Need Advice

**banana** · 12-06-2006, 01:41 PM

I just brought my male puppy home from being fixed. They sent him home with a cone on his head which they said would prevent him from licking and biting the area. I turned my back for a few minutes and he can reach that area with the cone on! He was licking away!

I then put a baby onsie on him with the snaps and it seems to be helping a bit but he is determined to get to that area.

Anyone have any advice on how to keep him from licking and biting where his stitches are? The vet also said to limit his activity, no running playing, jumping etc. I'm about to have a heart attack, he already jumped on the couch once already and I nearly lost it. Any advice would be appreciated.

The only other option I have is to leave him in his crate and I really dont want to do that unless noone is home to watch him.

**wanderlusting** · 12-06-2006, 01:58 PM

Hmmm....it's been 4 years since my dog has been fixed. I think I just kept telling him "no" whenver his nose went around that area and thankfully he's very obedient. maybe try giving him bones and yummies to chew on instead of that "area"? Good luck!

**banana** · 12-06-2006, 02:27 PM

Great idea! I just took out his chewies and treats and that seems to be occupying him. I couldn't feed him for the first 2 hours so that was rough!

**FrugalWitch** · 12-06-2006, 06:10 PM

I have no advice (I'm a cat person) but I would dearly love to see a photo of your pooch in his onesie!!

**bumplett** · 12-06-2006, 07:50 PM

you may want to call the vet's office tomorrow & let them know that the e-collar may not be the correct size ~ he shouldn't be able to reach the area - the collars come in various sizes

also, I would let him stay in his crate as much as you can for the next few days - he will appreciate the peace & rest - I promise he will forgive you

**crazyBMB** · 12-06-2006, 08:17 PM

I have to agree w/ bumplett. Call first thing tomorrow.

**Valerie in WA** · 12-06-2006, 10:48 PM

I agree with crating him and calling the vet, but I have to say the onesie idea is sheer genius! Way to think outside of the box!

**banana** · 12-07-2006, 08:06 AM

Thanks all. I will be calling the vet shortly. The open at 8.

I dont have a digital camera or I would post a pic of him in his onsie! I will take regular pics though and post them when I am done with my roll of film.

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-07-2006, 08:18 AM

Well for me, I just would call his name everytime I saw him near or at the area and tell him no! I didnt put that collar thing on him because he made a mess of everything and knocked tons of things over.

But calling the vet is a great thing too, please let us know what he says.

**banana** · 12-07-2006, 09:21 AM

Well the vet said that I could come by to get a larger cone but it would be akward for him since the next size is much bigger. I will go pick one up before work.

My puppy did well last night. I had the onsie on him and put his cone on and let him sleep in the bed with us. He was sooo happy to be with us that he forgot about the cone and slept all night. Poor thing must have been sooo tired since he had to stay overnight the night before at the vet.

**wanderinggrandma** · 12-07-2006, 12:08 PM

Just make sure he can drink/reach his water with the larger e-collar.

**MarshHen** · 12-09-2006, 01:37 PM

Hope he does well with the larger collar. In a few days he can be collar and stitch free.

Can't wait to see his onsie/collar pic!

**ama** · 12-12-2006, 06:31 PM

Eeek!! Im' taking my male dog in to get fixed on Thurs and NOT looking forward to it. My dog is a rolling ball of energy and keep him quiet for a few days?? Like herding cats I tell ya...