If you ever had your pet neutered and the veterinarian prescribed a plastic cone, then you are aware of the stress you and your pet were put through upon homecoming. This might have led you to start searching the web for an alternative such as an inflatable collar or recovery suit which is also known as post surgery body suits for your pet. There are so many alternatives in the market and all of them have their pro’s and con’s. In this article we will go over where you should start looking and if the material actually matters!
Material – polyester vs cotton
Polyester
When it comes to “pet-friendly” toys, clothes and furniture, it is astonishing how often “polyester” or “polyester-blend” is mentioned in a positive tense. In fact, polyester is a very durable fabric and it’s also easy to clean.
But how would your pet feel about wearing it? Cats and dogs can’t respond to heat in the same way us humans do. We have sweat glands all over our bodies that help us regulate our temperature, but dogs and cats only have a few in their feet and around their noses. Many animals rely on panting and external cooling to fend off heat. This means that a very important factor to whether the fabric is actually “pet-friendly” or not, is its breathability.
Polyester and polyester-blends lack breathability. This leaves your animal at risk of overheating until they ultimately pass out. And they might get a yeast infection as a bonus as well.That is why it is very important to start your search for alternatives to a plastic cone by reading the fine print and choosing an alternative made of a breathable material such as cotton.
Cotton
Although cotton might be a bit less durable than polyesters, it is still a very durable fabric and most would agree that the positives outweigh the negatives. In fact, cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics on the market. Which in turn makes it a perfect fit for a protective body suit or leg cover for your pet!
Cotton is also a renewable material, in comparison to polyester which contains oil (among other things). This is only one of the many reasons why cotton is not only better for your pet, but also for the environment. It is biodegradable, and does not shed toxic microfibres. If you would like to be 100% sure to skip all chemicals, go organic, like us!
Want to learn more about organic cotton recovery suits and leg covers?
Take a look at VetHelp Recovery Line that has been developed by veterinarians.
