Does your dog need to have surgery? Have you adopted a new dog and they need to be spayed or neutered? Is your dog relegated to wearing the dreaded “cone of shame”? Well, your dog does not have to wear a cone. A dog recovery suit can help your dog heal from surgery without the need for a cone.
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Related: The Best Dog Cone To Protect Your Dog
What Is A Dog Recovery Suit?
A dog recovery suit, or surgical suit for dogs, is similar to a onesie that a child may wear. It is made of a breathable material and is designed to keep your dog’s wound covered to help prevent your dog from licking it or the wound becoming infected.
Who Should Use A Recovery Suit?
Surgical recovery suits are good for:
- Dogs who have had a recent surgery.
- Pups who tend to lick hotspots.
- Doggos who shed a lot.
- Pups who are not able to adjust to wearing a cone.
- Reducing anxiety.
- Keeping bandages on your dog.
Do Surgical Recovery Suits For Dogs Work?
A dog recovery suit can help dogs recover from surgery without the use of a cone. Will it work for your dog? That really depends on your dog. A recovery suit is NOT good for:
- Dogs who do not like wearing clothing.
- Pups with difficulty sitting still, which may make it hard to get the suit on and off them.
- Pet parents without the dexterity to fasten and unfasten buttons to get the suit on and off their dog.
- Dogs that like to chew.
Some dogs just don’t like to wear clothes and will give you a hard time getting the recovery suit on.
Dogs that like to chew may be able to chew through the surgical suit, as it is made from a thin material that can be easily torn.
If you are able to get your dog to wear a suit, it will definitely work to keep your dog from licking the surgical site and keeping the area clean, allowing it to heal.
Can Dogs Go To The Bathroom With A Surgical Suit On?
Dogs are able to go to the bathroom with a recovery suit on.
For female dogs, there is no need to modify the suit in any way. The suit should fit in a way that your dogs will be able to use the bathroom without any issues.
For male dogs, most recovery suits have an area that can be cut out of it to allow your dog to be able to use the bathroom. Before purchasing a recovery suit for your male dog, make sure it can be modified to account for your dog’s anatomy.
Most recovery suits also account for your dog needing to defecate. In this case, you may need to roll up the area in the rear to allow for your dog to go to the bathroom without soiling the suit.
Can A Dog Sleep With A Recovery Suit On?
A dog can sleep while wearing a recovery suit. There is no need to remove it and your dog can wear it overnight without a problem.
It may also be good for your dog to wear it overnight, as you won’t be able to keep an eye on them to stop them from licking their wounds while you are sleeping.
Can My Dog Wear A Onesie Instead Of A Cone?
Technically, your dog can wear a onesie meant for a human child. As long as the onesie covers your dog’s wound, it should be fine to use.
Be careful not to put a onesie on your dog that is too tight for them.
You will also need to find one that is easy to get on and off your dog.
How Do I Measure My Dog For A Recovery Suit?
Check with the manufacturer regarding the measurements needed to fit your dog properly for a surgical suit. Generally speaking, some measurements you will need to take include the neck, chest girth, and back length.
Neck: Measure the beak at the widest part. This will be at the base of the neck where it meets the shoulders.
Chest Girth: Measure the girth at the widest part of your dog’s chest. This will be just be behind the front legs.
Back Length: measure the length of your dog’s back from the base of your dog’s neck to where the tail starts.
How Tight Should A Recovery Suit Be?
When fitting your dog for a recovery suit, you should be able to fit your fingers between the suit and your dog.
The suit should fit snugly, but not tightly on your dog.
How Do I Choose A Recovery Suit For My Dog?
When choosing a recovery suit for your dog, there are a few things you may want to consider, including:
Size
Measure your dog before purchasing to ensure a good fit.
Material
Choose a lightweight, breathable material. This will ensure your dog will not get too hot while wearing it, which can also contribute to your dog trying to get it off or chewing at it.
Fasteners
How does the suit open and close? Some use buttons, others zippers and still others use Velcro. Choose one that will be easy for you to get on and off your dog, but also stays secure enough that your dog is not able to open it. Some dogs are also afraid of the sound Velcro makes, so avoid this if it sounds like your dog.
Sleeves
Do you need long sleeves or short sleeves? This will depend on the type of surgery your dog is having. If it is in the abdominal area, short sleeves should be fine. If they are having surgery on their front or hind legs, you may want to opt for a recovery suit with longer sleeves that can cover up the area.
Bathroom
Check that the recovery suit can accommodate your male or female dog. Also look for ease of access to the rear in case your dog needs to defecate.
Cleaning
Dog recovery suits are either hand wash or machine washable. Choose which fits your lifestyle best. It is good to get more than one surgical suit so you can wash one while your dog wears the other.
Best Dog Recovery Suit For Your Pup
These are some top choices available for recovery suits. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Best Overall
Suitical Recovery Suit For Dogs
This recovery suit has rear fasteners, stretches for a more comfortable fit, and is machine washable.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Comes in various sizes.
- Fits snugly.
- Rear fastening.
- Rear can be pulled back for dogs to relieve themselves.
- Material is:
- Non-toxic.
- Breathable.
- 4-way stretch.
- Machine washable.
- Allows for air to circulate around the wound.
- Built in pockets.
Best Antimicrobial
Surgi Snuggly Wonder Suit
This recovery suit is made of an antimicrobial material to help fight germs.
- Available in various sizes.
- Made with antimicrobial material.
- Helps fight germs, bacteria, and fungus.
- Signature sizing system that uses your dog’s weight, girth, and spine measurements.
- Stretchy, breathable fabric.
- Fold bottom into the back pocket to allow your dog to relieve themselves.
Check Prices At: Amazon, Chewy
Best With Long Back Sleeves
Buckwheat Dog Hind Leg Sleeve
This type of recovery suit is good for dogs who have had surgery or a hot spot on their hind legs.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Velcro closure at neck and torso.
- Open underneath to allow for bathroom use.
- Long sleeves made of polyester.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best For Large Dogs
LovinPet Recovery Suit For Large Dogs
This recovery suit has three layers for extra protection, a zipper closure and is made to accommodate large dogs.
- Available in size 3XL.
- Material includes:
- Comfortable inner layer.
- Breathable fabric.
- External protection layer with 4 way stretch.
- Zipper closure.
- Leg protection.
- Unisex.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best For Small Dogs
Copthinktu Dog Recovery Suit
This surgical suit is best for dogs up to 20 lbs, has a button closure, and stretchable material.
- Available in various sizes.
- Comes in multiple colors.
- For dogs up to 20 lbs.
- Button closure.
- Elastic waistband.
- Material is:
- Non-toxic.
- Breathable.
- 4-way stretch.
- Machine washable.
- Not good for neutered male dogs.
Check Price At: Amazon
No one likes to see their dog wear “the cone of shame “ and dogs don’t like wearing it either. A dog recovery suit is a good alternative that protects your dog’s wound by keeping it covered, preventing your dog from licking the area and possibly causing it to become infected.
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.