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If your dog or cat has ever had to wear the dreaded “cone” after undergoing a medical procedure, you know that most animals are not the biggest fan of the device. Although it’s designed to keep pets safe by stopping them from licking or biting a wound or incision, they can also make them pretty uncomfortable. The traditional cone limits an animal’s range of motion, and it can also make it difficult for your pet to eat and drink. It may also impact their ability to see or hear.
If your pet struggles with the cone, there is actually a pretty easy DIY alternative to keep your furry friend comfortable while they recover at home. You can make your pet a “jacket” out of an old T-shirt, and it can cover wounds or scars just like the cone.
The DIY site Instructables has a complete tutorial on how to make a jacket for your pet. To get started, all you need is a T-shirt or other piece of material, scissors, a marker and four safety pins.
For a medium cat, your material needs to about 20 inches square, and you’ll need to size up or down accordingly, depending on the size of your pet. The author notes that the jacket should fit snugly without being too tight.
For a tutorial on how to construct a protective wrap for a pet using a tank top, check out this video posted to YouTube by Susan Holt:
Rather than restricting their head, the jacket covers a wound or incision on their belly or back so that your pet cannot get to it.
The Instructables author says it’s OK if they lick or bite the material, but if they actually bite or lick through it, the cone may be your only option.
It’s worth a try, though! Would you make one of these jackets for your pet?
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