How to stop dog from moving too much?

[lizbud]

I really can't think of anything but what you are now doing, but Freedom's
dsea of inflatable collar might be just the thing. If she's restless in the cage
because she can't get comfortable with the big, wider collar.

I hope you find the answer & Adele heals up soon.

[cassiesmom]

Dear sweet Adele! Please, please try not to move too much while your leg heals. Fingers and paws crossed for you, sweety

[Bonny]

Do you have a small room where Adele could just feel comfortable in? Maybe the Crate is to confining with the cone collar on?

[B&Baussies]

I like the idea of the inflatable collar; maybe it will hinder some anxiety. But I’d also talk with your vet about a temporary splint to hold the leg in position, just while the dog is left alone. If nothings working this would be the best bet to get the wound to stay closed as well as not restricting the dog too much. That combined with the sedative your dog will probably just start sleeping while you’re gone.
This is a big deal though, if those wounds keeps reopening infection can set in that can lead to a whole mess of problems. Good luck and keep an eye on the wound for any redness, inflammation, and less than normal looking colors.
P.S. I would get some appropriate first aid cleaning supplies just to clean the area every now in then (morning and night maybe). It's much easier to prevent infection than it is to cure it.

[wolfsoul]

How about a Thundershirt? In my experience, when a dog wears a Thundershirt, they typically don't want to move much at all.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Thanks for all the ideas. I'm going to look into the alternative collar and shirt (although I did try a t-shirt on her at first and she got it off somehow even with her big collar on while we were gone).

Adele saw the vet again today and they took out the staples because they weren't doing much...now the wound is open, but they said it should still heal as long as it stays clean (she will obviously have a huge scar though). She's on a very strong antibiotic and with me cleaning it a few times a day hopefully it will eventually get better (plus she'll be going to the vet every 5 days or so to get it rechecked). The vet thought it would take another few weeks to heal. I wish I could just tell her to hold still and leave it alone!