Any tips on recovery after neutering?

Just had Nigel neutered yesterday. We had a rough night. He had trouble sleeping with the neck cone and whined all night. My doctor said to continue using the cone collar for 5 days so he doesn't lick or bite the wound area. If I take off the collar, he immediately starts licking the wound. I just feel so badly that Nigel has to wear that cone. He hates it! Anyone have any pointers? Can I spray anything on the area to get him to stop licking? Is it really going to take 5 days for recovery? He's using the soft, blue flexible cone. Another option was a clear hard plastic cone. Are there other options out there? This is my first dog and my first Corgi so I have no idea what to expect!

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Comment by Laurie & Nigel on December 23, 2009 at 1:50pm: Thanks eveyone for your comments. Very helpful. Nigel seems to be doing a lot better. I had to go back to the vet to get a different collar. The soft, flexible one wasn't enough and Nigel was getting to the wound. He's now wearing a hard, clear plastic cone collar and he can't get to his wound. I also kept him on the pain medication and it seems to have helped him sleep through the night. I have to keep the cone collar on him since as soon as I take it off he goes to lick the wound. It's getting better every day and I'd rather have Nigel suffer with a cone for 5 days than have him get an infection!

Comment by Stephanie on December 22, 2009 at 4:08pm: we got really lucky, besides some pretty crazy diarrhea about an hour after we got home, Bear didn't seem phased by it. But, I have bragged on my vet for using the skin superglue stuff instead of stitches, I really think that made a huge difference. And, we also paid the extra for the pain meds, worth every penny.

Comment by Jacki, Nutmeg & Cinnamon on December 22, 2009 at 2:45pm: Don't let him lick it. I bought Nutmeg the donut collar. You blow it up, and velcro it. Much safer for little dogs who are closer to the ground. The big plastic things can get caught on the ground and really hurt the neck area. I took the cone off the minute we got in the car. I didn't keep the donut on long enough, and Nutty got to her spot and infected it. Invest in a soft collar!

Comment by Sky and Lyla on December 22, 2009 at 2:34pm: My Aussie had a similarly tough experience after neutering. In fact, the first night was so completely awful and he was so sick, that I boarded him for the next two days at the vet. It probably did take him close to 5 days to recover. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can really do other than try to keep him calm and comfortable. Is he on pain meds? I think that that is a must. I don't think spraying anything on the area is a good idea, unless the vet suggests it. You don't want to chance anything getting into the wound and infecting it. This will pass, good luck!