CONE OF SHAME VS. MEDICAL PROTECTIVE APPAREL

The old-fashioned Elizabethan collar, also called cone of shame, is still used after medical procedures to prevent dogs, cats and rabbits from getting to their wounds and sutures. However, a scientific research has been published to highlight the welfare implications of the Elizabethan collar.  

A recent research from the University of Sydney and University of Glasgow, in which 434 dog and cat owners participated, shows that 77.4% of the owners reported a poorer quality of life in their dogs and cats when wearing a pet cone. They indicated that their pets were hampered in their daily activities, especially in their ability to move, eat, drink and play. Partly as a result of this, the owners indicated their pets seemed more stressed.

Results research

The cone of shame often interferes with moving freely. Dogs and cats can struggle to eat and drink while wearing the cone. Moreover, the pet cone can obstruct view, causing dogs and cats to bump into furniture, other animals and people. As a result, they can damage objects, injure people due to the cone’s sharp edges and have unfriendly interactions with other animals. In addition, the Elizabethan collar can amplify sounds, which can disorient or scare pets.

If a dog or cat wears a cone, the problem area is still open and unprotected. Other animals and small children can easily reach the wound or sutures for example. Moreover, dirt and bacteria can enter the wound, which can increase the risk of infection.

Medical protective apparel

Medical Pet Shirt®

There is an animal-friendly alternative for the cone: medical protective apparel. The Medical Pet Shirt® protects and covers the pet’s body after a medical procedure like neutering, during recovery, in case of skin problems or whenever protection is needed. Thanks to the comfortable design, pets can move, eat, drink and play during recovery. Available in version Dog, Cat and Rabbit. This results in less stress for a faster recovery.

Front leg protection

The MPS-TAZ® and MPS-TAZ2® front leg sleeves cover and protect hot spots, wounds, bandages and other skin problems on a dog’s front legs. Moreover, the sleeves prevent excessive licking, which can cause infections. The front leg sleeves have an additional advantage: the gentle pressure around the chest offers a calming effect for most dogs.  The MPS-HLS® Hind Leg Sleeves protect in case of hind leg problems.

Head Cover® 

For dogs that need protection for wounds, bandages or skin conditions on the ear and/or head, we have developed the Head Cover®. Ear problems are a difficult and frequent problem in dogs. Most dogs will do anything to reduce the pain and itching. Intense head shaking and scratching could lead to an ear hematoma, in which blood collects within the ear flap. The Head Cover® is a comfortable solution to protect the head and ears.

Less stress for a faster recovery! 

*Shenoda, Y., Ward, M.P., McKeegan, D. & Fawcett, A. (2020). “The Cone of Shame”: Welfare Implications of Elizabethan Collar Use on Dogs and Cats as Reported by their Owners. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 10(2), 333. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390%2Fani10020333