedures involving an open abdominal incision, cones may be needed for 2-3 weeks post-surgery
For Wounds/Lacerations:
– Keep the cone on until any sutures or staples have been removed and the incision has fully closed
– Even small wounds or hot spots should be monitored for at least a week to ensure they are healing properly before the cone comes off
Self-Traumatic Injuries:
– For dogs with anxiety, stress or obsessive self-licking, the cone may be needed for 2-4 weeks to adequately break the behavior pattern
– Closely monitor the dog’s behavior when trialing cone removal to ensure excessive licking does not return
Your veterinarian is the best resource for providing a timeline on how long your dog’s cone should stay on after any given procedure or injury. Follow their recommendations closely.
Are There Risks to Removing the Cone Too Soon?
Taking a dog’s protective cone off too early does carry some risks, which is why following your vet’s guidance is important. Potential problems include:
Incision Re-Opening
Premature removal of the cone risks the incision site re-opening if the dog licks or scratches at it vigorously. This can undermine the surgical repair and cause complications like infection.
Suture Chewing and Damage
Dogs may chew out their sutures or staples without the cone on, requiring additional treatment to close the incision.
Self-Trauma and Reinjury
Excessive licking, chewing and scratching can lead to wounds in the area, pain, inflammation and other harm, especially in dogs prone to self-mutilation.
Local Infection
Bacteria from the mouth introduced to incisions or wounds via licking can cause localized infection, requiring antibiotics or additional interventions.
Generalized Infection
In some cases, disruption of surgical sites and introduction of oral bacteria could lead to systemic infection if bacteria enter the bloodstream. This is a serious potential complication.
Increased Healing Time
Any damage or irritation caused by premature cone removal will prolong the healing timeframe for incisions, wounds or injuries.
Consult with your vet if you have any concerns about the appropriate time to remove your dog’s protective medical cone. Never remove it before your vet advises.
Tips for Helping a Dog Sleep with a Cone On
Although cones are necessary for many dogs after medical procedures, they can take some adjustment. Here are some tips to help a dog rest and sleep better while wearing a cone:
– Place a soft bed in a corner. The walls will cradle the edges of the cone and make resting more comfortable.
– Elevate the dog’s food and water bowls up on a stand so the cone’s rim doesn’t hit the floor when drinking and eating.
– Use an inflatable collar if the hard plastic cone seems too cumbersome. They are less irritating.
– Give your dog something to cuddle like a favorite blanket or soft toy to feel more secure.
– Play calming music and keep activity relaxed around the house to avoid stress.
– Use pheromone sprays/diffusers to induce a comforting, sleepy environment.
– Make sure the cone is the right size and fitted properly so excess protrusion doesn’t disturb your dog’s sleep.
– Supervise your dog and provide assistance getting up and down or repositioning as needed.
– Ask your vet about anti-anxiety medication if your dog has extreme difficulty settling down. This can help induce rest.
With patience and some simple adjustments, you can make the cone experience as tolerable as possible for your recovering dog. The cone is an important part of the healing process and should not be removed unless advised by your veterinarian.
Are There Alternatives to the Cone?
If your dog is having a truly difficult time tolerating the standard plastic cone, there are some alternative options to discuss with your vet:
Inflatable Collar
This is a cushioned vinyl collar that inflates with air. It is more flexible and less cumbersome than a hard cone. However, some dogs can still work around it to reach incisions.
Soft E-Collar
A soft fabric cone alternative with a stiffened edge that prevents bending. May be more comfortable but likewise has less blocking ability.
Donut Collar
Shaped like a donut or airplane collar, this allows dogs to eat and drink more easily but does not protect the hind end area.
BiteNot Collar
Made of hard plastic but contoured to more closely fit the dog’s neck. Allows for freer movement.
T-shirt Method
For small wounds, carefully putting a t-shirt on backwards can block access. Requires very close monitoring.
Your vet can help assess if an alternate option is appropriate for your dog’s specific condition. The plastic cone may still be the safest option in many cases.
Signs It’s Time to Put the Cone Back On
If your vet gives the go-ahead to trial periods without the cone, watch closely for any of these signs that your dog may need the cone put back on:
– Licking, chewing, or scratching at the incision or wound site
– Excessive attention focused on the area
– Redness, swelling or discharge from the site
– Reopened sutures or incisions
– Evidence of new trauma or injury to the site
– General irritability or anxiety signaling discomfort
– Attempts to lick/chew through bandages or splints
Do not hesitate to reapply the cone if you observe any persistent licking, scratching, or irritation localized to the surgical area or injury site. It is important to protect the site during healing. When in doubt, the cone keeps your dog from interfering with the process.
Make sure you follow all of your veterinarian’s recommendations about the length of time the cone needs to be worn and protocols for monitoring your dog’s recovery. If problems emerge when the cone is off, patiently recondition your dog to accept the cone until healing is complete. With your vet’s advice, your dog will be cone-free before you know it!
Conclusion
While protective medical cones are often necessary after surgeries, injuries or medical procedures, the decision about whether to keep the cone on during sleep needs to be made carefully based on your individual dog and situation. In most cases, veterinarians recommend keeping the cone on at all times for at least the first 7-10 days post-procedure, including during sleep. This protects incisions or wounds during unsupervised periods. However, for some minor injuries or once an incision is partially healed, it may be possible to trial cone-free periods under strict supervision. Work closely with your vet to determine the right cone protocol and timeline for your dog’s specific needs. If any worrisome licking, chewing or irritation of the affected area occurs when the cone is removed, immediately put the cone back on to prevent re-injury or complications. Patience, supervision and vet guidance are key to ensuring your dog heals properly while managing the cone experience.