Collar for a cat: how to make and put it on a pet, what it is needed for. Protective collar Pros and cons of protective collars

A flea collar is a flexible plastic band with a buckle to secure it around the animal's neck. The tape is impregnated with special substances that are activated upon contact with a dog. Due to heating, toxins from the collar spread through the coat, penetrate the skin and accumulate in the sebaceous glands. After a few days, the toxic substances will reach a sufficient concentration to destroy the bloodsuckers. The protective properties of the collar are maintained throughout the entire wearing time, so it is not recommended to remove it at night.

Benefits of flea and tick collars

Unlike sprays, drops and other anti-flea and anti-tick products, the collar has a number of advantages:

Depending on the manufacturer, the collar is valid for 2–8 months. It is not recommended to use it longer than the period indicated on the package.

Types of flea collars

There are several types of flea collars.

Chemical

Bio collars

Biological collars contain extracts of medicinal herbs and essential oils that repel ticks and fleas and also have a healing effect. Compared to chemical agents, they are safer for the animal, but quickly lose their protective properties.

Ultrasonic collars

Homemade

A DIY collar will save money and protect your pet from exposure to chemicals.

To make a collar you will need:

a strip of any natural dense fabric with a length equal to the circumference of the neck + 10 cm;
3 tbsp. spoons of garlic oil;
6 drops of essential oil of thyme, lavender, cedar;
3 tbsp. spoons of witch hazel extract.

Mix all components and soak the prepared strip in the resulting solution for 10 minutes. The collar should dry well. After 2 days it is ready to use. The collar is valid for 1 month.

How to choose the right flea and tick collar

There are certain criteria based on which you can choose a collar:

The collar should not be too cheap. Poor quality ingredients can be harmful to your pet's health.
Listen to the opinions of veterinarians and choose products from trusted manufacturers.
Domestic and European brands will be a more reliable choice.
The size of the collar should correspond to the circumference of the dog's neck, allowing for a small margin for comfortable wearing.

How to choose a collar for a puppy?

There is an age limit for using a collar for small puppies. It is not recommended to use it on an animal under 6 months old. Some brands of ecological products can be used starting from 2 months.

Depending on the weight and breed of the dog

Can it be used on pregnant and lactating dogs?

Flea collars should be used with caution on pregnant and lactating dogs. The manufacturer always indicates limitations and possible consequences, so read the instructions carefully.

Best Flea and Tick Collars for Dogs

"Fitodoc"

The biological type of the Fitodoc collar is harmless in its composition. Can be used without restrictions for any dogs, does not cause allergic reactions. The only drawback is the repellent effect on pests, so it is used in combination with other means.

"Foresto" odorless

It is an effective means of protection due to the content of active chemicals in it. It has no odor and does not cause allergies.

Available in two versions:

up to 8 kg – 38 cm;
over 8 kg – 70 cm.

Dog breeders speak well of this collar, as it not only repels fleas and ticks, but also destroys them. When bathing an animal, the protective equipment does not need to be removed.

Bayer "Kiltix"

The collar has a low concentration of harmful substances, therefore it eliminates side effects from use.

Produced by the German company Bayer, which provides 3 models for different dogs:

for little ones – 35 cm;
for medium-sized ones – 48 cm;
for large ones – 65 cm.

Although the collar is waterproof, it is better to remove it before bathing your dog in order to extend the validity period, which is 7 months.

Rolf club "Rolf club 3D"

"S.O.S." Flea & Tick Collar"

The model is available in sizes 60 and 70 cm.

"Scalibor"

This is the type of model that is allowed to be used by pregnant, lactating dogs and puppies from 2 months of age. In rare cases, it causes allergies. It is resistant to moisture, but it is advisable to remove it before swimming. The active substance contained in the collar paralyzes insects, preventing them from biting. The protection period is 6 months.

The collar comes in different lengths:

for small and medium breeds – 48 cm;
for large breeds – 65 cm.

Hartz "Ultra Guard Flea & Tick Collar"

The American company Hearts has developed a collar specifically for puppies that are 6 weeks old. The product is absolutely safe and suitable for pregnant dogs. You don't have to take it off while swimming. The only limitation is incompatibility with other security tools.

Before use, the substance contained in the tape must be activated by shaking the collar.

"Ungezieferband"

The peculiarity of the Beafar collar is that it begins to act only 5 days after the start of use. Therefore, these days, the owner should exercise caution when walking his dog. Made from waterproof material.

The use of flea control is contraindicated in puppies under 6 months of age.

"Leopard"

The advantage of this model is its favorable purchase price and protection against many types of ticks. However, the product can cause a number of allergic reactions, including vomiting. Available for different sizes of dogs.

"Insectal plus"

Beaphar "Beaphar Ungezieferband"

The service life of the collar is up to 5 months.

4 paws

Suitable for all breeds of dogs, including pregnant, elderly and allergy-prone. Due to the content of essential oils, it eliminates ixodid ticks, lice, fleas. The validity period is 3 months.

Celandine

The collar contains pine fragrance and permethrin, which accumulates in the hair follicles, glands and epidermis without penetrating into the blood. Has a detrimental effect on fleas and ticks for 4 months. It is allowed to use other means of protection in parallel.

Doctorzoo

Comfortable, effective bio collar with less pronounced odor. Does not cause any discomfort to the animal. It is recommended to wear for 4 months, except for pregnant, lactating and weakened dogs.

Inspector

Prules for using collars

When to put a flea collar on your dog

Should I take off the collar at night?

What to do if your dog is itching in a collar

If you notice your dog itching after wearing the collar for several hours, you should remove it to avoid allergic reactions and contact your veterinarian.

Can cats have a dog collar?

Cats should absolutely not use dog collars due to the high concentration of insecticides in them. Substances contained in dog protection products can be toxic to cats and lead to health problems.

Precautionary measures

There are certain precautions that must be followed:

Considering that the collar begins to work after some time, you need to avoid walking until it is activated.
Use the product with caution in combination with other products.
Always read the instructions on the packaging.
Avoid any hygiene procedures for a week after using the collar.
Monitor for warning signs after starting use.

Side effects

The instructions for using collars always indicate possible side effects:

Collar allergy in dogs manifests itself as redness of the skin, itching, and then hair loss. The pet may simply be in a lethargic state. This may indicate an incorrectly selected collar, or the animal’s intolerance to the substance with which the protective strap is impregnated.

When the first symptoms of an allergy appear, you need to remove the collar, wash the dog with shampoo and give it antihistamines.

Poisoning an animal with toxins

Symptoms of poisoning:

increased salivation;
vomit;
violation of movement coordination;
the appearance of cramps in the body;
smacking and licking;
redness of the mucous membranes.

The cause of poisoning can be:

acquisition of counterfeit and expired funds;
selecting the right collar with a higher proportion of toxic substance than is acceptable for the animal;
using a collar on weakened and sick animals, as well as puppies under a certain age;
individual intolerance.

A properly selected collar that matches the weight, size and breed of your dog will help get rid of unpleasant symptoms after flea and tick bites and also maintain health for a long time. It is necessary to take into account not only the effectiveness of using a flea collar, but also maximum comfort during use. Show concern for your pet by choosing a simple and convenient flea protection product.

Not really

Dogs, like people, also get sick, but unlike people, animals do not understand that they should not disturb a wound, comb problem areas of the skin, or lick postoperative stitches.

Therefore, to speed up the healing process of damaged areas of the body and prevent infection, animal owners have to resort to using a special protective collar for dogs.

A protective collar may be needed for the period of treatment of eye and ear diseases, skin diseases, as well as for the period of healing of cropped ears, burn wounds, during the period of false whelping, so that the bitch does not lick the nipples and does not stimulate the mammary glands, which leads to increased production milk, but this cannot be allowed.

Types of protective collars for dogs

Classic option - Elizabethan collar, which is shaped like a truncated cone (lampshade). Made of flexible, transparent, non-obstructive, translucent or colored plastic. Plastic collars for dogs are easy to clean, low cost, perhaps these are the most important advantages. The disadvantages are that plastic models make noise when they come into contact with other objects, crack or break over time, and most dogs do not feel comfortable wearing them. Attached to a collar or harness using 3 or 4 plastic fastener strips. The circumference is adjustable using special fastener tabs.

There is another type of plastic collar, which is plastic tube, closed in a circle, on top of which a protective removable cover is put on. It limits the mobility of the neck, thereby preventing the animal from reaching with its head to damaged areas on the body and licking them.

Exist soft cone collars for dogs, made of durable water-repellent non-woven material, non-toxic and non-allergic. Lightweight and flexible, they do not interfere with the free movement of the neck; the animal can eat, sleep and not experience discomfort. The advantages include increased wear resistance, because such models will not tear even when chewed by animals. In addition, after use, the soft collar can be compactly folded and stored away. However, not all soft models are suitable for large dogs, which have strength, long limbs and can reach their paws to the head or tongue to the body, crushing an unreliable barrier. Soft models are not suitable for dogs with long necks because they do not cover the head enough.

Another type of soft collar is also a cone, made of soft, water-repellent nylon fabric, but with a plastic insert inside that is about half the size of the cone. A plastic insert at the bottom of the cone adds rigidity, which prevents the animal from bending the barrier. For convenient and reliable fixation to the collar there are Velcro.

Inflatable collars for dogs There are different types and are classified according to the type of material from which they are made. All of them are shaped like an inflatable lifebuoy. Flexible and soft material is used for manufacturing. There are transparent models and models with nylon removable covers. Inflatable barriers are easy to use, cause the least discomfort, do not obstruct vision, and at the same time perform a protective function by limiting neck mobility. However, they are less wear-resistant, since dogs can tear through the collar with their claws when trying to reach the head with their paw. But when using an inflatable model with a durable nylon cover, there are no problems with damage to the material. Effective when used for dogs with short limbs who are physically unable to reach the protective barrier with their paws.

Elastic protective neck corsets made from soft foam are no less effective than other types of collars. They are worn around the neck and secured with Velcro, preventing neck movement. Convenient in cases where there are injuries on the animal’s body, and not on the head.

How to choose a protective collar for your dog

The main thing is to choose the right size, as well as the model, depending on the breed and purpose of use (limiting the animal’s access to the body or head). The choice should be made according to the width of the protective field, which most often is 7.5, 10.5, 12, 15, 21.5, 25 cm. Among the existing options, you can easily choose the right collar for a dog of a particular breed and any age. An incorrectly selected barrier can obstruct vision, cause inconvenience when eating, sleeping, playing, and can also slide down to the shoulder blades, thereby not providing any protection.

Price

The price of a protective collar for a dog depends on its size, type, and manufacturer. So, an ordinary Elizabethan collar costs from 90 rubles, the cost of other types varies between 200-1000 rubles. Soft collars are more expensive, for example the Procone model costs 840-1000 rubles, and the cost of the Procone elastic neck corset exceeds 1500 rubles.

If it is not possible to purchase a ready-made protective collar, you can make it yourself from available materials, but at the risk of causing the animal even more discomfort.

DIY dog collar

For small breed dogs, the base of the collar can be an x-ray, and for larger breeds, a plastic dishcloth, thick or corrugated cardboard can serve as the basis for the collar. The workpiece is given the shape of a cone, and the edges of the lower and upper diameters should be wrapped in soft cloth (gauze), secured with tape, or covered with adhesive tape to avoid injury to the animal’s neck.

The bottom circle should be equal to the diameter of the fastened collar. The width of the collar is the length from the neck (where the collar is) to the tip of the nose and an additional 5 cm.

Some dog owners simply wrap a towel around their dog's neck, securing the edges with a bandage or tape to prevent the towel from falling apart. The towel acts as a neck brace, preventing the neck from turning.

How to train a dog to wear a collar

Many dogs express their reluctance to wear something they don’t understand, which causes discomfort, by numerous attempts to pull off the collar. Therefore, if it is known in advance that the pet will undergo barrier therapy, for example, after surgery, then the animal should be prepared before the operation.

To begin with, the collar should be placed next to the pet so that he can sniff it and understand that the item is safe. Then you should put the barrier on the animal for a short time and try to engage the dog in a game, give a treat, pet it or otherwise encourage it in order to evoke positive associations. Animals usually get used to wearing the barrier within a few days.

PROTECTIVE COLLAR

COMPOSITION AND FORM OF RELEASE

It is a transparent plastic collar in the shape of a truncated cone. The collar is equipped with four radial stripes for securing a harness or collar. The collar is produced in various sizes depending on the width of the protective field: (7.5 cm), (10.5 cm), (12 cm), (15 cm), (21.5 cm), (25 cm).

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

The use of a protective collar prevents the animal from self-harming (licking, scratching, scratching wounds on the head, neck and body), thereby facilitating and accelerating the healing process of wounds. The cone-shaped shape does not interfere with the animal when feeding, sleeping and walking. The transparency of the collar allows the animal not to lose orientation in space. The collar is practical, hygienic and easy to use.

INDICATIONS

The protective collar is designed to prevent scratching or licking of the body, head and neck when treating wounds, burns and skin diseases in animals. In the postoperative period to prevent scratching of the stitches.

DOSES AND METHOD OF APPLICATION

Before use, you should select the correct size of the protective collar so that the collar does not fall off or, conversely, is not too tight. The protective collar is size 8 for a kitten, size 10 for a medium cat and small dog, size 12 for a large cat and a small dog, size 16 for a medium dog, size 20 for a large dog and size 25 for a large dog. dogs. Once the size of the protective collar has been selected, it is assembled according to the diagram and placed on the animal’s neck.

Collar assembly diagram

Rice. 1. Place the right edge with the cut out rectangles on the paired slits on top.

Rice. 2. Tuck the long strap into the slots that are visible in the rectangular cutouts. Tuck the short straps into the paired slots at the top.

Rice. 3. Collar assembly. A collar for a dog or a harness, bandage, gauze or braid for cats is threaded through the resulting loops.

SIDE EFFECTS

When used correctly, no side effects are observed.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Not installed.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No special precautions are required.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

In a dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Shelf-life Unlimited.

MANUFACTURER

IP Troitskaya E. G., Russia.

A dog does not always enjoy medical care or grooming procedures. It also happens that after surgery or injuries, you should not allow the animal to lick, scratch or comb the wounds. In order not to sit over the dog and prevent it from scratching where it wants, it is better to use a protective collar. It is also called postoperative.

This device is a truncated cone, which with a narrow diameter is attached to the dog’s neck. It prevents him from scratching a wound on the head with his paw (for example, cropped ears) or licking a wound on the body.

When is a dog collar used?

They are used quite widely:

Thus, it is possible not only to speed up healing, but also to prevent the spread of secondary infection, as well as with external medications. If the postoperative collar is selected or made according to the dog’s size, it does not even interfere with food intake and can not be removed at all until the dog has fully recovered.

How to train a dog to wear a protective collar?

If the operation is planned in advance, then it is better to start accustoming the dog to wearing a protective collar before the operation.

To begin with, you can introduce the dog to a collar laid out on the floor and allow it to take treats from it.
Gradually bring the object closer to the dog while giving it a treat.
Now put a collar on the animal and play with it.
Let her decide that this thing is just complementing the fun game.
At first, you need to put on the collar for just a few minutes, gradually increasing this time. After the dog decides that the device on it is not scary, it needs to be taught to move in it, and then to sleep.

Even if the operation was urgent or the animal was suddenly injured, she will completely get used to wearing the device in just a couple of days.

Should I buy or make a dog collar with my own hands?

The factory-made collar is made of flexible transparent plastic. There are also fabric options. With this, the dog will not make noise and will not break it. But plastic is easier to clean and disinfect, and it is also transparent and does not interfere with the dog’s vision of everything around him.

Collars come in different sizes (8, 10, 12, 16, 20) to suit all dog breeds. The smallest is suitable for a Chihuahua, and the largest is for a shepherd. The collar also has four strips to secure it to the collar.

To make a protective collar for your dog with your own hands, you can use thin plywood, cardboard or suitable items. For example, for a small dog, a device can be made from an x-ray or a plastic flask by cutting off the bottom and neck. For a large dog, use a soft plastic bucket.

The manufactured protective collar is attached to the dog's collar using braid, gauze or thin rope, tying it on four sides.
It is imperative to check whether the collar you have made has a sharp edge so that it does not cut the dog’s neck.
If there is a sharp edge, you can cover it with soft cloth or wrap it with adhesive tape.
If you make it from cardboard, then you need to cut out a circle with a diameter of 30 cm, cut out a circle inside with a circumference equal to the buttoned collar on the dog.
Then you need to cut the circle, put the device on the dog’s neck and glue its edges with adhesive tape.
It must be attached to the collar with gauze or braid.

Often in the postoperative period, in the case of certain skin diseases, the cat needs to create conditions under which it will not be able to lick wounds or even just its fur, and will not be able to scratch its head, behind the ear. An indispensable attribute of such barrier therapy is a special protective collar.

The owner of the animal should not be frightened by this design and the inconveniences that the pet initially experiences. The most basic The purpose of the collar is proper treatment and rehabilitation, protecting cats from complications after illness.

IMPORTANT! High collars prevent the cat from touching the fur and skin with its muzzle. Therefore, the doctor’s recommendation should be taken seriously and responsibly.

Collar for cat wears beautiful name "Elizabethan", and indeed, it is somewhat reminiscent in design and shape of the exquisite accessories of the outfits of medieval ladies.

The design has a specially large height, which does not allow the cat to reach its head with its paws or its tongue with its fur coat. When a veterinarian prescribes wearing a collar, cat owners have a question about how to make a protective product with their own hands.

And don't worry - if the collar is made correctly, in size, the animal will quickly get used to it.

When does a high collar become necessary?

The doctor advises putting a hard and high collar on your pet’s neck. after castration, sterilization after execution others operations. These animals have an innate habit of licking their private parts after using the toilet. If a cat touches a fresh wound with such a muzzle, it may become infected.
Curious cats may use their claws or teeth scratch wounds, also what dangerous. The pet should not be allowed licked the fur and skin after it was treated with chemicals. Such toxic and hazardous substances include various flea sprays, tick ointments, antibacterial drugs, and hormonal creams.
When lichen is treated with antifungal agents, which are applied to the inflamed areas of the skin. If the product enters the esophagus, it can cause poisoning, and a high collar will prevent such entry.
The device also saves in case applying a bandage to an animal's wound. The cat will try to remove the bandage or gauze bandage, thereby damaging the wound.

Requirements for the shape and quality of the collar

If you need to put a high collar on your cat to protect its health, it is important to choose the right design for the size of the animal. The collar must be safe and reliable. The pet should not be able to independently remove this structure or break it with its paws.
It is also important that the cat collar did not interfere with free breathing, did not rub the skin of the neck. Before releasing a cat with this design, you need to carefully check the edges of the product so that they do not cut you.

You can select and buy a plastic collar for rehabilitation after surgery at a pet store, but the designs do not always meet the required parameters. Therefore, often the best solution is to make a product for your cat yourself. For this, a ready-made pattern is used, which is not difficult to find on the Internet.

INTERESTING! The veterinary collar is made not only from plastic, but also from paper. For cats of gentle and calm breeds, you can use dense fabric that is folded in several layers.

Features of the pattern

In order to make a collar for animals, a pattern in the form of half a ring is used. It can have different height, length, width. From such a part a cap is made with a cutout for the neck, its edges are securely fastened.
When creating a pattern, you need to measure the circumference of the neck (this will be the length of the inner semicircle), the length from the neck to the tip of the nose (plus five centimeters). You can make a small reserve according to the parameters, cut out the blank, fold it, try it on and trim off the excess.

If the collar greatly blocks the cat’s view of the environment, the pet will be very nervous, which will have a bad effect on the progress of rehabilitation.

Fabric collar

In order to sew a device from fabric, you should use a regular pattern; a thick edging is sewn along the edge; it will hold the structure. A soft version of a protective product may not provide full protection., you need to observe the behavior of the pet in such a design. If the cat tries to remove the collar or press it with its paws, a more rigid sample will be needed. The health of the pet should be the main factor.

Plastic bottle collar

When purchasing at a veterinary pharmacy or pet store, the question arises how much an “Elizabethan” collar for a cat costs. The price may surprise you, especially for imported products from famous brands. Since the design is most often used temporarily, for a short period, it is more practical to make it from scrap materials, for example, from plastic bottle. Additionally, you will need Velcro and ribbons.

The bottle needs to be cut so that it forms a cone.
To prevent the cat from being injured by sharp plastic, the inner edge should be covered with tape or a strip of fabric.
Where the parts of the product will be connected, ribbons are sewn for ties.

In this way it is easy to make a product from a transparent plastic bucket or flower pot.

Option for quick production of a veterinary collar

In emergency cases, there is no time to sew a veterinary collar or look for one in pet stores. If you need to put such a device on your head urgently, you can use a temporary option.

You need to flatten the cardboard and cut a semicircle out of it. Then the material should be twisted, this will make it softer.
The blank must be tried on the animal, cutting off the excess.
The edges of the cardboard may be sharp; you need to cover them with tape.

A temporary option is used when urgent protection is needed for the cat’s wounds. You can also use it when treating your pet antibacterially, when applying flea or tick spray. The pet should not touch its fur or skin for a while. Then the simple collar is thrown away without regret. The best material for construction is thick cardboard from a shipping box or shoe box. If the cardboard is very thick, it is better not to use it for cats; it is only suitable for a dog collar.

The simplest option for a cardboard collar may be if it is needed only for a short time(before visiting the veterinarian, before purchasing a more serious design).

ATTENTION! The design of even such a temporary structure can be thoughtful and convenient. If you tape simple loops of paper or fabric to the edge of the collar, the collar can be laced.

Wearing rules

Cats need protective collars to prevent them from licking wounds or touching treated fur. The device will not delight the animal, but you need to be patient and most importantly, choose the most convenient and reliable option.

The high, rigid collar should be removed periodically, giving the cat the opportunity to take a little break from the structure.

While the cat is without barrier protection, it is better hold him in your arms or control him in another way.
Some pets are particularly stubborn or susceptible to discomfort. They may even refuse to drink or eat because of the veterinary collar.
Such pets need to remove the collar more often so that they can eat according to the schedule and drink water.
Felines are considered smart and cunning animals; at first they will try to get rid of a structure that is inconvenient for them. It is important to monitor the process so that postoperative rehabilitation occurs according to the rules.

What to do if the animal cannot get used to the collar

A cat owner may notice that his pet is taking off his protective collar, what should he do in this case? Most likely, an unreliable design was chosen that can be easily removed over the head or unfastened or torn.

Maybe the product has sharp edges that rub the neck and cause irritation to the animal. This assumption should be tested.

IMPORTANT! Cats have a great sense of how people treat them. If, in addition to the inconvenient design, they also receive indifference from the owners, rehabilitation after injury or surgery will be difficult.

There are cats that will not be able to put up with a collar for a long time; you need to show maximum attention to your pet, pick it up more often, and calm it down. When it’s time for lunch, the “Spanish cow collar,” as it is sometimes called, needs to be removed and the cat should be fed something tasty.

Your cat may be irritated by certain types of collars, such as those made of plastic or opaque. If you change the design, the cat calms down and over time gets used to slight discomfort.

Useful video

An easy way to make a collar at home