Dog cone. Satellite dish. Cone of shame. Recovery collar. Whatever you decide to call it, your dog will probably end up wearing an Elizabethan or E-collar at some point in their lifetime.
You will be given the absolute saddest eyes you have ever seen while wearing it, but it is used for their protection.
Our dog needed to wear a cone several times throughout her time with us. Originally, she needed to wear it due to allergies. She eventually had to have several surgeries and she hated wearing the cone Every. Single. Time.
When we rescued our current dog, she had mange and ear infections in both ears and needed to wear the cone to avoid scratching at her face and ears.
What Is An E-Collar?
An E-Collar, or Elizabethan collar is a plastic collar that vets like to use to keep your dog from licking or biting a wound or incision. The collar fits around your dog’s neck and is usually tied with a piece of gauze. The collar is large enough that it covers the length of your dog’s snout in order to keep them from accessing their wound. It is also referred to as a dog cone.
When Should A Dog Cone Be Used?
There are several reasons why your dog may need to wear a cone.
- To keep a dog from licking or biting a wound or surgical incision.
- It can be used to stop a dog from accessing a hot spot.
- To prevent a dog from licking medication applied to an area of its body.
- A cone can be worn when trimming your dog’s nails to keep them away from their paws.
- Groomers may also use a cone to keep dogs from nipping at them while they do their job.
Can My Dog Eat And Sleep While Wearing A Dog Cone?
Yes. While it may not be comfortable for your dog to wear one, they will be able to eat and sleep while wearing a cone. It may take some time, but they get used to wearing it and will figure out the best way to eat and sleep with it on.
How Long Should A Dog Wear A Dog Cone After Surgery?
The length of time that your dog needs to wear an E-Collar after surgery will be determined by your vet. It depends on your dog’s condition and how long it takes for your dog to heal.
How Is A Dog Cone Cleaned?
Most E-Collars can easily be washed with mild soap and water. They should be washed regularly to avoid any bacteria and nasty smells.
How Can I Make My Dog Comfortable While Wearing A Cone?
No dog likes to wear an E-Collar. Using soft material, like gauze, to tie the collar will help to avoid hard edges digging into their neck.
Remove items around the house that may pose an obstacle for your dog when walking around.
If your dog sleeps in a crate, find an alternative place for them. They may have difficulty getting into the crate and turning around to get into a comfortable position due to the size and awkwardness of the cone.
How Do You Put A Cone On A Dog?
Putting a cone on a dog is as easy as weaving a long strip of gauze through the loops, putting it around your dog’s neck and tying it (not too tight).
Your E-Collar may fasten with snaps or Velcro instead of having loops. In this case, put the smaller end of the collar around your dog’s neck then snap or Velcro it closed.
Why Should I Purchase An E-Collar?
Some people do not like the E -Collar provided by their vet and prefer to get something less rigid and more comfortable for their dog. Others may wish to get one to make grooming their dog more tolerable.
How Do I Find The Correct Sized Dog Cone?
Using a fabric tape measure, measure the circumference of your dog’s neck. Next, measure the length from the base of your dog’s neck to the tip of their snout and add at least 2 inches. This will help to ensure your dog will not be able to reach the area they need to avoid.
All manufacturer’s measurements differ, so make sure to check that your dog will not only fit into the collar, but also that it is deep enough that your dog won’t be able to reach any unwanted areas.
What Should I Look For When Buying An E-Collar?
- Material. Plastic is the most durable type of E-Collar you can buy. These are hard and not easy for a dog to bend or chew through. Others are of a softer or more flexible material, but they are not as durable.
- Closure. Some have loops to tie with gauze. Others have loops big enough for your dog’s collar to fit through. There are also those that snap shut or close with Velcro.If your dog scares easily, you may want to avoid a cone with Velcro, as the noise from it disengaging may cause a fright.
- Edging. Piping around the neck area with a soft material can help your dog feel more comfortable and help avoid the cone digging into your dog’s neck.
- Size. Make sure to measure your dog. Purchase a cone that will fit around your dog’s neck without being too tight and is deep enough to go a few inches past your dog’s snout.
What Are The Downsides To Wearing A Dog Cone?
There are a few downsides to wearing an E-Collar:
- They are not see-through. Your dog will not have peripheral vision while wearing a cone. This can result in your dog bumping into things and people.
- At first they are awkward for your dog to walk around in and perform daily activities, like eating and drinking. Your dog will get used to it and will be able to eat, drink, and sleep with it with time.
- It will be difficult for dogs to navigate through doorways due to the size of the cone.
- Dogs won’t be able to sleep in a crate if the cone is large, as they will have difficulty getting through the door and turning around inside the crate to get comfortable.
- Need to be washed on a regular basis to avoid smelling and the buildup of bacteria.
- Your dog will hate it and have a sad look on their face the entire time they wear it.
The Best Dog Cones To Help Protect Your Dog
The following is a list of dog cones to help keep your dog from accessing affected areas they need to avoid. Included are the features and pros and cons of using each of them.
Felicey Adjustable Dog Elizabeth Collar
Features:
- Available in 6 sizes.
- Made of PVC plastic.
- Adjustable via Velcro.
- Padding around the edges for comfort.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Sturdy yet flexible.
- Velcro is strong.
Cons:
- Velcro is loud and may bother some dogs.
- Not deep enough for some dogs.
Best Dog Cone For Small Dogs and Puppies
Vivifying Pet Cone
Features:
- Comes in 3 colors.
- Available in 2 sizes.
- Adjustable snap closure.
- Flannel rim.
- Made of PVC plastic.
Pros:
- Comfortable for dogs.
- Easy on/off.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Fabric area by the neck is a little too big for some dogs. This results in the collar moving down a bit and therefore making the length of the cone shorter.
- Too small to fit around the neck of some dogs.
- Depth of the cone is a little short for some, so their dog was able to lick wounds.
- Some dogs were able to get out of it due to the soft collar.
Best Dog Cone For Large Dogs
KITAINE Pet Recovery Dog Cone
Features:
- Comes in 2 colors.
- Available in 6 sizes.
- Plastic PVC cone with flannel piping around the collar.
- Adjustable via Velcro.
- Air vents in the plastic all around the collar.
Pros:
- Strong.
- Durable yet flexible.
- Stays in place.
- Easy on/off.
Cons:
- The sound of the Velcro may bother some dogs.
- Not deep enough for some dogs.
Best Dog Cone Multi-Pack
GLADOG Soft Dog Cone Collar
Features:
- Comes in 4 sizes. All sizes except for the X-Large size get 3 collars.
- Fabric around the edges.
- Made of PVC plastic.
- Easy to clean.
- Adjustable.
Pros:
- Easy to put on/off.
Cons:
- Small in size.
- Not deep enough for some dogs who were able to reach affected areas.
Best Fabric Dog Cone
The Original Cumfy Cone
Features:
- Made of nylon backed with foam.
- Comes in 2 colors and 10 size options.
- Velcro closures.
- Has loops at the neck to thread your dog’s collar through.
- Removable plastic, so you can add it if you need a more rigid cone.
- Reflective binding for visibility.
- Reversible.
- Top can fold back to make it easier for your dog to eat and drink.
- Can be folded over to cover your dog’s shoulders and upper back.
- Water resistant.
- Easily cleaned with soap and water.
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- Dogs are able to get through doorways easier.
- Easy to put on and take off.
- Comfortable for dogs to wear.
- Quieter around the house when dogs walk into things.
- Durable.
Cons:
- It is very dark and dogs can’t see through it.
- Heavy for small dogs.
- The sound of the Velcro may scare some dogs.
- Stiff.
- Not made of a breathable material, so your dog may get hot when wearing it.
- Some dogs were able to get it off.
Is There An Alternative To A Dog Wearing A Cone?
There are a few alternatives for dogs that can’t or are unwilling to wear a dog cone.
Inflatable Dog Collar
Inflatable dog collars are collars that can be blown up and put around your dog’s neck, similar to a neck pillow for humans. It is usually covered in fabric for comfort and easy cleaning.
As with the dog cone, measure the circumference of your dog’s neck and be sure it is wide enough that your dog won’t be able to reach around it to access their wound.
The Good:
- The biggest draw of an inflatable collar is that it does not block your dog’s peripheral vision, so they may not bump into things as easily as if they were wearing a dog cone.
- It will be easier for them to eat and drink without having to figure out a way to do so without knocking into the bowls, like with the cone.
The Bad:
- Some dogs are still able to reach their affected area, as these are not as deep as wearing a dog cone.
- Dogs may figure out how to get the inflatable collar off.
We tried one of these for our dog and she was able to reach around it and eventually get it off, so it did not work for us. It may just work for you and your dog, though.
Best Inflatable Dog Collars
BENCMATE Protective Inflatable Collar
Features:
- Comes in 5 sizes.
- Available in 2 colors.
- Scratch and bite resistant.
- Does not block your dog’s vision.
- Easy to eat and drink with it on.
- Adjustable.
- Washable outer cloth.
- Inner loops to thread your dog’s collar into.
Pros:
- Easy to put on.
- Comfortable.
- Dog did not bump into things in the house.
Cons:
- Some dogs were able to take it off.
- Other dogs were able to reach affected areas.
Rucal Pets Inflatable Dog Collar
Features:
- Available in 5 sizes.
- Adjustable with a Velcro strap.
- Loops to insert your dog’s collar.
Pros:
- Easy on/off.
- Some dogs used it as a pillow.
- Dogs were able to eat and drink without issue.
- Easy to wash.
- Comfortable.
Cons:
- Too small for some.
- Dogs were able to get it off or reach affected area.
Recovery Suits
Recovery suits are another alternative to the dog cone. These are simply shirts that fit over your dog to cover up the affected area. If the area is covered up, your dog won’t be tempted to lick it.
Measure your dog and choose the kind that is best for their situation.
Recovery suits have an area that needs to be rolled back in order for your dog to do their business. Some use Velcro and others use snaps to hold the fabric back. When your dog is done, unfasten it, and roll the fabric back into place. This must be done each time your dog needs to use the bathroom and may be a hassle for some.
The Good:
- Most dogs find these to be comfortable and don’t mind wearing them.
- It is good to use for affected abdomens or backs.
- Some have long sleeves for the front and back legs.
The Bad:
- Easily ripped and chewed by dogs, since they are usually made of cotton.
- This is not good to use if your dog is a licker. Even though they wouldn’t be licking the area directly, by licking over it, they create a moist environment and bacteria can still thrive and lead to infection.
Best Recovery Suits
Suitical Recovery Suit For Dogs
Features:
- Available in 10 sizes.
- Comes in 3 colors.
- Made of cotton and lycra.
- Machine washable.
- Snaps at the back to allow your dog to eliminate.
Pros:
- Comfortable for dog.
- Easy to wash.
- Fits well.
- Good stretch to it.
Cons:
- A bit of a hassle to have to unsnap and roll up to allow for dog to use the bathroom each time.
- Material is thin.
- Some dogs were able to chew through it.
Yeapeeto Dog Onesie
Features:
- Available in 8 sizes.
- Made of cotton and spandex.
- Long sleeves.
- Zippers up the back.
- Machine washable.
- Quick drying.
- Area to cut out of the bottom for male dogs.
Pros:
- Comfortable.
- Good for surgery of hind legs and hips.
- Stretchy.
- Use if you don’t want to take the time to roll back the recovery suit each time your dog needs to use the bathroom.
Cons:
- Runs small.
- Zipper catches in the material so have to zipper carefully.
- Not suitable for chow chow or greyhound according to the manufacturer.
At some point in every dog’s life, they will most likely need to use a dog cone. It is best to use the cone given to you by your vet, but there are other options available. Check with your vet before using any of the options listed to be sure it will be safe for your pet’s condition. Good Luck!
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.