Have you ever been to the vet and notice a few dogs with what looks like a cone around its neck? That is not a new fashion statement that the vet is promoting and there are no modeling agent waiting outside to give the dog a contract. That cone that is placed around the dog’s neck actually serves a couple useful purposes. It is known in the dog community as the cone of shame. But the real name is the Elizibethian Collar It is also referred to as, E-Collar, Buster collar or pet cone. Why is it called that? I thought you would never ask. Back in the old time colonial days when Britain decided that every piece of land on district Earth was belonged to the queen, there were fashion statements being made in the Palace. Queen Elizabeth had a fancy way of dressing where she wore dresses with enormous collars that ascended from her neck line all the way up to her mouth area. These were royalty wear and many prominent English ladies also did the same.  

The E Collar or Pet Cone as simple as it seems is quite ingenious. When dogs go to the vet for various illnesses. If the animal receives surgery, stitches, patches over rounds or anything of that nature. The animal will always tend to lick the area where any foreign matter is such as those stitches and patches. Pet cats and dogs have been known to gnaw away and even chew out stitches and patches causing wounds not to be properly healed. If the animal licks and chews those unhealed wounds, it can cause irritation and infection, which may leave a hairless, discolored, ugly scar for life. The cone of shame or E-Collar is placed over the dog or cat’s head and prevents the movement of the head to chew at those tender areas of the animal. The cone serves the same purpose as a claw wrapping which would prevent the animal from scratching away at wounds to create further damages.

Not many dog owners are fund of the cone of shame and of course, no dogs like to have that big old plastic thing around its head looking liking a barking bulb.  So they have had several alternatives to this E-Collar.

Can my dog eat with an E collar on?
If your dog normally eats or drinks from a deep bowl but refuses to eat with the collar on, try offering food in a shallow dish or plate. If you feel you must remove the protective collar, make sure your pet is supervised while eating, and replace it as soon as the meal is finished. But why go through all of that when there are good alternatives to the cone of shame.

2. Comfy Collar
Who wants a plastic cone around their dog’s neck causing the animal discomfort when they can get a comfy collar to replace the cone of shame. This comfortable alternative to the cone of shame is made from nylon and foam material which brings flexibility along with comfort for your dog. This comfy collar allows your dog to have the natural abilities to feeding and drinking because it has “Stays” which are removable. These “stays” keeps the foam structure intact. The cone remains secure and holds its shape by attaching it to the pet’s collar using loops on the device. The Comfy Collar features a reflective fabric to keep you and your pet safe while going outside at night. This medical device comes in six sizes and can protect both canines and felines.

Ditch The Cone of Shame.
Your vet will not supply these fancy collars, they will definitely fit your dog with that cone of shame. If you know that your dog may be up for stitches, wound cleaning or another vet service. Ensure that you get the dog a collar which will make him/her comfortable even after leaving the vet.

Being a dog in Dubai may be one of the best things to happen to any canine. Dogs that have become strayed either by owner passing off or owner migrating and leaving everything behind, including their pets, will find refuge at dibai's cool air conditioned dog park.

DUBAI // Tight rules on where and how dogs can be walked in the emirate have left few options for people who wish to let their pets run free.
That is changing, thanks to a joint project by a Saluki breeder and two pet lovers who have opened Dubai’s first outdoor park designed for dogs.
The site in Al Awir, backed by Dubai Municipality, is the only outdoor space where dogs can run without their leads in a safe environment.
Jan Al Mheiri, a Scot who has been in the UAE for more than 25 years, encouraged her Emirati husband to donate farmland near their home in Al Awir.
The Bark Park has been developed with irrigation and electricity and opened as an official dog-walking facility.
Mrs Al Mheiri, who owns two Salukis and a Golden Retriever, said it would encourage responsible dog ownership.
“We are a work in progress but we have very big plans for the future,” she said. “It is a traditional place but it has all the things that dogs need.
“The municipality has a thankless task with regards to animal welfare issues, but they have been very helpful and supportive. It would not have happened otherwise.”
In Dubai, dogs are banned from all beaches and public parks, and in most newer developments.
The Bark Park encourages owners to socialise and can be used for a fee that funds the project.
“We needed to have permission to have the dogs running free on the land and that took time,” Mrs Al Mheiri said.
“I had to provide compelling reasons why this was a good idea and helped with animal welfare issues. Attitudes towards dogs are changing here but it is a very slow process.”
Saturdays are reserved for Salukis, the traditional Bedouin dogs, which can run as fast as 70 kilometres per hour.
Hamad Al Ghanem, founder of the Salukis of Arabia Club, helped to develop the park project.
“We approached the landowner with the idea, as we were looking for somewhere to run the Salukis,” he said. “It was important that it was somewhere away from camel farms and safe for the dogs.
“We had to have the area checked to ensure that they can’t escape if they are running free. It needs more trees and shade to make it more like a park, but it has great potential.

“I have helped with ideas, as I know Salukis so well. This park is perfect for all dog lovers.”
Other plans include a barbecue area and a site office. Dogs which use the park must be vaccinated and microchipped, and nervous dogs should be muzzled as a precaution.
Children younger than 12 are not allowed in the park. There is an area reserved for smaller dogs.

Entry fees are Dh50 for the first dog, and Dh25 for a second and third.
A maximum of 20 dogs are allowed in the park at any time.
Anna Bensalah has been volunteering for the park project and promotes events such as the Saluki Fun Run, which she has been organising with Rooster Tail Sports and Entertainment.

“The Saluki Fun Run was popular, so we realised there was a demand for a more permanent outdoor park for dogs to enjoy,” she said.
“All dogs need to run free but Salukis in particular are bred to run free. They can run long distances, up to six kilometres. So for them to be healthy and happy, they have to run but they also need to be safe.”