Veterinarian Struts Cone of Shame to Highlight Canine Antics and It’s Comedy Gold
Has your dog ever needed to wear a cone? Pet parents often find this experience a bit challenging. It's heartbreaking to look into those sad eyes that question our intentions. Their over-the-top drama can leave us scratching our heads and wondering if we should even stay the course.
However, watching a veterinarian showcase these behaviors is rather amusing. Her funny take on these antics in a video shared on October 20 will have you feeling understood!
This is a spot-on interpretation of our dogs’ behavior when wearing the dreaded cone of shame. Dr. Molly (@drmollysays) clearly has some experience watching dogs wearing this after-surgical/injury attire. The panic begins when they wake up from a procedure wearing this plastic protector. It only gets worse when they try to fit through a doorway and find resistance. Even the most intelligent dogs fail to realize that a small step in either direction is all that's required. Instead, they repeatedly hit their heads against the wall. Why is that? Eating and drinking in this contraption also poses a challenge, which Dr. Molly demonstrates with a cheese stick and bottled water. LOL! Her pouting face also embodies that defeated look we’ve seen on our pups when they’ve been in the same situation. However, this defeat is still better to witness than when they remove the cone and reach their wounds.
Traditional Cone Alternatives
While stiff plastic cones may be necessary to prevent dogs from accessing wounds while we are away from home, there are less intrusive alternatives to consider when we are with them. Soft cones and inflatable collars can be more comfortable, keeping the drama minimal. Surgical suits and recovery sleeves also make terrific cone alternatives for some. However, these alternatives can be removed more easily or licked through, so it’s essential to use them with supervision until you know how your dog will respond.
Pet parents were familiar with this drama. One person shared, “My Whippet learned to weaponize her cone by bashing the cats and us with her bucket head. We were all extremely pleased when she could take it off.” I also had a dog who learned this trick, and it wasn’t fun for anyone. Viewer @august_the_dachshund reported, “My dog doesn’t mind the cone. He uses it to scoop up toys and sand and open doors.” When life gives you lemons, you might as well make lemonade. Viewer @silke.ann responded, “We had a dog that literally went catatonic in the cone of shame (even the doughnut). She would freeze and not move at all. I felt so bad for her, so she never wore the cone again.” It’s hard to see them suffering emotionally.
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If your dog puts on a show the next time they wear a cone, at least you’ll know you’re in good company. But it may be wise to take other pet parents’ advice and get some shinguards until it comes off.
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