Cone collars are a necessity for post-surgery recovery. However, they can be a little awkward and uncomfortable to wear.
So, to help you out, we’ve come up with a list of the best cones for dogs that are currently on the market.
8 Best Cones For Dogs
| Product Name | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. In Hand Padded Recovery Collar | It is transparent so as to not block your dog’s vision, but with added soft velvet padding around the neck for comfort. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| 2. All Four Paws Comfy Cone E-Collar For Dogs & Cats | The patented design uses velcro closures for a custom fit, reversibility, and easy use. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| 3. Alfie Pet Soft Flannel Recovery Collar | Its soft, flexible material also makes it easy to move about the house and lay down to go to sleep. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| 4. ZenPet ProCone Pet E-Collar For Dogs and Cats | The cone can also thread through pet collars for maximum security and minimal disruptiveness. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| 5. Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar | The collar is bite- and scratch-resistant, comfortable, and doesn’t restrict their ability to eat, drink, play, or sleep normally. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| 6. Alfie Pet Sunflower Recovery Collar | It’s super lightweight, soft, comfortable, and wide so as to not distort your dog’s view too much or interfere with daily life. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| 7. MIDOG Cone for Dogs After Surgery | It has a durable and stable buckle connection to ensure that your dog can’t remove it. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| 8. Alfie Pet Lion Recovery Collar | It is lightweight, adjustable, soft, comfy, and wide enough to not interfere with seeing, eating, drinking, or playing. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
1. In Hand Padded Recovery Collar
This lightweight PVC recovery collar by In Hand is transparent so as to not interrupt your dog’s vision, but with added soft velvet padding around the neck for comfort. It secures and undoes easily with velcro, and comes recommended by vets.
The ends of the collar are also padded to prevent scratching on walls and furniture. It is available to buy with either pink or blue velvet and comes in five sizes; small, medium, large, extra-large, and XXL. The circumference of the smallest size is 4.7-7 inches around, and the largest is 13.5-17 inches. It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews say it’s very easy to use.
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Provides a perfect fit
- Washable
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Buttons may snap sometimes
- The plastic material could bend over time
- Not suitable for determined dogs
2. All Four Paws Comfy Cone E-Collar For Dogs & Cats
All Four Paws‘s “Comfy Cone” collar is vet-tested and approved and comes in black and tan. It is available to buy in eight sizes from extra small to XXL. The smallest option is 9.25-11.75 inches in circumference, and the biggest is 22-28.25 inches.
The patented design uses velcro closures for a custom fit, reversibility, and easy use. It can also be worn on the head or over the body and features removable plastic stays to add structure when needed. It’s made from nylon and padded with foam for comfort. It’s also water-resistant and easy to clean.
The unique design also conforms to doorways, has reflective edges for safety, and useful loops for collars and leads. Reviews highly recommend the product.
Pros
- Velcro closures for a custom fit
- Good alternative for plastic cones
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Reversible
Cons
- The sizes can be a little bigger
- The velcro closure can cause irritating sound
3. Alfie Pet Soft Flannel Recovery Collar
Alfie Pet’s soft flannel recovery collar is an Amazon bestseller and comes in two cute designs; blue flannel and red flannel. This is one of the best fabric cones for dogs. It’s also available to buy in six sizes ranging from extra small to extra extra large. The smallest size is 7.5-8.5 inches in circumference and the largest is 12.5-13.5 inches.
The unique closure enables you to tighten or loosen the design as needed. Its soft, flexible material also makes it easy to move about the house and lay down to go to sleep. Reviews praise the effectiveness of the product.
Pros
- Easily adjustable
- Ideal for rashes, post-surgery, and other injuries
- Comfortable fabric
- Flexible and noise-free
Cons
- The velcro may be distressing to your dog
- The fabric can easily get messy
4. ZenPet ProCone Pet E-Collar For Dogs and Cats
Zen Pet’s cone collar has padded sides for comfort with windows for maximum visibility and stress-free recovery. It uses velcro for adjustable sizing and comes in four sizes; small, medium, large, and extra-large.
The cone can also thread through pet collars for maximum security and minimal disruptiveness. The brand has been making recovery cones for over 12 years and buyers are very complimentary of the product, although a few reviews say that it doesn’t stand up well to particularly boisterous or destructive dogs.
Pros
- Promotes stress-free recovery
- The windows allow your dog to view its surroundings
- Works well with dogs with tag
Cons
- Not suitable for destructive dogs
- Not good for dogs with a short snout
5. Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar
Bencmate’s inflatable neck-pillow style recovery collar is a number 1 best seller on Amazon. It comes in dark blue and grey and is available to buy in five sizes ranging from extra small to extra large. Simply inflate the collar via the air valve, insert your pet’s collar with the loops, and adjust it to fit their neck using the velcro straps.
The collar is also bite and scratch resistant, comfortable, and doesn’t restrict their ability to eat, drink, play, or sleep normally. The cover is removable and machine washable for easy cleaning, and it’s super easy to store once you deflate it.
Reviews love the design and several buyers also say they like it a lot more than the traditional cone design. That said, a few buyers say it doesn’t work well for dogs with longer necks or bodies.
Pros
- Inflatable
- Soft and washable
- Inner ring loops for stability
- Can be stored easily
Cons
- It is disposable once it got a tear or hole
- Not suitable for taller and have long body dogs
6. Alfie Pet Sunflower Recovery Collar
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Another product by Alfie Pet, this adorable yellow sunflower design comes in six size options from extra small to XXL. The smallest size is 6.5-8 inches in circumference, and the largest is 12.5-14 inches.
It’s super lightweight, soft, comfortable, and wide so as to not distort your dog’s view too much or interfere with daily life. The unique closure also enables owners to loosen or tighten the collar as necessary. It’s an Amazon bestseller and reviews absolutely love it.
Pros
- Soft, lightweight, and comfortable
- Dogs can still sleep, eat, and drink normally
- Easy to tighten and loosen
Cons
- It may have limited restrictions
- The velcro closure may cause irritation
7. MIDOG Cone for Dogs After Surgery
MIDOG Cone for Dogs After Surgery has extra small to extra large sizes which can really help in preventing your dog from scratching its wound. This donut-shaped cone collar prevents dogs from licking their rashes, suture, and wounds after injury or surgery.
It also allows your dog to do its daily activities without hindrances or irritation. Fur will not stick on the inside as it has an environmental PVC material which is also easy to clean. It is made of breathable polyester fabric that adds more comfort to your dog.
The adjustable metal buckle serves as a secure and noiseless connector between the two sides of the cone. The inflatable design also allows you to store it easily when not in use. The store also has good customer service.
Pros
- Provides 100% comfort and safety for your dog
- Prevents licking and scratching
- The unique closure promotes more security
Cons
- Not suitable for destructive dogs
- The strap may not be tight enough to secure other parts of the cone
8. Alfie Pet Lion Recovery Collar
This collar by Alfie Pet features another cute design – a lion. It comes in six sizes, from extra small to extra extra large, with the smallest size measuring 6.5-8 inches in circumference, and the largest 12.5-14 inches.
Like the sunflower design, it’s lightweight, adjustable, soft, comfy, and wide enough to not interfere with seeing, eating, drinking, or playing. It’s also an Amazon bestseller and reviews highly recommend it, with some buyers saying that it doubles up as a fabulous Halloween costume!
Pros
- Comfortable, lightweight, and soft
- Dogs can do their activities normally
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- It has a possibility of losing its shape over time
- It may flip back and forth
What Are Dog Cones?
Dog cones, sometimes known as recovery collars, Elizabethan collars, or lampshades, are essential to wear for dogs after surgery to stop them from being able to reach and lick or bite their stitches.
It’s only natural for dogs to be curious about their stitches, to want to soothe them, or even try to remove them. However, this can be seriously dangerous and result in pain, bleeding, re-opening the wound, and possibly infection which would require more surgery. To prevent this – always use a cone collar!
They can also be used to prevent dogs from scratching at irritated skin, causing further irritation to an injury, or hurting themselves in periods of extreme anxiety.
How to measure my dog’s neck for a cone
Your dog’s cone should fit around their neck in the same way that their collar does; the circumference of their neck with space to fit a couple of fingers for comfort. Or, if the cone has threads to merge with its collar, simply thread it through the collar and don’t add or take away any space.
Your vet will help you out if you’re not sure, but you’ll know it’s the right size if their nose pokes out slightly more than the wide end of the cone. Your dog should also be able to eat and drink with it on.
Top tips
Your dog should be wearing a cone as soon as they leave the vet’s office. Do not remove it until your dog’s stitches have dissolved or been removed – and only do so when your vet says it’s okay. Your dog should be able to do everything they need to do while wearing a cone, but it may need some extra help from you.
When your dog is recovering from surgery, you should make sure that your home is as peaceful, safe, and clean as possible. Take it easy exercise-wise and give your dog lots of TLC. Keep them hydrated and be sure to follow any medical advice your vet has prescribed.
A lot of dogs feel embarrassed and anxious while wearing cone collars, because they’re somewhat uncomfortable, and restrictive, and they don’t understand why they’re wearing them. So, be sure to give your dog lots of positive reinforcement to stop them from becoming too distressing.
Types of Dog Cone
Dog cones used to be nothing more than a plastic lampshade that fitted around your dog’s neck. Nowadays, there are a few different kinds of cone collars that are a lot more practical, cute, and comfortable.
Standard cones
As mentioned above, standard cones look like plastic lampshades that fit around your dog’s neck. They aren’t padded or particularly comfortable and are usually the sort that is prescribed by vets.
Pros
- Gets the job done
- Universally trusted by vets
- No assembly needed
- Lightweight
- Adjustable
- Indestructible dog cone
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not very comfortable
- Blocks peripheral vision
- Can restrict daily activities
- Can disrupt sleeping
- Rigid material makes it difficult to move through the home
- Scratches walls
- Difficult to store
- Gets dirty quickly
Padded cones
Padded cones are like the standard plastic cones, but with soft padding around the neck for comfort. There are also cones that are a similar shape to standard ones, but with padding all over.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Gets the job done
- Flexible
- Adjustable
- Doesn’t scratch walls
- No assembly needed
Cons
- Can be restrictive & disruptive
- Can block peripheral vision
- Difficult to store
- More expensive than standard cones
- Can get dirty quickly
Cushion cones
Cushion recovery collars look like neck pillows. Most of them are inflatable but some come stuffed like pillows. They’re not as invasive or restrictive as traditional cones and they’re far more comfortable – and cute! They also come in lots of funky designs and colors.
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Lightweight
- Adjustable
- Far less disruptive and restrictive
- Does not interfere with vision
- Does not scratch walls
- Easier to keep clean
- Inflatable collars are easy to store
- Cute designs
Cons
- May not work with dogs with long necks
- Less durable
- You have to inflate products yourself
- Cuter designs can be expensive
Other things to consider
Other factors to take into consideration when buying a recovery collar for your dog are the size of the product, trusted brands, highly rated products, and extra safety and convenience features.
Cones For Dogs: FAQ
Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.
Dogs predominantly need to wear cone collars after surgery to prevent them from irritating or pulling at their surgical stitches. They can also be used to prevent dogs from scratching at irritated skin, causing further irritation to an injury, or hurting themselves during periods of stress.
Besides using a dog cone, you can help your dog to recover from surgery by making sure your home is clean, safe, quiet, and calm.
They should also avoid the stairs for a few days. Bring their bed downstairs if they normally sleep upstairs, and if they still want to go up there, put a dog gate across the stairs or sleep downstairs with them for a couple of nights.
Take it easy and only exercise your dog as much as your vet says is appropriate. You can play some gentle, mentally stimulating games with them to prevent boredom. Keep them hydrated and give them plain, nutritious food to eat. Be sure to keep up with any medications your vet has prescribed, monitor any wounds they have, and make sure any dressings are clean and dry at all. Have your vet’s phone number on hand, just in case.
Cone collars aren’t the most comfortable thing to wear in the world, especially the plastic prescription ones you usually get from the vet. However, thankfully, there are alternative ones you can buy that are a more comfortable shape and made from softer materials.
Dogs can feel embarrassed by wearing cone collars, especially if their family members laugh at them when they’re wearing them. Although dogs can look funny wearing cones – try not to laugh. Give your dog lots of TLC and if they do seem embarrassed, do some positive reinforcement to make it less upsetting.
Your dogs should be able to eat and drink while they’re wearing their cone collar. If they can’t, you may be using the wrong sized collar for them.
If your vet has told you to use a cone collar on your dog, do not take it off when they go to sleep. They could attack their stitches in the night and wreak havoc on their body.
You can take off your dog’s cone when their stitches have dissolved or been removed. How long this takes may vary by operation – so follow your vet’s orders and only remove the cone when they say it’s okay.
Those are the best cones for dogs! Remember, dog cones are essential for post-surgery recovery. So, if your dog is having an operation, try out one of our recommendations! You may also do a homemade cone collar for your dog.