Has your dog ever been sentenced to wearing “the cone of shame?” Tulane's Closet offers a wonderful alternative to e-collars that will make your pet happier and more comfortable. These one-piece garments completely cover your dog's legs, back, hind end and abdomen.
Referred to as onesies for dogs, Cover Me by Tui surgical garments will keep your pet from scratching or licking his incision after surgery. Company founder, Stephanie Syberg, says that in her 16 years in veterinary medicine she was often asked about alternatives for plastic cones. That’s why she decided to create this unique product to solve a very common pet problem.
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The onesies are made from Peruvian cotton – a very breathable fabric that promotes healing and allows air to flow over the wound. Syberg says that veterinarians have been ordering her product because they realize the calming effect that it has compared to traditional e-collars. Tulane’s Closet sells pullover versions and step-in styles on their website.
If your pet has ever needed to wear an e-collar, you know how hard it can be to keep him comfortable with it on. Dogs wearing cones have trouble navigating their surroundings as they can only see directly in front of them. Eating, walking and lying down comfortably are almost impossible.
Cover Me by Tui garments come in a variety of sizes, styles and colors to meet any dog’s needs. They can also be used for dogs with skin allergies, hot spots or sores of any kind. They even have a built-in “potty cover” to make it easy and convenient for your pup to take a bathroom break. It unsnaps from below the tail and re-snaps to the side of the garment, which you don’t need to worry about your pet getting any urine or feces on the onesie.
Pet owners can choose from one of seven sizes, and each canine onesie is equipped with adjustable snaps to offer the perfect fit. The patented cover is also machine washable and offered in both short- and long-sleeved variations. Cover Meby Tui garments will cost you anywhere from $20-$40 depending on the size your pet needs. They're also available for cats.
Finding alternatives to traditional plastic e-collars has become a growing trend. Many companies are now making inflatable or soft e-collars to try and keep pets more comfortable after surgery. You can also find e-collars that look more like a neck brace than a cone.
Selecting an e-collar or alternative to an e-collar should be based on your pet's preference. As long as the device that you choose keeps him from licking or scratching, it will work just fine.
Some dog owners choose to use an old t-shirt to cover their canine companion when he's recovering from surgery. This is a great idea, but it won't cover his rear end. The best part about these covers from Tulane's Closet is that they will completely cover your pet. Whether the sore or incision is on his back, belly or rear end he won't be able to get to it.
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Personally, I don't use e-collars on our pets because I know they do not like them. Thankfully, I work from home so I'm able to keep an eye on them at all times. I know most pet owners don't have that luxury. If I wasn't able to stay home, I would probably opt for an e-collar over a soft covering like these Cover Me by Tui garments.
I would be worried that my dogs would tear their wound open through the cloth. E-collars keep them from getting to the incision no matter what. I would feel more comfortable leaving our dogs alone if I knew the device I was using would be able to keep them from re-injuring themselves no matter what.