Get me out of this thing
Posted: December 2, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 36 CommentsAlice had surgery yesterday, but don’t worry, all is well. It was a small thing that had to be removed from her knee but we were happy to hear that it was benign. Last night when we brought her home she was still confused from the anaesthetic, but today she is very alert and wondering why this thing is around her neck.
In the instructions from the vet, they call this an Elizabethan collar. Sounds very fancy. But for her it’s a nuisance that she must wear for 10 days. She keeps bumping into things with it, and looking at me pleadingly to remove it. I try to compensate her, and assuage my own guilt, by giving her treats. Tonight she had some chicken liver with her dinner.
I don’t know who needs the treats more — Alice or you? How well I remember all those stressful times when one of my dogs had to wear a collar. I also remember needing to have some sections of the wall repaired from “collar damage”.
Jan, I think maybe it’s me. Or at least I did yesterday. It’s a long day when they are in surgery. And there’s no collar damage yet, at least. Still 9 days to go.
I’m feeling very sorry for you and Alice. I’ve been their with our yellow lab Buddy. And the worst part is this time of year when you take them out for a walk and the cone scoops up the snow which slides down into their neck!😩
Katharine, that snow thing is so true. Last night she wasn’t allowed to eat or drink when we brought her home but when I took her out before bed she started eating snow because she was so thirsty. That was really pathetic, and I was so happy to give her breakfast this morning.
I’ve seen e collars made using pool noodles on a collar. You did capture the perplexed look on her face “what is this thing?”
I know there are alternatives to the cone thing. We used to have an inflatable one but I don’t think we have it anymore. I seem to remember that she didn’t like that much either.
There are alternatives to the collar that also work. At one point we use what looked like a big donut collar. It was inflatable as I recall and it was big enough that he couldn’t like the wound but also was comfortable like a pillow. Now damage to walls either.
Poor Alice…and poor you-Alice for the confusion and you for feeling sorry for her. Sometimes nearer to the time when it can removed totally we have taken it off as long as we were going to be right with them. At least she’s going to be OK and that’s the really good part.
Hi Bonnie,
I think I might be more lenient with the collar in a few days but I certainly don’t want to go back to the vet because the staples or sutures came out. So for now it will stay on.
And yes, so relieved that she’s fine.
Thanks for writing.
Awww, poor Alice. Treats always make things better.
We have also been through the collar after surgery problem. A friend brought over a different collar that inflates – it wasn’t as big and didn’t knock into things as much. I recommend trying that. Btw, thanks for your classes. I really enjoy them
Barbara, we used to have that inflatable collar but I can’t find it anymore. I think we lost it during our move a few years ago.
Glad you are enjoying the classes!
Poor Alice – the cone of shame can be humiliating! I’m glad it was benign, and you had another fun story to sketch!
Yeah our dog had ACL surgery on both back legs…..it was really awful….first one was very hard but by the second he what to expect. The collar is terrible! I saw they make collars now that are easier to handle …softer….
Laura, that sounds pretty bad too. And yes, we used to have an inflatable collar but I can’t seem to find it anymore.
My cats feel your pain, Alice. Elizabeth can keep her collar!! 😹
Haha, that’s very funny. Yes, Elizabeth can sure keep it.
ah, that dreaded collar! here’s wishing her a short stint with the collar and a full recovery
Poor Alice!
The dreaded “Collar of Shame!”
Omg!! I’ve gone this so many times with Lily! It’s so hard!!!
Yes, no fun for Alice. But she’s used to it now.
Poor little cone head!!!! All but one of my pooches has had this at one time or another🙃
At least we get to call her cone head!
So happy to hear that Alice is OK! The first time our little dog needed to wear that collar, the kids treated it like she was in a cast-everyone who came to the house had to sign it! Our dog loved the added attention ❤️ I wish you both a speedy recovery.
Thanks Denise. I love that idea of signing the collar. Except in the middle of winter we have no guests!!
Poor baby. Glad she is OK.
She is much better today. And pretty much used to the annoying cone.
All the best for Alice! You will probably count the days! Give here lots of treats. She will be doing fine and trust you.
Yes, she has been having lots of treats! Thanks Frieda!
When Annie had surgery I bought a soft pillow type collar. She sort of used it as her pillow😂. Not as annoy as the plastic collar. Any petstore will have them.
Thanks so much Rebecca! You and many others have given me this great advice!! Much appreciated.
Poor Alice. And her people parents. Haven’t had to try it yet with our guy but I’ve seen suggestions about cutting pool noodles about 8” long and stringing them like a giant necklace. Instead of the dreaded cone. Theory is that it puts enough obstacle in place that she can’t reach the wound, but saves your walls and shins, and makes it easier for her to see.
Cindy, I’ve never heard of using pool noodles but I can see how that would work too. And they are so inexpensive.
I will remember that for next time.
Thanks so much!
Poor Alice! I hope she feels better soon! Dont know if you’ve seen them, but they make donut collars that velcro around the dog’s neck to replace the lampshade. 😆 They are soft and dont hurt when she walks into or bumps things. But still prevent the dog from reaching the ouchy spot. In Pet stores or online. Feel better soon!
Thanks so much Eileen. So many people have recommended those soft donut collars. But Alice has gotten used to this one and we only have a few days left, so I think we are just going to keep it on. I really appreciate the tip!
Poor Alice! Those Elizabeth collars are necessary but so uncomfortable for the pets! She deserves those extra treats! 👏🏼👏🏼❤️