Cervical collar for dogs: what is it and what is it for?

 Cervical collar for dogs: what is it and what is it for?

Tracy Wilkins

The cervical collar for dogs, contrary to what many think, is not the same thing as the Elizabethan collar. Although both help in the health of the animal, they have different formats and functions. The cervical collar for dogs is very indicated in cases of problems in the cervical spine and pain. The accessory adapts to the dog's anatomy, helping the animal in situations where its body needs itBut how does the cervical collar for dogs work? In which cases is it indicated? How to put a cervical collar on a dog correctly? Paws of the House answers all these and other questions about the cervical collar for dogs to end all doubts once and for all. check out!

What is a cervical collar for dogs? Accessory immobilizes neck movements

The cervical collar for dogs is an accessory placed around the pet's neck in order to keep its head immobilized. The composition of the cervical collar for dogs is made with soft materials. Thus, even restricting movements, the dog is comfortable and does not feel suffocated. That is, it is an artifice similar to the cervical collar used in humans. The cervical collar for dogs isvery easy to put on and take off, as it has a velcro strap responsible for adjusting the accessory on the animal's neck. When using the cervical collar, the dog is safely limited in head movements.

The cervical collar for dogs is indicated for spinal problems and post-operative period

But after all, what is the cervical collar for dogs for? The dog with cervical pain is the most benefited by the object. Many dogs, especially large dogs, suffer from spinal problems, such as herniated discs. Neck movement can worsen the condition and, therefore, immobilization is necessary. The accessory restricts neck movements, preventing worsening pain in the neck.In addition to the case of the dog with cervical pain, the object can be indicated in the treatment of other problems that need to have restricted movements and in the postoperative period of some surgeries in which the dog needs to rest for a while without moving much. It is important to note: only the veterinarian can indicate the use of the cervical collar. Dog can not use the object without a special collar.professional evaluation beforehand because, if used in the wrong way, it can even harm animal health.

Elizabethan collar X cervical collar for dogs: the two accessories have different indications and functions

As many people confuse the types of dog collar, it is important to understand what the differences are between the two. The cervical collar for dogs, as we explained, helps to immobilize neck movements, indicated for dogs with cervical spine pain. The Elizabethan collar also restricts head movements, but is not recommended for spine problems. Despite decreasing the neck'sThe Elizabethan collar is best used in the post-operation period of dog castration and to prevent excessive licking of the body or healing points.

The animal's movements are restricted, but not in the way necessary for cases of back pain. In other words, the cervical collar for dogs and the Elizabethan collar reduce movements, but each has a different format specific to its own indications: in the case of the cervical collar for dogs, back pain; and in the case of the Elizabethan collar, to prevent licking. The cervical collar for dogsand the Elizabethan necklace can never be worn together and one cannot replace the other.

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How to choose the right cervical collar? Pay attention to the size of the accessory

To choose the right dog neck collar, you need to pay attention to the size. When buying, check the measurements indicated on the box and compare them with those of your pet. To have the ideal dog neck collar size, check the height of the accessory, which should go from the base of the neck to the animal's ear. Also, check the circumference of the neck. This carewhen buying the cervical collar for dogs is very important, as a size too small can suffocate the animal, while one too large will not immobilize properly.

How to put a cervical collar on a dog: don't make it too tight or too wide

The truth is that knowing how to put a cervical collar on a dog is very easy, as the whole process is very practical and intuitive. The accessory looks like a dog collar, but it has a higher height, is thicker and is closed with a Velcro strip. There is no mystery: just position the accessory around the neck and secure it with the Velcro. When using the cervical collar, the dog needs to feel comfortable.So, a tip on how to put a cervical collar on a dog is to understand that tight does not mean suffocating: you need to adjust the Velcro so that it is not extremely tight, but that it is tight on the neck so that the immobilization is efficient. Usually, dogs adapt well to the cervical collar for dogs, but it may happen that they do not like it. The ideal is to always keep an eye on the dog's neck.If you notice a lot of discomfort, remove it and talk to your veterinarian to find other ways to adapt or treat it. Positive reinforcement with treats can help in the adaptation process.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.