Best alternative to elizabethan collar?

[moosemama]

My lad is going in to be neutered next week. (Long story that I won't get into here.)

He is a monumental wuss and I know that, not only will he be a mega-wuss when it comes to any pain or discomfort, he will also be a proper nuisance when it comes to his stitches.

I haven't needed to use an e-collar on any of my male dogs for neutering before, as they've all been really laid-back and barely even noticed, but I want to be prepared for the inevitable with this highly-strung lad.

I've looked at the body-wrap/vets things, but apparently they don't work for neuter wounds on long-backed dogs.

The buster collar, stuffed or inflatable horseshoe ones seem popular, but apparently aren't very comfortable for dogs with long-pointy noses to sleep in.

The other option I've seen is the bite-not collar, which looks good, but is expensive.

Anyone found a reasonably priced, good alternative that they can sleep comfortably in (after all that's a Lurcher's favourite pastime) and doesn't cost the earth?

Boxer shorts are my favourite.

I generally knock up something for them to wear out of a pair of underpants, though mine have generally been ver good about leaving their stitches alone so the pants just go on for bed time.

Not a pointy dog, but I used one of the inflatable ones after my dog's stomach surgery and he used it as a pillow when he slept...I'm not seeing why a pointy dog couldn't do the same.

SHIRTS

I offer these to everyone post surgery. I'm their biggest fan. They come in a variety of sizes.

www.dfordog.co.uk/medical-pet-shirts.html

Link fail!

We had one of those shirts for our cavalier. Worked very well. Just had to remember undo it before he needed a wee

Thanks all.

Funnily enough someone else has just suggested boxer shorts to me. I hadn't thought of that at all - it's great idea! I could try him in a pair of ds2's supersoft jersey ones. He's already worn one of his t-shirts when we had to keep him off the staples on his side. Good job ds2 loves him!

tabulahrasa from what I can work out it's because their head is supported but their long snouts then flop down and make them uncomfortable, so you end up having to put a pillow under their nose as well. I'm sure he'd love that level of diva treatment, but I don't fancy it much myself! Not sure I'm convinced about this one though, given my two will both happily sleep with their heads dangling off the side of beds and sofas in what looks like the most ridiculously uncomfortable position.

aked I was very tempted to get one of those initially, as being a pointy hound he's used to wearing coats both indoor and out, but a couple of people have told me their long-backed dogs managed to find a way to reach their rear end while wearing them. Not sure Pip's that clever to be honest, but I'd hate to fork out for one and then find it doesn't work for him.

Think I'll try the boxers in the first instance and if that doesn't work order a medical vest on next day delivery.

Like I said, not pointy...but he leaned the side of his face on it, I can't see that more nose wouldn't fit?

You'd probably be better with pants/shirt if he'll wear them to be fair, mine would just eat anything I put on him, lol.

Aw, look at him, poor lad.

The collar looks bigger than I thought it would be. Don't know why, it's perfectly logical that it would be bigger for a bigger dog.

Pip was totally comfortable wearing ds2's t-shirt and I imagine will be just as ok with boxers after the initial surprise!

Lol, yes they come in big sizes.

He's fine now, that was about 5 months ago, I just remembered I had a load of photos of him looking all pathetic in his collar.

Poor Pip! I'm sure he'll sail through with no problems though

Fitz had the inflatable collar for ooh about ten seconds before puncturing it and rendering it completely useless so I reckon boxer shorts are your best bet

Hope it goes well - Fitz sends commiserative licks

Thanks basil.

I'm not a happy bunny, as it's not our choice to have him done yet and goes against both our behaviourist and vet's advice, but the rescue have pulled rank and legally we don't have a leg to stand on.

We're planning to get a referral for a local-ish behaviourist that works with teaching/stooge dogs for dog interaction issues and hoping that if we can get enough positive training and experiences in we might be able to avoid him tipping over into fear aggression, but there are no guarantees and it could go either way.

Just what we need right before Christmas, a couple of hundred pounds for the op and then the same again, plus follow ups for the behavioural support.