Help with post-op licking!

[MadamPoofyBrow]

My dog will be turning five on July 17th. When she was six months old, we had her spayed and she didn't bother her incision and healed up fine.
Long story short, her breeder removed her dew claws himself rather than taking her to the vet to have it done. He did it wrong, and in the last few months little scur-like claws have been coming through her skin. She has been yelping whenever we wipe her paws, and being very irritated by them.
Friday February 12th we took her in for surgery, and she returned home that night. Her bandages were supposed to come off yesterday, Sunday the 14th, but since we had company we took them off today, Monday the 15th, instead.
That was a couple of hours ago, and she won't stop licking. She has on a cone but she still manages to get her tongue around and get at the incision.
Any advice on how I can get her to stop licking? Right now I can watch her but I'm concerned about tonight.
She is on pain meds and antibiotics.
It is very cold, but she is laying in the house. Our other dog is leaving her alone, which is good and unexpected.

Here are some pics:

This one is the worst and she licks it the most

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've had plenty of dogs who figured out the cone, either they get a bigger cone or try a different kind, like the soft ones, otherwise a sock taped on the leg, lots of no's, I have tried everything on some. Wish I could give you a good answer.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

You could try a larger cone but I also rather like the donuts you can get at most pet stores. They inflate and keep them from reaching places to lick.

Your best bet is to give your vet a call in the morning and see what they recommend! You don't want to cover an incision if your vet thinks the incision site needs to stay open. Socks are not a bad idea but you have to be careful how you put them on because too tight can cause issues as well.

 

[Bluechick2u]

I had a cat who figured out how to get around her cone to pick at her stitches, I rigged a longer cone to fit on her collar and that stopped it. If you try this, be aware you may have to find alternative ways to give food and especially water, I had to give water via syringe a little at a time. Good luck finding the best solution! Hope your dog gets better quickly!

 

[Huntress78]

This stuff works pretty good...
http://www.amazon.com/Grannicks-Bitter-Apple-Bottle-Ounces/dp/B00028ZMEO

Your vet may sell it or I think Wal-Mart carries it. We have even used it over the bandage to keep them from chewing it off when they're not wearing a cone or donut.

 

[MadamPoofyBrow]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I put our other dog's cone on her. He is a golden retriever, she is a Brittany, and once I managed to get it small enough for her neck, it stuck out a good bit farther than the other. She hasn't been able to get to her feet that I know of since then, and the incision seems to be drying.
She's pitiful though, with that massive cone hitting into everything she passes. I think we go Friday to get the staples out, but I'll have to call the vet to confirm.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I always hate coning them too, but it doesn't take long for them to mess up their incision by licking out the staples, then it needs to be stapled back together and you are back to waiting even longer.