Can You Take A Cone Off A Dog With Staples?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most sutures and staples are left in for 10-14 days. Other lesions may take less or more time than that to heal completely. A good general rule is to

leave it on until the re-check appointment with your vet, at which time you will be advised as to whether the cone can come off or should remain on.

Can I take the cone off my dog after surgery?

In general, dogs may need to wear a cone anywhere from 7-14 days.

The cone should only be removed when the site has fully healed and/, or the sutures are removed

. Healing time depends on the type of surgery, lesion, suture material, suture absorption time, wound type, age, and other factors.

How long should Staples be left in dog?

If your dog’s incision has non-dissolving skin stitches, staples, or stent sutures, they are usually removed

10-14 days

after the operation; the actual time depends on the type of surgery performed.

Should a dog sleep with a cone?


Yes – dogs can sleep, eat, drink, pee, and poop with a cone on

. In fact, the stricter you are with the cone (officially called an Elizabethan collar or E-collar for short), the quicker your dog will get used to it.

Can I put a shirt on my dog instead of a cone?

If your pet struggles with the cone, there is actually a pretty easy DIY alternative to keep your furry friend comfortable while they recover at home.

You can make your pet a “jacket” out of an old T-shirt, and it can cover wounds or scars just like the cone.

How do they remove dog staples?

What happens after staples are removed from dog?

How do you remove staples from a dog’s skin?


Using your needle nose pliers, grasp one side of the surgical staple and carefully pull it out in a straight upward motion to free it from the skin

. Do not yank the staple from the skin quickly, rather pull the staple out slowly until it is free.

What can I use instead of a dog cone?

  • The BiteNot Collar. This device does not represent the shape of a cat or dog cone at all; it most resembles a neck brace. …
  • The ProCollar Premium Protective Collar. …
  • Kong EZ Soft Collar. …
  • Comfy Collar. …
  • The Boobooloon. …
  • Optivisor or Novaguard. …
  • TCOA Soft E-Fabric Collar.

Do dogs get depressed wearing a cone?


That cone designed to protect their stitches actually makes your pet depressed

. A new study by researchers in the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney has found the cone, or the ‘Elizabethan collar’ as it’s known in vet circles, does indeed impact on an animal’s quality of life – owners, too.

Can I take my dogs cone off at night?


You should not take a dog’s cone off at night

. If you do take the cone off when your dog is sleeping, it could wake up and irritate the wound leading to infection and the possibility of further surgery.

Can I use a travel pillow as a dog cone?

These neck pillows come in several different sizes and

can be a comfortable alternative to the e-collar

. To use one of these, simply inflate the pillow then place it around your dog’s neck and secure it with Velcro. The pillow will prevent your dog from biting, scratching, or licking without impeding his vision.

How tight should a cone be on a dog?

A well fit cone will be

snug around the neck, loose enough to get one or two fingers between the collar and neck, but tight enough that the animal cannot remove it

. Any hard edges should not be applying pressure to the neck.

How do you stop a dog from licking a wound without a cone?

Alternatives to the “cone of shame” are

inflatable collars, soft E-collars and neck brace collars

. Try covering the wound with soft fabric secured by medical tape to prevent licking. Keep pets busy with other fun things to distract them from licking wounds.

How do you stop a dog from licking a wound without a collar?

  1. Clean the wound with normal saline to wash out dirt and debris.
  2. Apply anti-septic solution and clean the wound well with it generously.
  3. Apply a topical antiseptic ointment or solution and put a sterile gauze over it.

What can I use instead of a cone?

What can I use instead of a dog cone? Any dog cone alternative including

inflatable collars, flexible and soft fabric e-collars, and clothing like onesies and bodysuits

can be used instead of a traditional e-collar. Make sure whatever you decide to use protects the affected area from your dog’s biting or licking.

How are surgical staples removed?

To remove staples, place the lower jaw of the remover under a staple. Squeeze the handles completely to close the device. This bends the staple in the middle and pulls the edges out of the skin. Gently move the staple away from the incision site when both ends are visible.

Why do vets use staples instead of stitches?

Staples may be simpler, stronger, and speedier to use

to close large, open wounds

than traditional stitches, and may be used after major surgery. For example, staples are often used after C-sections because they help the incision heal faster while also reducing scar appearance.

Are staples better than stitches for dogs?

In most cases,

staples are easier to remove and allow for quick wound closure with minimal inflammation

. That said, staples require a special tool for removal, while stitches require a simple pair of scissors.

Can you remove dog staples at home?


Never attempt to remove surgical staples from a dog by yourself

. Even if your dog is generally very laid back, they may become agitated and you can injure them if you are trying to hold them securely and remove the staples at the same time. Do not remove staples before the recommended time period.

What if my dog eats a staple?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts and watchful eye,

dogs can remove their surgical staples

. Unless your dog has done this within a few days of returning home from surgery, or you notice pus, excessive bleeding, or a large, open wound where the staple is missing, your dog should be just fine.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.