Elizabeth collar for dogs and cats. Accessories for animals. We make the collar ourselves

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Unfortunately, dogs and cats, like people, are prone to various diseases. And it’s not always the case that it’s just pills and injections. If the animal got on the operating table, it definitely needs high-quality postoperative care. The speed of rehabilitation will directly depend not only on the skillful actions of the surgeon, but also on the behavior of the beast itself.

It is almost impossible to explain to a cat or a dog that the stitches cannot be touched, and if itching occurs, you should just be patient. The pet acts instinctively. He knows only one way to alleviate his suffering - to gnaw on interfering staples and threads, to quickly lick the wound. Animals are quite impatient and immediately remove bandages and dressings. They just get in the way.

To speed up the healing process and prevent harm to yourself, experts recommend putting an Elizabethan collar on your pet. What is it and how does it happen? Is it possible to make such a device yourself orShould I rush to the store? Let's figure it out.

Historical digression

Why did the protective veterinary collar get such an interesting name? The fact is that in the 60s of the twentieth century, veterinarian Frank L. Johnson noticed an interesting similarity. The barrier structure, which does not allow the animal to reach the wound, is very similar to the collars of the dresses of court ladies from the time of Queen Elizabeth of England.

Puffy starched collars were very popular at the time. They came to England from Spanish fashion and were stiff starched structures with numerous folds. They were not sewn to the suit, but worn over it and tied tightly.

By the end of the 16th century, collars reached incredible sizes. The width of about 30 cm severely limited the view and made it difficult to turn your head.

When and why is a collar necessary?

Despite the fact that the Elizabethan collar is most often used as a post-operative accessory, it can be used for other purposes. For example, with otitis or ear mites, the animal scratches its head often and strongly. The Elizabethan collar will prevent this.

There are a number of other indications for use:

1. Wound healing after injury. During this period, it is very important to control the dryness and cleanliness of the skin. The collar will prevent the dog from licking the injured area.
2. Treatment of wounds and sores with special ointments. Often such preparations must be left on the skin until completely absorbed.
3. Cavity operations. The veterinary collar prevents the stitches from chewing and healing is faster.
4. Skin parasites and various fungal infections. The protective Elizabethan collar prevents the animal from scratching damaged skin.
5. The period after sterilization or castration.
6. Treatment of an animal from fleas and ticks. Many insecticides are only safe when completely dry. While the cat is wet, you can wear a collar to prevent the drug from licking off.

Do not disregard the recommendations of the veterinarian and remove the accessory. Of course, wearing it is uncomfortable, and the animal will surely protest. But the harm caused to a pet due to the absence of a "funnel" can be incomparably higher than the dissatisfaction of a pet.

Where can I get a protective collar for an animal?

Today, pet stores offer such a variety of products that it is not difficult to purchase a protective collar for a cat or dog. However, in some cases, you may simply not have time to run around the shops. A restraining device may be needed suddenly. However, there is nothing wrong with this. Let's look at how to make an Elizabethan collar yourself. The simplest options below can be used in an extreme situation. But if you take care of everything in advance, this simple accessory will even add attractiveness to your animal.

To make a veterinary collar for a cat or dog, you canuse:

• plastic bottle of the right size;
• thick cardboard;
• foam;
• strong and thick fabric (felt type);
• other materials at hand.

Using lightweight plastic

The easiest way to make a protective collar is from an ordinary plastic stationery folder. If you cut it from the bottom and along one of the end sides, you will get a fairly long, wide and very flexible plastic sheet. In addition, you will need:

• sharp scissors;
• measuring tape;
• calculator;
• stapler with strong and wide brackets;
• wide fabric-based patch, sticky tape or plain tape.

For cutting you only need 2 sizes:

• the length of the head of the animal from the nose to the neck;
• neck girth.

Production process

Starting to build a pattern:

1. Draw a small circle on paper. Its radius is equal to the girth of the animal's neck divided by 6, 28.
2. Add the length of the animal's head to the resulting radius and another 2-3 cm for the stock. Get the radius of the second circle. It must be postponed from the same point as the first one.
3. Now let's build the third circle. It will lie inside the first one, its radius is 2-4 cm smaller. From here we will cut out fasteners for the collar.
4. Cut the pattern along the largest circle, taking into account the margin. If you doubt the correctness of the calculations, you can cut off more and, if necessary, remove the excess.
5. Draw a vertical line from the reference point (center) and cut the workpiece along it.
6. Cut out the smallest circle located inside.
7. From the cut line to the second circle, we make several perpendicular cuts and form 5-6 straps for loops.

The pattern is ready. Now it should be tried on for a pet and make the necessary adjustments in width. With the help of a marker and a ballpoint pen, transfer the finished pattern to the plastic base. Cut out. The strips prepared for the loops are folded in half and fastened with a stapler. All staples and sharp edges are glued with plaster or tape. We thread the collar into the loops and fasten the device on the cat / dog.

This collar is made very quickly, but has a significant drawback. It is quite suitable as an ambulance. As long as the cat is weak and does not show obvious activity, it will properly perform its function. A stronger animal is likely to crush the structure with ease.

Elizabeth bottle collar

It is very convenient to make such a device from an ordinary plastic container of a suitable diameter. For a small cat, a two-liter eggplant is quite suitable, and for a dog, a five-liter eggplant. A wide strip is cut out of the bottle, which is folded into a truncated cone. The edges are treated with adhesive tape or plaster. Instead of a fastener, you can take a pair of laces, and pierce the holes for them with a nail.

From cardboard the fastest

Very quick and easy collar for dogs is made fromthick cardboard. Making it easy:

• Take a sheet of cardboard and draw a ring on it with a width equal to the length of the pet's head. Calculate the inner radius in the same way as in the previous example: divide the neck circumference by 6, 28.
• Cut out about 1/3 of the resulting ring, and wrap the remaining "horseshoe" around the animal's neck.
• Seal the edges with tape or tape. For greater strength, you can additionally use a stapler.

This is the easiest option. If you want the funnel to be removed, the inner edge must be equipped with loops through which the collar will be threaded. To do this, take a ribbon or a wide cord, cut it into pieces 3-5 cm long. Now fold each piece in half, forming a loop. Using a stapler or tape, fasten the eyelets along the inside edge of the collar. Thread the collar and fasten the structure around the dog's neck.

Soft fabric collar

If your pet has a long recovery period, it is best to make a soft protective collar. Sewing it is very simple, and it will be much more convenient for a cat or dog in it. This design does not interfere with sleep, does not rub the neck. It is very easy to fasten and easy to wash.

This collar for a cat or dog is best made from a durable but hygroscopic fabric. Linen or thick cotton will do. In order for the “funnel” to keep its shape and protect well, felt, interlining, and a rigid mesh can be used as a sealant. It is best to make a two-layer or even a three-layer version. Very comfortableVelcro protective collar. You can literally put it on and take it off with one movement, but the animal will not be able to do it on its own.

To make a fabric collar, the pattern is done in exactly the same way as in the previous version. Two parts are cut out of the fabric and another one is cut out of thick felt or non-woven fabric. It is inserted inside to ensure structural rigidity.

Parts of the collar are sewn together, and the edges are processed with an oblique inlay. The fastener can be made by sewing Velcro on the short sides. To provide additional fixation on the pet's neck, you can stretch a string along the inside or make loops into which the collar will be threaded, or you can leave it like that.

Foam Collar

An interesting variation of the Elizabethan collar can be made from foam rubber. Rather, it will not even be a funnel, but a foam disk with strings. You will need:

• foam rubber 3-4 cm thick and approximately 40 x 40 cm in size;
• fabric to sheathe foam rubber;
• strip of fabric for making fasteners;
• lace;

Pattern - a circle with a diameter of about 30–35 cm (you will need to cut a hole in it according to the diameter of the pet's neck).

Cooking instructions

Cut out a circle with a diameter of 30 cm from a sheet of foam rubber. Cut a hole in the middle so that the animal's head crawls through. It should look like a foam bagel.

On the fabric we cut out 2 circles with a diameter of 30 cm.leave 2–3 cm seam allowances for the outer and inner diameters, cut them out.

We fold the fabric circles face to face and sew along the outer diameter. Turn inside out.

Inside we put a foam bagel and carefully sew along the inside.

The base of the protective collar is ready, now you need to make a fastener:

• From the fabric intended for fastening, cut a strip 8-10 cm wide and equal to 2 lengths of the inner circumference of the foam collar.
• Sew the side cuts to make a ring.
• Now fold it lengthwise in half right side out. We cut a little less than half along the entire length. There we will thread the lace.
• Sew the free ends in a circle to the foam base (like a cuff on a sleeve). Insert the lace.

That's all, the collar is ready. It remains to put it on the animal's neck and tighten the cord. It is very important to make sure that your finger fits freely between the puff and the neck of the pet. If tightened too tight, your pet may suffocate.

Other options

And here are some more options for a protective Elizabethan collar. They are suitable for special occasions, but uncomfortable for everyday wear.

Inflatable

If you often travel with your dog, it is better to worry about possible troubles in advance. Today, in veterinary pharmacies and pet stores, you can find an inflatable Velcro protective collar. These accessories come in different sizes.quite compact and do not take up much space. In addition, the inflatable collars are made of special materials that do not cause allergies and are suitable for long-term wear.

From a cardboard plate

An impromptu collar for a small dog or cat can be made from an ordinary disposable cardboard plate. It must be cut to the middle, and inside make a hole along the diameter of the animal's neck. Now the plate needs to be rolled up with a cone and fixed on the animal's neck with tape.

This design is great for protecting the animal during vermin treatment. She will not stand long wearing, but for several hours - just right.

Terms of Use

It is not enough to make or buy a collar. You also need to use it correctly. While wearing the collar, the animal must be constantly monitored. During feeding, it will have to be removed all the time, because the pet simply cannot reach the bowl. Also, the owners will have to watch when the cat or dog wants to drink.

If the treatment of the pet continues while wearing the collar, you need to put on the device so that it does not interfere with injections (their animals are given at the withers). It is very important that this place does not have a collar clasp. She can rub.

Some animals cannot accept the innovation for a very long time and constantly try to remove the structure. During this period, it is important to show maximum love andpatience. Experiment, your dog may not like the hard plastic collar. But a fabric or foam pet will wear it without objection.