GreyBoy Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 We just adopted a new 1-1/2 year old greyhound (a real sweetie) from a Kansas. We are taking him in for neutering in a couple of days and was wondering if we need to have him wear the big cone to keep him from bothering his incision. I know our other dogs never, never liked these things. Does anyone know if this is standard practice? It seems kind of silly unless there is a problem with him bothering it. Thanks for any advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissy Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Yes, he needs something to prevent licking. Whether that is a cone or a muzzle, but something is necessary. Most of us here use muzzles instead of cones. Quote Kristie and the Apex Agility Greyhounds: Kili (ATChC AgMCh Lakilanni Where Eagles Fly RN IP MSCDC MTRDC ExS Bronze ExJ Bronze ) and Kenna (Lakilanni Kiss The Sky RN MADC MJDC AGDC AGEx AGExJ). Waiting at the Bridge: Retired racer Summit (Bbf Dropout) May 5, 2005-Jan 30, 2019 Like us on Facebook! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buddibear Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Of all 42 fosters none wore a cone . If stiches are involved ,vigilance is necessary for a few days to watch for swelling. Most of the dogs are now super glued and much faster recovery. We have gone to Meet and Greets the next day. Female surgery is a different ball game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Many greyhounds a)freak out when wearing a cone, making them totally useless, and/or can't keep one on their head. Greyhound head are very streamlined and dont have much in the way of jaws or skull protrusions to hold the cone on. They usually end up sliding right off. A muzzle will be easier and more familar to your new dog. If he tries to lick even with the muzzle on, you can use duct tape over the front holes. Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roo Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 I would only use a cone as a last resort if he absolutely won't leave it alone. Watch and see if he bothers it - if he does, try a muzzle with a poop cup first. The adoptable hounds get snipped and brought back to their crates - no cones and no muzzle, unless we see them licking constantly. They all fare just fine! Quote Mom of bridge babies Regis and Dusty. Wrote a book about shelter dogs! I sell things on Etsy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Agree. Just be extra vigilant about licking. Much prefer muzzle with stool guard/duct tape over lampshade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyBoy Posted March 15, 2016 Author Share Posted March 15, 2016 That is awesome. I totally forgot about the brand new muzzle we were given. That is a much better alternative to that ridiculous cone. Thanks so, so much for the suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukasmom Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Muzzle with poop guard, they can still lick with the muzzle on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 What about 'panties' instead. Small boxer shorts I think are popular. (I've always had girls). But sometimes covering the area instead of the mouth works well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 (edited) Try a bite not collar. There are several YouTube videos showing how to make your own if you don't want to buy one. Fold a bath towel in thirds, lengthwise, and wrap it around the neck. Secure it with vet wrap or tape. No cone in front of the face, but can't turn the head enough to get at the area. I brought my two broods home with cones after their spays but switched to bite not after one day. I had one actual bite not collar, and used a towel for the other girl. Edited March 15, 2016 by Neighsayer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FordRacingRon Posted March 17, 2016 Share Posted March 17, 2016 FYI,,,Leia never hated the cone (she wore one for weeks after a pitbull mauled her leg) but I did find one at Petco that was soft and squishy that she really liked better and velcro made if possible to get it on her and not have it fall off. When she slept it conformed to her. I will say when we picked her she just had the spay thing done, still had stitches, and never bothered them at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sobesmom Posted March 21, 2016 Share Posted March 21, 2016 I had one experience with a foster grey with a cone and swore NEVER AGAIN. The poor thing was terrified, quickly became aggressive, and I took it off within a couple hours before I had a pack fight on my hands. All the other suggestions above are good ones, and I'd personally only use a cone as an absolute last resort. She had a shoulder injury so I put a T-shirt on her (thank you GT) and she couldn't get to it. The vets suggest cones because it's the "easy" common solution. I think sighthounds (and probably other dogs) get very disoriented when they can see all around them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Loves4Greyz Posted March 21, 2016 Share Posted March 21, 2016 Some tolerate the cone but a lot don't. I witnessed one of mine when I put a cone on her and was terrified at her reaction. I feared that she would hurt herself before I could get it off. Muzzles and vigilance work best for me. One of my pups had a cut on his leg and never bothered it so no cone or muzzle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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