A novel protective shield to prevent an animal from licking or biting at wounds or stitches is disclosed. Unlike the common Elizabethan collar, the disclosed shield is open at the top to reduce stress and anxiety which may be caused by Elizabethan collars. Further, the shield is substantially in contact with the animals ventral jaw so that it does not block the animals range of sight. The lower profile of the shield also reduces the occurrence of the animal hitting the shield against an object but does not interfere with the use of the animals collar. The shield is adjustable and may be easily removed by the animals caretaker. The shield is sized to accommodate a range of dogs.
