"The Cone of Shame": Welfare Implications of Elizabethan Collar Use on Dogs and Cats as Reported by their Owners

Description: This study was published in the journal Animals and investigates the welfare impacts of Elizabethan collars (commonly known as "cones") on companion animals. These collars are typically used to prevent pets from self-inflicted injuries post-surgery or due to skin conditions. However, anecdotal evidence has suggested potential negative effects on animal welfare, prompting this research.

Objective: The primary aim was to assess owner-reported impacts of Elizabethan collars on the behavior and quality of life (QOL) of dogs and cats. The study focused on various aspects, including sleep, eating, drinking, exercise, interactions with other animals, and overall QOL.

Methodology: Researchers conducted a survey involving 434 pet owners whose animals had worn an Elizabethan collar within the past year. The survey collected data on the collars' effects across multiple domains of the pets' daily lives.

Key Findings:

• A significant majority (77.4%) of respondents reported a decline in their pet's QOL while wearing the collar.
• Negative impacts were notably significant when the collar caused irritation or interfered with the pet's ability to drink or play.
• The study identified adverse effects across various welfare domains, including nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state.

Conclusions and Recommendations: The findings suggest that while Elizabethan collars serve a protective function, they may also lead to unintended welfare issues. The study recommends that pet owners be informed about these potential negative impacts. Where feasible, alternative methods to prevent self-trauma should be considered to mitigate these welfare concerns.