Dog won’t wear cone after neuter or spaying – and best cones after surgery

Pets Can Smile – 16 July 2024

Your dog may refuse to wear a cone after neutering or spaying.

This can cause serious problems for your dog, including:

• Licking, biting, and scratching the incision area
• Infection
• Reopening of the incision wound

So, what can you do if your dog won’t wear cone after neuter? 

Simple… just read this quick article. 

This article will tell you everything you need to know about: 

• Best cones after surgery
• How to prepare your dog for a cone
• How to make your dog feel comfortable wearing a cone
• Best cone alternatives
• And more

Let’s do this. 

Let’s ensure your dog loves the cone – and quickly recovers after neutering or spaying.

Why is your dog refusing a cone?

Unfortunately, many dogs don’t want to wear a cone after the neutering or spaying surgery.

As mentioned earlier, not wearing a cone after neutering or spaying can cause serious problems for your dog. 

Here are the main reasons why your dog may be refusing to wear a cone: 

• Uncomfortable
• Restrictive (movement & vision)
• Limits field of vision (a dog may bump into things and hurt itself)
• Rubs against the neck
• Causes a rash
• Makes it hard to eat and drink
• Causes vomiting – inside a cone!
• Amplifies sounds (especially plastic cones), which makes dogs fearful
• Interferes with daily activities

All this can cause: 

• Stress
• Depression
• Fear
• Panic
• Physical injury

No wonder, many dogs will resist the cone and do anything to remove it. 

If your dog constantly tries to remove its cone or seems uncomfortable wearing it, it’s best to consult your vet or choose an alternative (more on this later).

What is neutering and spaying?

Neutering is the removal of the testicles in male dogs. 

Spaying is the removal of the ovaries (and usually the uterus too) in female dogs.

Both neutering and spaying prevent dogs from reproducing. 

Neutering and spaying also offer various health benefits such as:

• Contribute to a longer and healthier life
• Reduce the risk of certain health issues, including certain cancers
• Prevents testosterone-triggered behavior like aggression 

Personally, we neutered and spayed our two dogs (male & female) to keep them from roaming (and reproducing). 

Before neutering our male dog (Doberman), no matter how well we secured our yard, our dog often found a way out if it smelled a female dog in heat. 

As you know, a roaming dog can be a danger to itself and others. 

Why your dog needs a cone after neutering or spaying

Your dog will need to wear a cone after neutering or spaying. 

What is a cone? 

A cone is a plastic cone-shaped device placed around a dog’s head to prevent the pet from licking, biting, or scratching at a post-surgery site. 

Most cones are made of plastic. 

But you can also find soft fabric, inflatable, flexible, and other cones (more on this later). 

A dog cone is attached to your dog’s collar with strings (or tabs). 

The traditional dog cone is also called “e-cone”, “cone of shame” or “Elizabethan collar”. 

Here is why your dog needs a cone after neutering or spaying:

• Prevents your dog from licking, biting, or scratching the incision site
• Protects the post-surgery stitches
• Prevents infection, which can be caused by your dog interfering with the incision site
• Supports fast healing (interfering with the incision site will delay healing)

You should keep the cone on your dog until the incision site has fully healed, which can take up to two weeks.

And yes, your dog will most likely hate every single second of it. 

How to prepare your dog for a cone

As mentioned earlier, many dogs refuse to wear a cone after neutering or spaying. 

This can cause serious problems for your dog, including:

• Licking, biting, and scratching of the incision area
• Risk of infection & swelling
• Reopening of the incision wound

So yes, you should prepare your dog for a cone. 

This is how.  

Don’t just try to put a cone on your dog without any preparation!

Your dog will most likely reject it. 

So, start by holding the cone in front of your dog (or place the cone on the ground in front of you). 

Reward your pup with a treat each time your dog shows interest in the cone (any time your pup sniffs, touches with a nose, or even looks at the cone, praise your pup and give it a treat). 

Keep the cone introduction sessions short and fun. 

Repeat until your dog shows no fear or stress when in the presence of the cone.

Hold the cone with the wide opening facing your dog. Note that the wide opening of the cone is not the right side of the cone for your dog’s head. But we start with the wide opening because it’s easier to convince a dog to place its head into a wide opening than into a narrow one.   

Praise your dog and reward it with treats whenever your dog makes any head movements toward the cone. 

It’s okay if your dog hesitates (or even resists) to put its head into the cone (go slow and reward any progress). 

Continue the cone introduction until your dog is comfortable with placing its head into the wide opening of the cone. 

It’s time to convince your dog to insert its head into the small opening of the cone (the correct opening). 

Present the cone to your dog, with the small opening facing your pup. 

Praise and reward your dog for any movement your pup makes to put its nose through the narrow opening.

For our dog, we again used the luring trick (make your dog follow your hand that holds a treat). 

Repeat until your dog is comfortable with getting its head into the small opening. 

Praise and reward your dog for keeping its head inside the cone for longer and longer. 

For our dog, we started to clip the collar closed at this stage. 

When you clip the collar closed, reward your dog, and immediately unclip the collar. 

Continue increasing the time your dog spends wearing the cone. 

To get our dog used to the cone, we also rotated the cone around our pup’s head (we rewarded our dog generously during this step). 

We also gently tapped on the cone (on the inside and outside). This helped our dog get used to the different sounds it’ll hear while wearing the cone later. 

Next, we recommend that you walk with your dog (with your dog wearing the cone). This will help your dog learn how to navigate the world with the cone on, including through doorways and around corners.  

Encourage your pup to keep its head up while walking with the cone on. This will help your dog avoid catching the cone on the floor. 

Keep each session short and fun (3 to 5 minutes long). 

The overall goal is for your dog to view the cone as something neutral (and even positive). Because the last thing you want is for your dog to get extra stress right after the spaying or neutering surgery.  

How to help your dog feel comfortable wearing a cone

Wearing a lampshade on your head is neither cool nor pleasant. 

This is why many dogs find wearing a cone stressful and uncomfortable. 

When our dog needed to use a cone, we could see that the cone was making it difficult for our pup to move around the house (and even the yard). The cone changed our dog’s hearing and vision. 

No wonder, our dog was stressed out and seemed depressed. 

Our veterinarian told us that the stress was making it harder for our dog’s body to recover after the neutering surgery. 

But worry not. 

Here is how to make using a cone more comfortable for your dog. 

• Ensure proper fit (snug around the neck but loose enough to insert two fingers between the collar and your dog’s fur)
• Place food & water bowls away from walls
• Remove any obstacles from your dog’s path
• Help your dog navigate indoors & outdoors (especially at the beginning)
• Carry your dog when necessary (especially on stairs)
• Don’t leave your dog unattended
• Consider hand-feeding your dog (and assist your dog with drinking water)
• Praise and reinforce good cone behavior
• Ensure a comfortable spot for sleep
• Give your dog a cone break (but only under supervision and only if your vet agrees)
• Pamper your dog (as with any surgical procedure, your pup may not feel great right after neutering or spaying)

When to remove a cone after neuter or spay

A dog must wear a cone for 10 to 14 days.

How soon you can remove the cone will depend on: 

• How soon the post-surgery site has fully healed
• How soon the sutures have been removed (or dissolved)
• How old is your dog (younger dogs usually heal faster)
• How healthy is your dog (healthy dogs usually heal faster)

Here are other factors which may decide how soon you can remove the cone: 

• Your dog’s temperament (some dogs will scratch or lick the post-surgery incision more than others)
• Suture absorption time (if absorbable sutures were used, they’ll dissolve at different speeds, based on the type of suture material)
• Your ability to supervise (if you can closely supervise your dog and prevent it from licking or scratching the post-surgery incision, your vet may let you take the cone off earlier)
• Surgery complications (post-surgery complications can extend the healing process). For example, mild infection or irritation can extend the cone-wearing duration to 14-20 days. Would re-opening (dehiscence) may extend it to 20+ days.
• Breed & coat type (certain dog breeds or dogs with specific types of coats may need to use a cone longer – for example, longer hair may irritate the wound for longer)

If your dog is healing well and doesn’t seem bothered by the post-surgery incision, your vet may recommend taking the cone off before the standard 10 to 14 days. 

Risks of wearing the cone 

The cone is necessary.

But wearing the cone can pose certain risks for your dog. 

Here are some statistics related to wearing a cone by dogs:

• 77.4% of dogs experience a poorer quality of life while wearing the cone (nutrition, mental health, other health issues, behavioral issues, stress,)
• 68% of dogs can’t play (even with their dog owners)
• 60% of dogs struggle to drink
• 25% of dogs suffer from collar-related injuries (irritation, falling, etc.)
• 10% of dogs struggle with grooming, bathroom, walking, and more

Inadequate monitoring of dogs wearing a cone can lead to injuries, including death. 

When can you temporarily take off the cone?

You can safely remove the cone temporarily when: 

• Feeding your dog
• Grooming your dog
• Giving your dog medication
• Taking your dog outside for bathroom breaks

Make sure to put the cone back immediately after completing any of the above actions. 

How to help your dog heal after neuter or spay

Yes, you can help your dog heal better and faster after surgery. 

This can lead to earlier removal of the cone – your dog will be very grateful!

This is how to help your dog heal faster after neuter or spay surgery: 

• Avoid baths (keep the incision site dry – spot clean if required)
• Limit exercise (avoid energetic activities – go for short leash walks)
• Avoid other pets (avoid interaction with other pets)
• Regular incision checks (monitor the incision twice a day for signs of improper healing or infection)
• Clean & comfortable (provide a clean, quiet, and comfortable environment for your pup to recover)
• Medication (administer any medication as directed by your veterinarian)
• Vet assistance (contact your vet if you notice any signs of discomfort, infection, or changes in behavior)

Signs your dog is ready to remove the cone

Here are the main signs your dog is ready to take the cone off.

Healed incision site

• No open wound (skin closed)
• No redness, swelling, or discharge
• No signs of infection

Energetic

Your dog regained its energy. 

Yes, lethargy is common immediately after surgery. 

No licking, chewing, or scratching

Your dog no longer shows interest in licking, biting, or scratching the post-surgery incision area. 

This means your dog no longer feels any discomfort or irritation at the incision site. 

No signs of complications

There are no signs of complications such as:

• Re-opening of the incision wound
• Unusual swelling
• Other symptoms that may suggest healing complications

Vet’s approval

You need your vet’s approval to remove the cone (it’s essential).  

Possible complications after neuter or spay

Monitor your dog for any signs of post-surgery complications. 

If you observe any of the following signs, contact your veterinary hospital immediately:

• Redness or swelling around the incision area
• Excessive bleeding or discharge
• A foul odor coming from the incision area
• Loss of appetite or lethargy
• Allergic reaction to the sutures or cone (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face)

Post-surgery care

Your veterinarian may recommend: 

• Clean the incision area with a mild soap and water (or an antiseptic solution)
• Pain medication if your poor dog is experiencing pain or discomfort
• Encourage your pup to sleep 

Most dogs recover from the neutering or spaying surgery without complications (with proper care and monitoring). 

But contact your vet immediately if you have concerns or notice any worrying symptoms.

Best cone alternatives for dogs after neuter or spay

Some dogs really hate the traditional cone.  

Some dogs will spend hours trying to remove it. 

This is what happened to one of our dogs. 

So we took our poor doggy to a vet for advice. 

Our veterinarian recommended a soft collar (a traditional cone alternative). 

The soft collar worked for our dog!

Here are the best cone alternatives for dogs after neuter or spay surgery

Important: Some of the alternatives may not be suitable for long-term use but can be great for short-term relief from the normal, plastic cone. 

Soft collars

If the plastic on a traditional cone seems too hard for your dog, try the soft collar.   

Here are the pros & cons of soft collars:  

Pros

• Softer than plastic cones
• More flexible than plastic cones
• Can fold down to make it easier to eat & drink

Cons

• Easier to be removed by dogs than plastic cones
• Not transparent (your dog won’t be able to see through them)

Inflatable collars

Also known as “donut” or “pillow” collars. 

Inflatable collars are inflatable rings that fit around a dog’s neck. 

Here are the pros & cons of inflatable collars:  

Pros

• Puffy, lightweight, and padded (good comfort)
• Increased freedom of movement
• Increased peripheral vision (don’t restrict the field of view like plastic cones)
• Good as a break from the normal, plastic cone

Cons 

• Not suitable for long-term use
• Doesn’t always effectively block access to the incision area
• A determined dog may be able to remove it (or puncture & deflate it)
• Good with supervision only
• Can puncture easily (a dog may panic after the collar deflates, especially if not supervised)

Neck collars

Neck collars are smaller and softer, compared to the normal cones. 

A neck collar will look like a neck brace on your dog.  

Here are the pros & cons of neck collars:  

Pros

• Easier to sleep with, compared to the traditional cones
• Easier to lie down and sleep
• Easier to eat and drink
• Sturdier than inflatable cones

Cons

• Not meant to be used for longer than 8 to 10 hours

Surgical recovery suit

No, this is not a cone. 

Instead, a surgical recovery suit is a one-piece garment that covers most of the dog’s body (just like a baby onesie). 

Pros

• Good for dogs that can’t stand to have anything on their necks
• Fully covers the incision site (no risk of biting or licking the site)
• Keeps the incision site clean, dry, and protected
• Unrestricted movement
• Allows your dog to carry on without much anxiety or disruption after surgery
• The material allows air to easily circulate (good for healing)
• Comes with built-in pockets for gauze pads
• There are options for dogs who only require partial body cover 

Cons

• Vulnerable to chewing 

Flexible fabric e-collars

Here are the pros & cons of flexible fabric e-collars:  

Pros

• Softer than the traditional cones
• More flexible
• Lightweight
• Dogs can lay their heads on the soft collar

Cons

• Easier to be removed by your dog than the normal cone

If your dog hates both the traditional cone and its alternatives, you can go creative. 

Who knows, you may create something less obstructive and less stressful for your dog specifically. 

Just remember that each dog is unique – so it may take some trial and error to find (or make) a suitable alternative to the traditional cone. 

Contact your veterinarian to discuss the best options to ensure your dog recovers from its surgery as quickly and comfortably as possible. 

Here are the best creative ideas for DIY cones. 

Dog visors

A dog visor can prevent your dog from reaching the incision area. 

A dog visor doesn’t obstruct peripheral vision too much. 

Boots, socks, and leggings

You can use boots, socks, and leggings to cover your dog’s legs and paws. 

This can prevent your dog from scratching the post-surgery site. 

Muzzles

A dog muzzle can prevent your dog from licking or biting the surgical site. 

Topical deterrents

Topical deterrents have an unpleasant taste and smell.

You can apply topical deterrents such as bitter sprays and creams to the surgical area to deter your dog from licking or biting it. 

Collar from a pool noodle

This is proper creative! 

And properly cushioned!

This is how you make a customized collar from a pool noodle: 

• Cut a pool noodle to the appropriate length
• Create a split to fit it around your dog’s neck
• Secure the whole thing in place with tape (or Velcro straps)

Towels & bandages

Wrap soft towels (or bandages) snugly around your dog’s neck. 

This will create a protective barrier. 

Just don’t wrap them too tight.  

Medication

You can also ask your veterinary professional for medication that would reduce your dog’s urge to lick or scratch. 

Positive Reinforcement Training

Yes, you can also try positive reinforcement training techniques to discourage your dog from bothering the surgical site. 

Reward your dog’s good behavior with praise and treats. 

Also, use treats to redirect your dog’s attention from the surgical area. 

Can your dog be neutered or spayed without surgery? 

Yes, there are non-surgical options for neutering or spaying a dog. 

And yes, these options remove the need for a cone and for post-surgery wound care.

Great! 

But consult your vet to see if any of the above non-invasive options are suitable for your dog specifically. 

Here are the best non-surgical options for neutering or spaying dogs. 

Neutersol (chemical neutering)

Neutersol is a chemical used to sterilize male dogs. 

The procedure involves a simple injection of Neutersol into a dog’s testicles. 

Just consult your veterinarian to see if your dog is suitable for this procedure – this will largely depend on your dog’s age, size, and breed. 

Zeuterin (chemical neutering)

Zeuterin is another chemical option for sterilizing male dogs. 

The procedure involves injecting a sterile solution of zinc gluconate into the dog’s testicles. 

Again, speak to a veterinary professional to see if your dog is suitable for this procedure. 

Hormonal suppression

Your veterinarian may recommend hormonal suppression therapy for your male dog. 

This approach involves giving your dog medication that temporarily suppresses testosterone production. 

Yes, this is not a permanent solution. 

But if you want to delay surgical neutering, you know what to do. 

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that sterilizes male dogs… but without removing their testicles. 

Phew! Your dog will thank you for the thought. 

While vasectomy requires surgery, it’s less invasive and so it eliminates the need for post-surgery wound care. 

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a non-invasive procedure that involves blocking of the fallopian tubes. 

This successfully prevents pregnancy, without the need for removing the ovaries. 

And since there’s no need for incision in the abdominal area, you won’t have to worry about post-procedure wound care.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy removes the uterus while leaving the ovaries intact. 

This procedure successfully eliminates the risk of pregnancy, without the need for wound care around the affected area. 

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog sleep with a cone on?

Yes. 

In fact, you shouldn’t take the cone off for the night. 

But note that it may take between 1 to 2 days for your dog to get used to sleeping with a cone on its head. 

If your dog struggles to sleep with the cone on, consult your vet. 

Can my dog escape from the cone?

Yes. 

Research shows that 23.7% of dogs manage to occasionally remove their cones – 4.8% of dogs manage this frequently.  

Can I trim the cone a little? 

Yes. 

You can trim the wide part of the plastic cone a bit. 

The cone doesn’t need to go past your dog’s nose. 

How to correctly fit the cone for my dog? 

It’s very important that your dog’s cone fits perfectly. 

You should be able to place two fingers between the cone and your dog’s fur. 

Also, the cone should be long enough for the tip of your dog’s nose to stick out. 

How do I know the cone is long enough for my dog?

Some dog breeds with longer snouts – like Dobermans – need cones long enough to keep those dogs from licking or biting their wounds. 

Luckily, cones come in many sizes. 

Some cones can even be extended. 

How long should my dog wear a cone after neutering?

You should be able to remove the cone within 10 to 14 days. 

But note that dissolvable stitches may not disappear completely within 10 to 14 days (this is fine as long as the incision has healed sufficiently). 

Can I take my dog for a walk with a cone?

It’s best to let your dog rest for 24 to 28 hours after surgery – you can allow your dog a gentle exercise indoors or in your yard. 

After this, short walks should be fine.  

But we recommend that you talk to your veterinarian about this.  

How can I make a cone more comfortable for my dog?

If the cone seems uncomfortable, check if it is not too tight. 

See if you can insert two fingers between your dog’s collar and its neck. 

If you can’t insert two fingers, loosen your dog’s cone slightly and try inserting two fingers again. 

Dog won’t wear cone after neuter CONCLUSION

Your dog’s refusal to wear a cone after neutering or spaying may lead to serious problems such as: 

• Licking, biting, and scratching of the incision site
• Infection
• Reopening of the incision wound

No wonder you want to know what can you do if your dog won’t wear cone after neuter. 

This is why this article told you everything you need to know about: 

• How to prepare your dog for a cone
• How to make your dog feel comfortable wearing a cone
• Best cone alternatives
• And more 

Our team wishes your dog a speedy and full recovery after the neutering or spaying procedure.