Unfortunately, dogs and cats, like humans, are susceptible to various diseases. And it is not always the case with only pills and injections. If the animal has got on the operating table, it definitely needs high-quality postoperative care. The speed of rehabilitation will directly depend not only on the skillful actions of the surgeon, but also on the behavior of the beast itself.
It is practically impossible for a cat or dog to explain that seams cannot be touched, and if itching occurs, you just need to be patient. The pet acts instinctively. He knows only one way to alleviate his suffering - to nibble interfering staples and thread, as soon as possible to lick the wound. Animals are quite impatient and immediately remove bandages and dressings. They just bother them.
To speed up the healing process and not allow yourself to be hurt, experts recommend putting on your favorite Elizabethan collar. What is it and what is it like? Is it possible to make such a device yourself or should I urgently run to the store? Let's get it right.
Historical excursion
Why did the protective veterinary collar get such an interesting name? The fact is that in the 60s of the twentieth century, veterinarian Frank L. Johnson noticed an interesting similarity. The barrier structure, which does not allow the animal to reach the wound, is very similar to the collars of dresses of court ladies from the time of the Queen Elizabeth of England.
Lush starched collars were very popular at the time. They came to England from the Spanish fashion and were stiff starched structures with numerous folds. They were not sewn to the suit, but were worn over it and tied tightly.
By the end of the 16th century, collars had reached incredible sizes. A width of about 30 cm greatly limited the review and prevented turning your head.
When and why is a collar needed?
Despite the fact that the Elizabethan collar is most often used as a postoperative accessory, it can also be used for other purposes. For example, with otitis media or an ear tick, the animal often and severely scratches its head. Elizabethan collar will prevent this.
There are a number of other indications for use:
- Wound healing after injury. During this period, it is very important to control dry and clean skin. The collar will not allow the dog to lick the injured area.
- Treatment of wounds and sores with special ointments. Often, such preparations must be left on the skin until completely absorbed.
- Abdominal surgery. Veterinary collar makes it impossible to crack open joints, and healing is faster.
- Skin parasites and various fungal infections. The protective Elizabethan collar prevents the animal from combing damaged skin.
- The period after sterilization or castration.
- Treatment of animals from fleas and ticks. Many insecticides are safe only after complete drying. While the cat is wet, a collar can be put on to prevent the product from licking.
Do not neglect the recommendations of the veterinarian and remove the accessory. Of course, wearing it is uncomfortable, and the animal will certainly protest. But the harm caused to the pet due to the lack of a "funnel" can be incomparably higher than the discontent of the pet.
Where to get a protective collar for an animal?
Today in pet stores there is such a variety of products that it is not difficult to purchase a protective collar for a cat or dog. However, in some cases, you may simply not have time to go shopping. A limiting device may be needed suddenly. However, there is nothing to worry about. Let's look at how to make an Elizabethan collar yourself. The simplest options below can be used in an emergency. But if you take care of everything in advance, this simple accessory will even add appeal to your animal.
To make a veterinary collar for a cat or dog, you can use:
- plastic bottle of the right volume;
- thick cardboard;
- foam rubber;
- strong and thick fabric (such as felt);
- other materials at hand.
Apply lightweight plastic
The easiest way to make a protective collar from a regular plastic stationery folder. If you cut it from the bottom and along one of the end sides, you will get a fairly long, wide and very flexible plastic canvas. In addition, you will come in handy:
- sharp scissors;
- tape measure;
- calculator;
- stapler with strong and wide brackets;
- wide fabric-based patch, adhesive tape, or plain tape.
For cutting you need only 2 sizes:
- animal head length from nose to neck;
- girth of the neck.
Manufacturing process
We begin to build a pattern:
- Draw a small circle on paper. Its radius is equal to the girth of the animal’s neck, divided by 6.28.
- To the resulting radius, add the length of the animal's head and another 2-3 cm to the reserve. Get the radius of the second circle. It must be postponed from the same point as the first.
- Now build the third circle. It will lie inside the first, its radius is 2-4 cm less. From here we will cut fasteners under the collar.
- We trim the pattern along the largest circle, taking into account the stock. If you doubt the correctness of the calculations, you can cut off more and, if necessary, remove excess.
- From the reference point (center) we draw a vertical line and cut the workpiece along it.
- Cut out the smallest circle located inside.
- From the cut line to the second circle we make several perpendicular cuts and form 5-6 straps under the loops.
Pattern is ready. Now it should be tried on the pet and make the necessary adjustments in width. Using a marker and a ballpoint pen, transfer the finished pattern to a plastic base. Cut out. The strips prepared under the loops are folded in half and fastened with a stapler. We glue all the brackets and sharp edges with a band-aid or tape. Pass the collar into the loops and fasten the device on the cat / dog.
Such a collar is done very quickly, but has a significant drawback. It is quite suitable as an ambulance. As long as the cat is weak and does not show obvious activity, he will regularly perform his function. A stronger animal is likely to easily collapse the structure.
Elizabethan collar from a bottle
It is very convenient to make such a device out of ordinary plastic containers of suitable diameter. For a small cat, a two-liter one is quite suitable, and for a dog a five-liter baclag. A wide strip is cut from the bottle, which folds into a truncated cone. Edges are treated with adhesive tape or plaster. Instead of a fastener, you can take a pair of laces, and pierce the holes for them with a nail.
From cardboard the fastest
Very quickly and simply the collar for dogs is made of thick cardboard. Making it simple is simple:
- Take a sheet of cardboard and draw a ring on it with a width equal to the length of the pet’s head. Calculate the inner radius as in the previous example: divide the circumference of the neck by 6.28.
- Cut about 1/3 of the resulting ring, and wrap the remaining “horseshoe” around the neck of the animal.
- Fasten the edges with masking tape or tape. For greater strength, you can additionally use a stapler.
This is the easiest option. If you want the funnel to be removed, the inner edge must be equipped with loops through which the collar will be threaded. To do this, take a ribbon or a wide lace, cut it into pieces 3-5 cm long. Now fold each piece in half, forming a loop. Using a stapler or scotch tape, fasten the tabs along the inner edge of the collar. Pass the collar and secure the structure to the dog’s neck.
Soft fabric collar
If your pet has a long recovery period, it is best to make a soft protective collar. Sewing it is very simple, and it will be much more convenient for a cat or dog in it. This design does not interfere with sleep, does not rub the neck. It is very easy to fasten and can be washed easily.
It is better to make such a collar for a cat or dog from a strong, but hygroscopic fabric. Suitable linen or thick cotton. In order for the “funnel” to keep its shape and protect well, you can use felt, non-woven fabric, and a rigid net as a sealant. It is best to make a two-layer or even three-layer version. The protective collar on a fastener - "flypaper" is very convenient. You can put it on and take it off in literally one motion, but the animal will not be able to do it on its own.
To make a collar from fabric, the pattern is done in the same way as in the previous version. Two parts are cut out of the fabric and another is cut out of dense felt or non-woven fabric. It is inserted inside to provide structural rigidity.
Parts of the collar are stitched together, and the edges are treated with a slanting inlay. The fastener can be made by sewing on the short sides of the Velcro. To provide additional fixation on the neck of the pet, on the inside you can stretch the lace or make loops into which the collar will be threaded, or you can leave it like that.
Foam collar
An interesting variation of the Elizabethan collar can be independently made of foam rubber. Rather, it will not even be a funnel, but a foam disk with ties. You will need:
- foam rubber 3-4 cm thick and about 40 x 40 cm in size;
- fabric to sheathe foam;
- a strip of fabric for making a fastener;
- lace;
Pattern - a circle with a diameter of about 30–35 cm (in it you will need to cut a hole along the diameter of the pet’s neck).
Manufacturing instruction
From a sheet of foam rubber we cut a circle with a diameter of 30 cm. In the middle we cut a hole so that the animal’s head crawls there. It should be something like a foam bagel.
On the fabric we cut out 2 circles with a diameter of 30 cm. On the outer and inner diameter, leave allowances for seams of 2-3 cm, cut out.
We fold fabric circles face to face and sew on the outer diameter. We turn out.
We put a foam bagel inside and gently sew on the inside.
The base of the protective collar is ready, now you need to make a fastener:
- From the fabric intended for the fastener, we cut a strip with a width of 8-10 cm and a length equal to 2 lengths of the inner circumference of the foam collar.
- Sew side sections to make a ring.
- Now we fold it in length in half with the front side out. We build along the entire length a little less than half. There we will thread the lace.
- Sew the free ends in a circle to the foam base (like a sleeve cuff). We insert the lace.
That's all, the collar is ready. It remains to put it on the neck of the animal and tighten the cord. It is very important to ensure that your finger fits freely between the puff and the neck of the pet. If tightened too tight, your pet may suffocate.
Other options
And here are a few more options for a protective Elizabethan collar. They are suitable for special occasions, and for everyday wear are uncomfortable.
Inflatable
If you often travel with your dog, it is better to worry about possible troubles in advance. Today in veterinary pharmacies and pet stores you can find an inflatable protective collar with Velcro. Such accessories come in different sizes, are compact enough and do not take up much space. In addition, inflatable collars are made of special materials that do not cause allergies and are suitable for prolonged wear.
From a cardboard plate
An improvised collar for a small dog or for a cat can be made from a regular disposable cardboard plate. It needs to be cut to the middle, and inside to make a hole along the diameter of the neck of the animal. Now the plate needs to be rolled up with a cone and secured to the neck of the animal with adhesive tape.
This design is great for protecting the animal during processing from parasites. She can’t stand it for a long time, and for just a few hours - just right.
Terms of use
It is not enough to make or buy a collar. It is also necessary to use it correctly. When wearing a collar, you need to constantly monitor the animal. During feeding, he will have to be removed all the time, because the pet simply can not reach the bowl. Also, the owners will have to watch when the cat or dog wants to drink.
If the pet continues to be treated while wearing the collar, the device must be worn so that it does not interfere with injections (their animals are made at the withers). It is very important that the collar fastener does not fall into this place. She can rub.
Some animals can not come to terms with the innovation for a very long time and are constantly trying to remove the design. During this period, it is important to show maximum love and patience. Experiment, maybe the dog will not like the hard plastic collar. But a fabric or foam pet will be worn without objection.