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How to make a dog cone: DIY collar of shame

How to make a dog cone: DIY collar of shame

No dog likes to wear a cone. They are not comfortable and itch a lot. But you can help your dog. If your dog hates the vet’s cone, you can make your own! I will show you how to make a cone your pooch will like. Well, it will at least be more comfortable.

We’ve already talked about how to put a cone on a dog, and in this article, I’ll explain how to make one.

I know there are many ways to make a cone. But I have found the easiest way. It won’t cost a lot of money and won’t take a lot of time.

Dogs and cones

A few days ago my dog came back from surgery. It was nothing big, but he had to wear a cone. Now, my dog hates the collar of shame. I know no dog likes it, but my dog upright hates it!

The collar he got from the vet was a nightmare. So I had to make one that won’t bother him so much.

I searched and searched online. And, of course, there are a lot of tutorials. But to be honest, they are hard to follow!

If your dog had surgery you will be on edge. So you don’t need a simple way to make a cone. And I found that! An easy way to make a cone.

The best part is that you can make it with the things you have in your house.

Why dogs wear a cone

First, let’s see why dogs even wear cones. Know that sooner or later your dog will have to wear one. You can’t avoid it.

Dogs wear cones for many reasons, and surgery is only one of them. Reasons why your dog could wear a cone:

Your dog will have to wear a cone for up to ten days. Sometimes even longer, until the issue is solved. So it’s important that the cone is cosy for your dog. If it bothers your dog he will try to take it off.

dog with a cone on
Your dog will have to wear a cone for up to ten days

But, making a comfy cone won’t help if you’re not firm. Let your dog know that you won’t take it off.

If your dog can’t eat or drink with it, remove it when he is eating. But that’s the only time it should be off.

Why make a cone

You might be wondering “why should I make a cone”? I get what you mean. Your dog won’t like the cone. It doesn’t matter if you made it or bought it.

Well, there are four reasons why you should make a cone!

Firstly, it is cheaper. Your DIY cone will cost a lot less than a bought one. And who doesn’t like to save some money? I know I do!

Secondly, you know your dog best. You know its needs, so you’ll be able to adjust the cone. Also, you don’t have to worry if it will fit. Bought cones can be too big or too small.

Thirdly, bought collars are stiff. This is the main reason why your dog hates it. With a DIY cone you can adjust it. You can make it softer for your dog. This way it will be comfier.

Lastly, it will be easier for you. Cones are difficult to put on and remove. With a cone you made at home it will be much easier.

How to make a dog cone

The best DIY cone for me is the towel cone. It’s exactly what you think. A cone made out of a towel.

I know it doesn’t sound right. But trust me, it does the job perfectly!

So, how do you make a towel cone?

What you’ll need:

To make a towel cone you’ll need:

  • a towel (duuuh)
  • duct tape
  • something to bribe your dog. A plate smeared with peanut butter works best
  • a sidekick, or someone who’ll hold your dog

Making the towel cone

Your towel needs to fit your dog. If you have a larger breed, get a big towel. If you have a smaller breed, a small towel will work.

Also, get a thick towel that can be folded into thirds and covers your dog’s neck.

Firstly, fold the towel into thirds lengthwise. Then, wrap the towel slowly around your dog’s neck. For this, your friend should hold the peanut butter in front of your dog. That way they will stay calm. Don’t wrap the towel too tight!

You don’t want your dog to choke. You want them to be comfy and be able to breathe.

Secondly, your arm should fit between the wrapped towel cone and your dog’s neck. If you have a small dog, your hand or at least two fingers should easily slide between your dog’s neck and towel.

I won’t lie, it will take some time to adjust the cone. But don’t give up. You can do it! Just stay calm and patient with your dog.

Thirdly, tape the towel. Use the duct tape to wrap 2/3 around the towel. This is how you can do it. Place one tape strip at the top edge of the towel. Then, put the second strip at the bottom edge. The third strip goes around the middle of the towel collar.

What then?

Obviously, this is not a real cone. So, you will have to remove it and put it on every day. If you don’t the towel will lose its fluffy thickness and your dog will be able to turn his neck around.

Also, watch how your dog behaves. Keep an eye on them for the first couple of days.

Conclusion – How to make a dog cone

Knowing how to make a dog cone can be helpful for many reasons. The most important one is that your dog will like it more. Besides this, it’s much cheaper too!

The towel cone is easy to make and we all have towels at home! This means you won’t have to buy anything.

I have to be honest. This cone is not easy to put on the first time. But a little practice and a helping hand go a long way. After one or two tries you will be able to do it.

Lastly, there is nothing wrong with real cones. You don’t have to make a cone. If you like buying one more, then do it. I am by no means saying you have to make one.

After all, it’s your dog. You know them. You know what’s best for them.

My name is Jackie and I am a veterinarian with a degree in veterinary medicine. With extensive experience in treating various animals, I am known for my compassionate and personalized approach to animal care.