When your dog feels terrible, nothing is worse than the dreaded cone of shame. And in some cases, it can make an already hurt dog worse. So today, we are going to talk about the 7 best dog cone alternatives that actually work. Because when your puppy is feeling down, you want to pick them right back up.
Can E-Collars Depress Our Dogs?
Why do we call it the dog cone of shame? And what does that “E” stand for? Well, to start, the “e” in e-collar stands for the Elizabethan collar. Back in the Elizabethan era, wealthy high-class people wore collars of ruffles and lace, known as the ruff. So when the first e-collar was invented, it took its name after the ruffs that inspired it. These large plastic pieces protected the surgical site until they healed.
But have you ever thought about how your dog feels about these types of cones? While we can’t be mind readers, we can watch our dog’s body language to give us a hint. Some dogs have such optimism in life that a pet cone doesn’t slow them down. Yet other dogs become frightful of the vulnerable position the cone puts them in. Other dogs can pick up if people are making fun of them and even become depressed from it.
So that’s why we a great list of best alternatives to the horrible cone.
7 Best Dog Cone Alternatives That Actually Work!
So let’s jump right in and talk about the cone of shame alternatives. Below we have the seven best products on the market that all fit and work in different ways.
#1 BiteNot Collar
The first collar on our list is something you’ve never seen. This is a flexible plastic cone with foam padding that looks like a dog neck brace. The BiteNot Collar is best used to keep your dog from biting at wounds near the hindquarters or chewing stitches after an operation. The neck control collar is even great for dogs with long snouts that the traditional e-collar can’t work with.
And let’s just talk about how ingenious this design is. This collar won’t dump into things, break easily, and it’s adjustable. So if your dog is in between sizes, you can buy the larger collar and adjust it smaller. But there are a few downsides as well. For example, you can’t let your dog wear this all day. And if the affected area is near the face, ears, or legs, your dog can still reach them.
#2 BENCMATE Protective Inflatable Collar
Next on our list is the inflatable collar by Bencmate. The biggest issue pet owners have with the traditional collar is that their dogs can’t see. So to resolve this, you can get a soft and cozy recovery collar that acts much like an inflatable neck pillow.
Just as you get comfortable on long trips with a neck pillow, your dog will love this collar. He can see, run, eat, and best yet, not touch those problem areas. So your dog’s head is free to do whatever it needs to. And your dog will heal faster and better. Your dog’s skin problems will disappear in no time.
#3 The Original Comfy Cone
In some cases, the e-collar isn’t avoidable. But instead of opting for the traditional cones made from hard plastic, go for a Comfy Cone instead. With soft and flexible materials, your dog will still have freedom without risking injury. That’s why the Comfy Cone is a good option for any dog.
These cones have removable plastic ribbing in them that keeps the cone upright. And you can use this cone upside down to look like a lampshade if needed for maximum protection. But our favorite feature of these cones is that they fit right over your dog’s collar, so it makes removal easy.
#4 ARRR Comfy UFO Recovery Collar
Now it’s time to talk about a collar from out of this world. Well, not really. But the design is something so futuristic; it’s not hard to believe. Some even call it a pet radar dish. But no matter what you call it, we love the UFO recovery collar for many reasons.
For one, this type of collar helps dogs not reach injuries all over their bodies. For example, your dog can’t get his ears, legs, or hind legs with the UFO collar on. And it is entirely adjustable to match any dog’s neck size. That means if you have a small dog, this cone will get small enough for anyone.
But it doesn’t stop there. This collar is also water-proof, comfortable, and easy to clean. In addition, your dog will sleep, eat, and see all around them with the flying saucer style shape. What more could you want?
#5 Alfie Pet – Noah Recovery Collar
We all want our dogs to look as fabulous on the outside as they feel on the inside. And what better way to do that than with the Noah Recovery Collar? Give your friends and family something fun to see by turning your dog into a mighty lion, complete with a mane.
This soft cone is a simple and comfortable alternative. The soft fabric won’t snap and break as plastic ones do. And since it’s fleece material, your dog can sleep and go about daily activities since the cone bends to their movements.
#6 Recovery Suit for Dogs Cats After Surgery
Our next great alternative is a full-body Recovery Suit for any dog. These suits are great for after neutering or spaying. That means these suits are for boys and girls, and they adjust in just the right areas for this. So not only will your dog not have to wear something around its neck, but it can also go potty without hesitation.
And they are so versatile. So many pet parents use them to weaning puppies, preventing in-heat females from getting pregnant, and surgical procedures. And since this suit is stretchy and breathable, your dog will heal in fashion. That’s what makes this suit better than an old t-shirt.
#7 Dog Recovery Sleeve
And finally, we have alternative collars to keep your dogs from chewing their legs from those pesky hot spots. These Dog Recovery Sleeves are great for injuries on the legs, and the design couldn’t be more perfect. This sleeve is for both the right and left front leg. But it doesn’t stop there.
Even with a cover, it’s inevitable that your dog is going to lick the area. That’s why this recovery sleeve is water and bite- proof. So your dog’s legs will stay dry and heal quickly. But it’s also made from a breathable material, so your dog won’t get hot and stinky in the sleeve. And that’s worth every penny right there.
How Should The Recovery Collar Fit?
Most of these 7 best dog cone alternatives that actually work still go around the neck. And when it comes to your dog’s healing process, the fit matters more than anything. But it can be a little tricky to get the right cone the first time. So here are a few tips to help out.
The first thing you will want to do is measure your dog’s neck. Most of these recovery collars have different sizes and size charts to help you fit the neck just right. Ideally, you will want whatever collar you pick to fit like a traditional collar.
The collar should fit snug around the neck so your dog can’t get out of it. And trust us, your dog will try everything it can to get out. But you don’t want it too tight. You should still be able to fit 1-2 fingers under the collar. Lastly, it also helps to make sure that your dog can’t reach the troubled area. No matter the size of your dog, there is a collar out there for it.
Can Dogs Still Go About Their Days Normally?
Most dog owners fear that a plastic collar will inhibit their dogs. But the truth is that your dog can still eat, drink, and sleep with these collars on. And the same is true for any cone alternative you get for them. However, it doesn’t hurt to give your dog a break from it every few hours. These breaks will help your dogs relax and get scratches in the spots around the collars.
Can You Leave Dogs Alone With An E-Collar?
Whether you have a traditional Elizabethan collar or inflatable e-collars, you should leave no dogs alone with one on. Anything around the neck can pose a strangulation threat. In addition, dogs can get caught in furniture or their crates while you are away and do more damage. And they are never for use overnight. So if you need to leave your fur baby alone during these challenging times, the best option might be to use a recovery suit instead.
So What Do You Think?
With these 7 best dog cone alternatives that actually work, your dog can heal with confidence. And you can pack them away for reuse whenever that may be, but we hope you’ll never have to use them again.
Below is a Pinterest-friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!
