E (cone) collar question-asap please

I leave it on, as long as the crate is big enough. They'll do more damage if you're not there to stop them.

thanks

When Bonkers was scratching his ears raw, we don't know why to this day the vet couldn't find anything wrong, he had to wear an e-collar.  I trimmed the ends a bit so he could drink water freely, during the night, but otherwise left it on until he completely healed. 
Here he is napping, didn't seem uncomfortable to me at all.  Plus I was more relaxed that he'd finally heal, allow the antibiotic ointment to work.

I have to admit I would be really worried about leaving it on so much, but I guess you have to.  Im sure it will be fine, I just worry a lot.  If you take it off during those times it wont do any good to ever have him wear it I suppose.  Good luck.

When I have to use an E-collar, I leave it on anytime that I am not supervising the dog.  If I am in the same room the collar comes off, but if I need to go to the restroom, kitchen, wherever, either the dog comes with me or the collar goes back on.  My thoughts are that if I am present and I allow the dog to make it worse, then I wasn't paying close enough attention.  If I am not supervising at all, and an injury is worsened then I am stupid because I could have prevented it.

I would keep the collar on while sleeping but take it off as much as possible when u are home with the dog and can keep an eye on him.

Unfortunately I agree with the others, it needs to stay on. The one exception would be if he were actively fighting it, I wouldn't crate and leave with it on.
 
Hope things heal soon.

I also leave collars on when they can't be supervised, and take them off as often as possible when they are supervised.  There are a lot of good alternatives to the e-collars that are more comfortable and not as unwieldy, if you haven't seen them.  But it sounds like the e-collar is probably the best choice for sores under the chin. I did want to point out that you shouldn't clean sores/wounds with peroxide.  Peroxide actually inhibits tissue healing.  It's ok as a first time flush to clean a new wound if you don't have anything else available, but you don't want to continue to use it.  I bought a bottle of flush from my Vet's office and I imagine that there are OTC roducts that you can use as well.

I would definately agree to keep it on as long as the dog is alone and unsupervised.  But you could take it off if you were right there.  I also agree with not using peroxide.  I would try something with a chlorahexidene base, like an ear flush or wound cleaner.  You can buy them OTC.  Hope this helps.

Hey Eskiemom, We have an American Staff and she had a tumor removed from one of her hind legs. She started chewing at the stitches and eventually they started coming out.
 
Keeping the E-collar on is imperative at night and anytime you are not with the baby. It may seem very uncomfortable for the baby at first, but they will get used to it and the wounds will have that time to heal properly.
 
HEY luvinmydoggies!!

Thanks for the info, especially about the peroxide.  I will stick to clean cloth and neosporin.

In honesty it's one of those things that guilt trips US far far far worse than it causes them any problem.  They get USED to it.  After a day or two your dog will joint the "BASH IT -- it'll MOVE!!!" mentality and you'll be absolutely aghast the first time you see your dog head for (doing Mach 1) two absolutel stationary object that the cone just plain CAN NOT fit thru.
 
At the last instant they will tip up or down their head, the collar will fold and they'll go skipping thru.  YOU, on the other hand, will take a few minutes to glue your heart back in your chest!! 
 
Try tying it on with a piece of gauze -- because that's soft.  OR you can thread their own collar right thru the bottom of the vet's e-collar. 
 
Honestly?  Don't take it off and on -- then it becomes a big deal and a challenge to THEM to remove.  Just let them get used ot it.
 
AND try installing a bunny lick bottle in the crate -- high enough so the dog can use it to get water.  prime the tip of it with just a wee bit of peanut butter every time before you leave.  You'll wind up with a dog who LOVES a lick bottle and easy easy to use with an e-collar.