It has many names. The Elizabethan collar, the E collar, the Buster collar, or simply the pet cone, is a protective medical device that prevents animals from biting or licking their wounds while their injuries heal. However, the way the critters look while wearing it has earned the device a few nicknames as well: the pet lamp, the pet radar dish, and, most notably, the cone of shame.

To explain the origins of these alternatives, Bored Panda has collected a list of photos where our four-legged companions' expressions perfectly describe the way they feel inside the darn thing.

#1

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Suddenly, the cone of shame isn't so bad.

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RJ
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't worry, I'm here for you doggy

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The collars are named after the ruffs worn in Elizabethan times. The first U.S. patent was filed by Frank L. Johnson in 1959.

The vets usually suggest them in order to prevent the animal from irritating a wound or removing stitches while self-grooming. The cones of shame are used to either prevent the animal from licking or biting its wound or using its limbs to scratch its head, eyes, or ears. The collar is sometimes also used to stop animals with self-destructing habits from hurting themselves. Also, the cones of shame help animals that suffer from allergies. For example, it can prevent the critter from ingesting any of the medicine that's applied on its skin.

#2

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RJ
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its wonderful how dogs support each other, humans need to learn more from the dogs.

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Despite their regular use, relatively little is known about the effects of these collars. One survey, aimed at owners whose pets wore the cone of shame during the past 12 months, showed that 77.4% of their respondents reported a poorer quality of life in their companion animals while the collar was on.

The poorer owner-perceived quality of life score was mostly due to the way the collar interfered with the animal's ability to drink, play, or caused irritation. So, animal healthcare professionals suggest pet owners do their research when choosing the right design for their little buddy.

#3

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#4

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columbokateUK
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This will be me on 15th june when I'm back at work 😁

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#5

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Jess-a-men
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do YOU like having your head in a cone, huh? HUH?! HOW DO YOU LIKE IT, HUMAN!

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#7

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My friend's pupper is in the cone of shame and I can't even.

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#8

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#10

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Tracey Hirt
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“I uses The Cone of Shame to protect the tiny hooman.”

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#15

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#17

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Rissie
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aaw, kitty is so pretty! Even with the little up side down lampshade on.

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#18

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Idk what's worse, the cone of shame or the kitty pajamas. He doesn't seem to be happy about either.

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Tami Bridges
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That cat is breaking out the first chance that arises lol

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#20

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as Fluffy keeps his stoic gaze northwards the Clemens family has crystal clear satellite reception.

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#21

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Dennis does not like the cone of shame.

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#23

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#24

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Our cat is wearing a cone of shame right now and she keeps trying to lick her tummy.

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#25

Funny-Pets-With-Cones

This is the smallest cone the hospital had.

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Kesam
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, this cheetah has an enormous wobbly body and a tiny head.

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#27

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RJ
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not happy with this, hooman

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#28

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Cone of Shame: Day 9

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#29

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von Funnyname
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stay clear of the exhaust vent on this Death Star...

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#30

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#31

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GirlFriday
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This little one is going to poop in your shoe.

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#32

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Tracey Hirt
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely plotting your death right now.

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#34

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suramura
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

omg, he's got both a moustache and a goatee! how adorable!

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#35

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Note: this post originally had 50 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.