Help Your Pup’s Recovery With The Best Dog Cone
Do you have a four-legged furry friend who is recovering from a medical or surgical procedure? Then you might think of getting him or her one of the best dog cones in 2024. Dog cones, E cones, Elizabethan collars, or pet lampshades are protective medical devices designed to prevent your dog from scratching, licking their surgical stitches while they're still recovering. They look a tad bit silly or even cute to the uninitiated, however, they can be a big help to your pet. They help your dog heal faster, break harmful habits, and prevent them from hurting themselves. We've gathered a list of 7 of the most promising Dog collars on the market, and reviewed each of them, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and characteristics.
Buying Guide for Selecting a Dog Cone
Finding the best dog cone for your animal can be hard especially if it’s your first-time cone shopping. Pet cones come in different sizes, and use various designs, materials, and closures to deliver comfort, safety, and protection, all at the same time.
However, all dog cones are not made equal, and some offer better performance, post-surgical care, and comfort than others, and understanding the different types of collars will equip you with the information you need to make the right decisions. In the guide section, we’ll go over the various styles of cones/ collars, their features, and what other factors you should look out for before you make a decision.
What Are the Different Types of Dog Cones/Collars?
There are two main types of plastic cones or collars you can purchase and use for your dog.
Pet cones
Pet cones are the most popular type of pet cone. They stop your pet from chewing on their stitches or injuries without preventing them from eating, sleeping, playing, or walking. They come in various color and material options and are completely adjustable. They are also tamper-proof, and reusable. Unfortunately, plastic collars limit the eyesight of the dog and can make active or sensitive dogs moody.
Inflatable collars
Inflatable collars are not as restrictive as plastic cones. They restrict the pet’s movements by mounting a large soft inflatable donut around its neck. They are easier to manage, clean, store, and reuse than conventional pet cones. Though inflatables aren’t cones, they perform the same functions and are recommended by veterinarians.
What Factors Should You Look Out for When Buying a Dog Cone?
The size of your dog
The size of your dog will dictate the size of the collar you will be getting. Small-sized dogs require smaller collars, vice versa. Picking out a collar with a similar sizing with your dog shouldn’t pose too much of a challenge. Cone/ collar manufacturers typically make 3 to 5 sizes, and use the neck circumference, measured in inches, to determine the size a pet belongs to. Don’t be bothered if you don’t find an exact inch-for-inch match, that is why the collars are adjustable. Adjust whatever collar you have until it fits your pet.
The material of the collar
The material the cone or collar is made of matters a great deal. The material a cone is made of, more than any other feature, influences your pet’s post-surgical experience. Soft cotton promotes comfort, so does nylon. Plastic is restrictive and see-through, and inflatables promote mobility. Your choice of material should be influenced by the nature of your pet’s rash, injury, or wound, the location of the incisions, and their reactions to the different materials.
Adjustability
Adjustability is very important when you’re buying a dog cone or collar. An adjustable collar will fit perfectly with your dog over time, even though weight gain and loss. You can also use one collar for multiple pets if they are similar enough in size, and weight.
Your dog
Your dog preferences will also greatly influence what type of collar you can get. Curious dogs who love to chew will shred through most inflatable and cloth collars, while sensitive pets will panic if they’re stuck with cones that restrict their eyesight. You have to listen to your pet and choose only collars that you think will suit him or her best.
Location of the injury
The location of the injury also matters when you are choosing a dog cone. The purpose of using a cone is to stop your dog from prodding it and worsening the injury or condition. If the stitches are at your dog’s hind legs, you want the cone you choose to prevent them from nibbling that wound. The same rules apply if it’s on their shoulder, abdomen, etc. Inflatable collars are more comfortable, but only appropriate if the stitch is somewhere close to the dog’s face like a shoulder or abdomen. Plastic or flexible cones provide the best all-around protection and coverage.
What Other Factors Should You Consider?
Price
The price of the dog collar is decided by the product manufacturers. They factor in the cost of the materials, production, labor, technology, marketing, and so on before deciding on a final retail price. Only shortlist great-value products with decent prices. You can spring for more expensive ones if your dog prefers them. However, if you’re willing to settle for a decent overall product, pick the one that offers the best value.
Here are the top dog recovery cones of 2024
Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar for Dogs
– Best Overall
The Bencmate collar is an inflatable, adjustable pet collar for dogs who have recently undergone a medical procedure close to their neck. This collar is incredibly comfortable and is easy to walk, play, and eat in.
- The collar is inflatable
- It is easy to adjust and store
- It is durable
- It does not restrict your dog from licking wounds around its hind legs
Supet Adjustable Dog Cone
– Runner Up
The Supet adjustable cone is a remarkable button closure-type PVC cone for recovering dogs. It comes in a variety of sizes and is completely safe for your dog to chew on, lick and scratch.
- The cone is made from PVC
- It is easy to use and completely adjustable
- You can use it on both cats and dogs
- It was constructed to last years
- It limits your pet’s visibility and movement
All Four Paws The Original Dog Cone
– Honorable Mention
The manufacturers of the All four paws comfy cones take a different approach to making protective medical cones. The cone uses padded nylons instead of PVC, which offers your pet better mobility overall.
- It is easy to set up
- The cone is flexible
- It limits your dog’s eyesight
MiDOG Inflatable Dog Cone
– Also Consider
The MIDOG inflatable dog cone is a top-of-the-line medical recovery cone for injured dogs. It comes with a velcros strap, so it’s completely adjustable, and it is made with a non-stick, easy-to-clean material.
- It is bite resistant
- The cone works on most kinds of dogs
The Alfie pet cone is a lightweight recovery collar for dogs and cats with surgery incisions, wounds, and rashes. It places a slight movement restriction on your pet, discouraging them from chewing at their wounds, and it features a truly adorable design.
- It uses a soft material that is great for pets
- It is easy to set up and clean
- It does not use a secure enclosure
The In Hand adjustable recovery is a cotton and plastic-based pet collar with a variety of uses that extend well beyond just injury recovery. You can use the cone during grooming and bathing sessions. They are adjustable, easy to clean, and very comfortable.
- It is fully adjustable
- It is see-through
- It is made of plastic
People Also Asked
A: You can trim your dog’s cone to increase their visibility or comfort. However, make sure you don’t trim too much, or your dog will be able to reach and lick its incisions.
A: You will know you have the right cone size and length when the cone fits around your dog's neck like its collar, and its length reaches its snout.
A: Yes, it can. If measured out correctly, your dog will be able to eat and drink with its cone. For reference, you want the dog cone to reach the base of your dog's snout when it's stuck out.
A: Wait until the stitches are removed. The purpose of the cone is to make sure your dog doesn't undo the vet’s efforts or hurt itself by licking its wounds. You have nothing to worry about after the stitches have been removed.