Dog cones are a handy device that allows you to prevent your dog from turning and licking, gnawing, or interacting with certain parts of their body. These are used to aid with healing, prevent compulsive licking, or ensure your dog is not licking an area with topical treatment on it. Whether a major concern or minor, these cones help your dog to heal and feel better.
However, having to take your dog to the vet to get measured for a cone and be time-consuming, stressful for your dog, and pricey. Instead, you can consider a DIY homemade dog cone collar and quickly make one at home. Making a DIY dog cone is actually a relatively easy thing to do, but not many owners are aware.
Today we will guide you through the process and detail the different options you have in construction.
7 Best DIY Homemade Dog Cone Collars
We are going to be looking into the 7 best different DIY homemade dog cone collars and how to construct them. Each cone has an instructional video for you to watch and refer to!
1. Cardboard Elizabethan Collar by AnimalWised
AnimalWised provide us with an Elizabethan cone made from cardboard and tape. To create it you will need is:
- A ruler
- Scissors
- Cardboard
- A compass
To make the cone you will need to:
- Divide the cardboard into 8 triangular parts
- Use a compass to mark a circle and then cut away the excess cardboard
- Do the same again to make a circle the same size as your pet’s head and then cut out this circle, so this forms the cone frame
- Make a straight cut from the inner circle through the cardboard
- Overlap the edges until the frame starts to resemble a cone and then tape them in place
- Line the inner ring with tape so it is softer when your pet is wearing it
2. DIY Carton E-Collar by PetPrepper
PetPrepper have created our next dog cone and this is made out of duct tape and a cardboard box. This is the longest tutorial on our list but it comes with hoops to attach your dog’s collar to, ensuring that your dog isn’t going anywhere. To create it you will need:
- A cardboard box
- Measuring tape
- A marker
- Duct tape
- 5 roughly 5-inch vinyl pieces
- Shoestring
- Drill or knife
To make the cone you will need to:
- Lay the cardboard flat so you have one long rectangular piece
- Measure around your dog’s neck
- When the cardboard piece is horizontal, measure from the base edge and make a mark half of the length of your dog’s neck upwards
- This mark is the top of a semi-circle you need to draw which curves towards the base edge
- Measure behind your dog’s ears to the bridge of their nose
- Then make a mark upwards of the previous one, the length you just measured
- Draw another semi-circle to the base edge from this mark
- Cut along each line to leave you with the frame of the cone
- Overlap the frame and draw a line to the desired length, then mark which side is the inside and which is the outside
- Line each vinyl piece along the edge of the cone with gaps in between and duct tape them. These will form what secures the collar in place.
- You can then drill or cut holes along the two aligned edges of the cone and thread the shoelace through as a way to secure the cone
3. DIY Comfy Dog Cone by Animal Behavior College
This is a soft towel cone designed by Animal Behavior College. To create it you will need:
- Duct tape
- A towel
To make the cone you will need to:
- Lay it horizontally and fold it in thirds
- Distract your dog (they recommend using a bowl of peanut butter), and then wrap the towel around them from above the shoulder but below the ear
- Tape the towel to itself to form the cone
4. DIY E-Collar by Dr. Trad
This DIY E-collar has been created by Dr. Tad and is our first plastic collar. This is a good cone for small dogs or puppies. To create it you will need:
- 5-6 liter plastic bottle
- Scissors
- Tape
To make the cone you will need to:
- Use scissors to cut the bottle in half horizontally
- Take the top half and make a cut straight towards the lid, and then cut around the lid
- Next, trim the edges to make it smooth
- Put the cone frame around your dog’s neck and tape it to the correct size
5. Cheap and Easy Dog Cone by Top Dog Tips
This unusual design requires very few materials. To create it you will need:
- Twine
- A pool noodle
To make the cone you will need to:
- Measure the circumference of your dog’s neck
- Cut the twine a few inches plus the length of your dog’s neck
- Cut a few inch to two inches of pool noodle
- Thread these onto the twine and then put this around your dog’s neck and tie it
6. Chicken Bucket Dog Cone by Cuhleth’s Vlog
Cuhleth has created an ingenious cone design using a KFC bucket. So if you need a cone, you can consider purchasing a KFC before the creation, what a bonus! However, this is a design that will only work with large dogs that are not likely to try to remove the cone. To create it you will need:
- 2 KFC bucket
- Scissors
To make the cone you will need to:
- Simply cut the base from the KFC buckets
- Stack them then slot them over your dog’s head!
7. DIY E-Collar by Baraan Creations
Baraan Creations have designed a plastic DIY dog cone with a simple design for you to use. To create it you will need:
- A plastic sheet
- Twine
- Scissors
- A marker
- Tape
To make the cone you will need to:
- Wrap the twine around your dog’s neck to get an estimate of your dog’s neck size. Transfer that onto the plastic sheet and draw around it with the marker to have a rough circle center
- Next, draw a larger circle around this
- Cut around the large circle
- Cut from the outside to the smaller circle and then cut this out
- Overlap the material to form the cone shape and then secure it with tape
- Cover the internal edge with tape to make sure it is soft
Dog Cone Collars: FAQ
Have any more questions about your dog and their new DIY cone? Take a look below for the answers.
A cone exists as a form of destructive prevention against your dog’s own actions. Most commonly these are used when your dog has had surgery or has a wound. Above all, this will prevent them from licking, chewing, and gnawing at the site. Actions which can lead to wounds reopening or becoming infected. Furthermore, cones can also be used when giving your dog a topical benefit. Dogs can often lick the cream off themselves so it is ineffective, and this can upset your dog’s stomach.
The best way to measure a dog’s neck is to use a tailor’s tape measure. These are long enough to measure any dog’s neck, and have soft flexibility. This means the material is not going to hurt your dog and is soft enough to curve around your dog’s neck with ease. To measure your dog’s neck just place the tape measure at one point of the neck, wrap it around the remainder and check the measurement.
Positive reinforcement is always the method to choose. Unfortunately, if you are using a dog cone after an injury or surgery then you can not give your dog time to get used to it, they must wear it. Praising your dog for wearing it by giving them attention and treats can help them to adjust. Furthermore, make sure not to raise their anxiety any higher than it already is by ensuring your home is quiet and there are no strangers visiting.
The best way to distract your dog is with verbal and physical praise, alongside giving them treats. Without hesitation, calmly place the cone on them. Be sure to tell them they are being good, and try to get someone else to have treats in their hand and to give it to your dog during this process. You want to make it as minimally stressful as possible so by distracting them with food, as seen in the video by Animal Behavior College, you can attach the cone without them worrying.
If your dog is left unsupervised or if the cones have sharp edges then there is a possibility. Above all, be sure to cover and tape down any sharp or rubbing edges. As this could lead to torn or irritated skin. Furthermore, never leave your dog unsupervised when they are wearing a cone. In addition, they may become stuck due to the size of the cone and will need help to remove themselves from that situation. Next, they could knock things onto themselves while wearing the cone which could cause damage to themselves. Lastly, the cone will be draining emotionally and mentally to wear for a long time, so keep using positive reinforcement and love to make your dog feel better.
Cone collars are a useful tool when helping your dog to heal. Most dogs wear them at least once in their lifetime. In addition, a DIY pet collar cone is just as effective as a regular cone, while usually offering a cheaper and less stressful alternative to a regular cone. With so many different options to choose from, you can find one suitable for your dog and their situation. Which cone did you like the best? Let us know in the comments below.