Dog got neutered, so how does one ease the pain?

My poodle puppy/small dog got neutered this morning. He is not allowed to have food or water for about 2 more hours. He can't scratch, but constantly nips at and licks/messes with the pinkie-finger long incision site/stitches. How can I help ease his pain? Would a dog collar/cone for his head work - like from Petco? What should I feed him?