I did not use a cone at all and Ben's stitches healed super quick and were never even red. He occasionally would lick but not obsessively. I think the cone should be held as a "just in case" situation. If they do over-lick, then you can torture them with it. This is unless there was a special circumstance the vet required the collar for. I have never used the cone for spays either. But I have never had an incision site that got infected or angry red either. If that happens, the dog will probably lick more.
I love the idea of the soft collar Mom to Hot Rod sells. If you have one going into surgery, I think it would be a good idea to get one, and you could ask, she might be able to send one out overnight or Priority which arrives pretty quick. |