Are there alternatives to Elizabethan collars for large dogs?
Elizabethan or buster collars are great for preventing our pets licking wounds or nibbling themselves while their body heals. Often they don’t love wearing them but, after a short time, they do get used to them.
It’s important to check that the buster collar is fitted properly, if it’s too tight it could rub around the neck or ears causing irritation. The tip of your dog’s nose should ideally be within the cone of the collar. Sometimes particularly with drooly dogs, the collar captures the saliva and can make their skin quite wet and irritated, so be sure to wipe it dry regularly.
Depending on the reason for your dog requiring a buster collar, an inflatable ring collar may be suitable. Your vet or vet nurse will be able to advise you on whether this would be appropriate. For some flexible or bendy dogs, an inflatable ring collar will still allow them to get at their back end or feet, so it will depend which area you are trying to prevent your dog from interfering with!
Answered by: Dr Laura Sullivan MRCVS