+1 on this. It's much more pleasant for them. Not enough to make them forgive you for cutting off their privates, but it's a step.
Beautiful boy; wishing him a speedy recovery. Our Blenheim does get separation anxiety, but manages quite well with lots of napping. We leave the TV on for her so it itsn't too quiet.
Let you Vet know of this condition (but it seems you suffer more of it than he does) and they'll likely not leave him alone for extended periods. He's likely going to be sedated most of the time and will not realize how much time has passed... They will be monitored as they come out of sedation and will not be left alone during this period; be ready to be there when this happens.
Suggestion, get a ComfyCone instead of the hard plastic cone provided; he'll be more comfortable when sleeping, which will happen a lot after surgery.
Hang in there; this is for the best.
Doggo Frendos!
Don't get hard plastic cones. They're heckin uncomfortable! There's a better cone!
The COMFY CONE!! bork bork bork! (that's Fizzgig the Samoyed saying "it'sa good cone!")
https://smile.amazon.com/Recovery-Collar-All-Four-Paws/dp/B000XY7CKE/
(that link should be a plain smile.amazon.com link, with no referral/affiliate heck added)
(I am not in any way associated with amazon or the comfy cone humans. I am just a frendo of doggos who wants to see them be more comfy with happy borks)
Try using “The Comfy Cone” and remove the collar stays. I’m currently using this with my dog and even without the collar stays it has enough structure to stay up in a cone shape. It’s lightly padded and soft around the neck. I also recommend Trazadone to help take the edge off. The Original Comfy Cone, Soft Pet Recovery Collar with Removable Stays,Large 25 cm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XY7CKE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mvkGCb6RSM28H
I had the same issue with my pup, the hard plastic of the cone made him freeze up and he seemed miserable. I ended up buying the Comfy Cone which he seemed to deal with much better. It still stopped him from licking his wound from his surgery, but his overall mood seemed to be better. I mean, he still would rather have had no cone, but this thing made it easier on him.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XY7CKE/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_ABWEHMVWY9VW76DKKNV3
My dogs did really well with the comfy cone from Amazon. Its nice because you can remove the supports so its more squishy or fold it over so they can see more. https://www.amazon.com/Original-Comfy-Recovery-Collar-Removable/dp/B000XY7CKE/ref=mp_s_a_1_29?dchild=1&keywords=soft+cone&qid=1614377836&sr=8-29
Its hard for them to see but when we'd fold it over, our guy had no issue. He still couldn't get to his surgery spot (neuter) but wasn't running into stuff. Soft cones are nice but you give up some visibility with them. Also easy to slip around the collar so you can just take the collar off to remove the cone to give them a "break" when supervised tho of course!
We have 2 ACD mixes and use the comfy cone. It is soft so it is more comfortable for the dogs and does less damage when they run into things. It is velcro, but it has loops so you can attach it to the collar so it won't come off. Hope your pup feels better soon!
The Original Comfy Cone, Soft Pet Recovery Collar with Removable Stays https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XY7CKE/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_fab_F0EDFbNXRC4M7
Aww, the poor little girl! My baby Macey just had 5 different spots removed on Monday, a few being mast cell tumors and some melanomas. She's recovering well though :)
Not sure if you've heard of them before but I can't recommend enough getting a "Comfy Cone" for her recovery. Macey has been through several surgeries during her life and it makes her SO much more comfortable than the plastic style cones.
Good luck to Zinnia, and wishing her a quick recovery!
I have a Comfy Cone and can't recommend it enough. Amazon has sizing info on these, I believe I have an L or XL but don't remember: http://www.amazon.com/Comfy-Cone-E-Collar-Large-Black/dp/B000XY7CKE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427836399&sr=8-1&keywords=comfy+cone
I've used it for a neuter, hot spots, cuts, etc and never had an issue. Much more comfortable for the dog too. Plus it folds flat so is easier to store.
They have. Soft cones are more comfortable and reversible so pets can eat, drink and sleep in them. But the plastic ones are super cheap so that's what the vet gives out.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XY7CKE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KSpjFbP47J8GP
Not sure of OP's brand but I have a similar one branded Comfy Come: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XY7CKE/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_AGVS8VPCQZMRQTEZJRQV
Haven't had my puppers spaded yet, but my last dog hated his cone after his leg surgery, he was restless with it and hated it, they are also pretty uncomfortable to lay on. We got him one of these :
and he loved it, it was like a portable pillow for him.
There is a cheaper alternative :
but in my experience these tend to have a habit of flipping backwards. which with spading would allow access to the site. I may have just got a size to big to be honest, as reviews seem pretty good.
Not sure if they would solve your puppies issues, but thought it might be worth a suggestion.
A soft collar will be better for your dog and you as well.....http://www.amazon.com/Comfy-Cone-E-Collar-Large-Black/dp/B000XY7CKE