of the segmented barrier 100 is formed from flexible barrier material 108 such as plastic the connecting segment 104 has a narrowed waist 104 a for improved flexibility of the overall segmented barrier 100 further the connecting segment 104 may be provided in various lengths to accommodate animals of various sizes the upper or securing segment 102 connecting segment 104 and lower or covering segment 106 of the segmented barrier 100 are connected together using segment connecting fasteners 122 shown in the embodiments of fig1 through 14 as being velcro although segment connecting fasteners 122 are shown as velcro other types of segment connecting fasteners 122 are contemplated such as hooks and eyes buttons snaps or clips as non limiting examples spacers 110 are provided on the inner sides of each of the upper or securing segment 102 connecting segment 104 and lower or covering segment 106 and may be made of flexible foam rubber or an equivalent material the spacers 110 again function to hold the flexible barrier material 108 away from the injured area 50 elastic straps 114 are provided with strap connecting fasteners 116 in the embodiment shown being velcro although other types of strap connecting fasteners 116 are contemplated such as hooks and eyes buttons or snaps as non limiting examples the elastic straps 114 pass through strap holes 118 on one side of the upper or securing segment 102 or lower or covering segment 106 of the segmented barrier 100 and may be made to pass through strap holes 118 on the other side of the upper or securing segment 102.