Vet should have given you some indication. It is whenever you can take it off, and the dog doesn't focus his attention THERE, where he shouldn't be nosing, until it heals. No set rule, depends on the dog and the soreness the dog is feeling.

Dazzle (cat) was "supposed" to keep it on for . . . 3 days. He learned to take it off in 20 seconds! Dad and I took turns sitting up with him the first night. By noon the next day, he was busy focusing on other things and we took it off for good. And both took long naps!!!!