Dogs most often self-groom to maintain a healthy, shiny fur and skin. They do this by licking, biting and scratching their fur and skin. These self-grooming activities can at times do more harm than good for your furry friend.
After major surgeries and skin stitching for example, scratching and licking can potentially damage the stitches and derail the process of wound healing. It can also cause contamination and consequently lead to infection of the wound
When treating skin allergies and ectopic parasites, licking can lead to ingestion of harmful ointments that can harm the pet. The process of self-grooming can also cause further spread of infections especially in the case of fungal and viral skin ailments.
Besides self-grooming, your dog can also lick and scratch for the following reasons;
- Removing ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks.
- Cleaning wounds with their bactericidal saliva.
- Maternal licking to stimulate urination/defecation.
- Removing old falling fur to promote health of underlying skin
- Evaporative cooling of the skin.
- As a stress or tension relieve mechanism.
In order to protect our four-legged friends from themselves, especially when they are ailing, a protective device shaped like a truncated cone can be put around the pet’s neck.
This helps keep the pet from licking, biting its body or scratching its neck. Minimal disturbance consequently promotes faster healing of wounds and any other skin conditions being treated.
Cones should be tailored according to the pet size. Large enough just to allow the neck to pass through comfortably and allow feeding; the ideal cone should restrict your dog from scratching or biting themselves without interfering with their normal feeding, sleeping or even their vision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Cone
- Type of cone– there are many designs of cones in the market from comfy cones to inflatable collars. The choice you make will depend on the type of cone you want for your dog and their size.
- Collar material– fabric-made cones are soft and more comfortable while plastic-made ones are hard.
- Cone shape– the shape of cone may vary from a donut neck pillow to a standard cone style. The former is deemed more comfortable especially if the dog will be wearing it for a long period of time.
- Reviews– apart from your preferences and your dog’s size, it is good to hear or read other people’s thoughts, and if you are reading this, that means you are on the right track. Herein reviewed are our best 10 choices of dog cones, all of different types and prices.
Top 10 Best Dog Cones
If you are looking to restrict your injured dog from re-injuring, irritating or infecting their wounded area, the following cones offer a good solution. They all vary in shapes, sizes and types all with different features.
They are among our top ten choices mainly because they offer your dog protection but still allow them to eat, drink, lay down and sleep normally. They also do not affect or limit your dog’s vision.
The Original Comfy Cone, Soft Pet Recovery Collar with Removable Stays
The Original Comfy Cone is a soft, cone-shaped e-collar that has a comfortable design to help pets recover from surgeries, procedures, allergies and hot spots. It is made with innovative and practical features to help your pet recover and heal post-procedure or during allergy flare-ups.
The foam-backed, padded nylon material is easy to clean, water-resistant and repellent. This Cone uses Velcro for closure giving your pet a custom fit that is easy to put on and take off. It can be reversed inside and out or front to back for support of shoulder and upper back injuries.
Original Comfy Cone features three sizing strips allowing you to adjust the size of the cone for a secure fit. It also comes with removable plastic stays that let you determine how structured the cone should be for your dog.
They can be removed for flexibility or kept in for a firm structure. When the strays are removed, the Cone can even be folded back for added freedom while eating and drinking.
Features
- Made with foam-backed padded nylon
- Features a reflective edge for safety and elastic loops at the neck to thread your dog’s collar through.
- Comfortable and flexible
- Veterinarian tested and approved for use on multiple pets
- Adjustable and safe
- Velcro closures for custom fit, reversibility and easy on-off
- Removable plastic stays add structure when needed
- Water resistant/repellent and easy to clean
- Patented soft cone-shaped e-collar.
- Veterinarian tested and approved
- It’s perfect to use during recovery as well as during playtime at home or at the park.
Bottom line– this Comfy Cone offers an alternative to a plastic cone. It is convenient for adjustments and after use cleaning. The dog cone is veterinarian tested and approved for safe use on your dog.
BENCMATE Protective Inflatable Collar for Dogs and Cats
BENCMATE protective collar is a soft and comfortable inflatable collar designed to prevent your dog from scratching or biting an injured area.
It is great for pets recovering from surgery and does not affect your dog’s activities such as sleep, feeding or vision. It is easy to deflate for easy storage.
These inflatable collar design has a soft outside material that let’s your dog wear it with comfort without compromising their vision, feeding, sleep or play.
The inflatable collar features a zipper opening on one side that allows you to take the bag out and wash the outside cloth. The bottom of the collar has straps that can be adjusted for a perfect fit.
Features
- Scratch and bite resistant
- Adjustable and comfortable
- Durable and stable
- Easy to store
- Lightweight
Bottom line– we chose this protective collar ad it is soft, comfortable and easy to wash/maintain. It does not mark or scrape your furniture. You can easily insert your dog’s everyday collar through an inner ring loop for stabilization.
KONG Cloud E-Collar for Cats and Dogs
KONG Cloud E-Collar is an inflatable collar that is soft, comfortable to wear and does not interfere with your dog’s peripheral vision. It also does not affect your dog’s ability to feed or sleep. The collar comes in a selection of sizes for your dog’s most preferred fit, and does not mark or scratch furniture.
Features
- Tough durable fabric
- Inflatable design
- Machine washable
- Rip and wear proof
- Ideal for use on all types of dogs
- Comfortable to wear while recovering from surgery
- Available in 13″ – 18″ Neck sizes
- Covered by KONG Satisfaction Guarantee
Bottom line– KONG E-Collar is a safe, comfortable and convenient way of protecting your dog from scratching themselves or biting. It is easy to use and wash.
Bolbove Pet Plastic Clear Cone Recovery E-Collar with Dots Design Soft Edge
Bolbove Pet Plastic Clear Cone is medium sized and fits dogs with a neck girth of 7.2″ to 9.5″ with the overall depth of 4.7″. It is made especially for kitties, cats, rabbits and small breed dogs.
This plastic come does not interfere with your dog’s comfort when feeding, sleeping or laying down. The unique button closure allows you to keep the collar secure in place and prevent it from being pulled off or from falling off, fold flat for easy storage
Features
- Made of lightweight plastic and soft fabric edge
- Unique button closure for safety
- Available in two sizes: Small (5.5″ to 7″ with the overall depth of 3.5″ and medium ( 7.2″ to 9.5″ with the overall depth of 4.7″)
- Fold flat for easy storage
- Prevents scratching and biting promoting healing of injuries, stitches, rashes and wounds.
Bottom line– it may take time for your pup to adjust to wearing a cone and this Bolbove plastic cone is the perfect one to do the training with. The light weight and comfort is ideal for dogs who are not used to wearing cones.
Surgi~Snuggly Dog Cone – E Collar Alternative for Dogs, Made with American Textile
Surgery Onesie Recovery Shirt is made with a breathable high performance fabric and is easy to put on and off. This E-Collar is scientifically proven to ease post-surgery anxiety in pets. The shirt is available in different sizes for a good fit for all dogs.
This Surgery Recovery Shirt is made in America with a superior stretch design. It features a soft, no-pinch fit that ensures your dog is comfortable. It has a flat soft seam to ensure maximum comfort. The all color and sizes availability is suitable for all breeds, male or female.
Features
- High quality material
- Soft, breathable and comfortable
- Easy to wash and dry
- Germ fighting technology
- Suitable for all dog sizes and gender
- Available in stylish colors
- It is safe and veterinary approved
- No Buttons, snaps or zippers used
- Made in America
Bottom line– you can use Surgery dog cone to control germs and odors, as well as keeping a surgical site clean and accessible through the exclusive back pocket. It is easy to use and contains no funky smells or anything dangerous to your sensitive dog.
E-KOMG Dog Cone after Surgery, Protective Inflatable Collar, Blow up Dog Collar
This E-KOMG Dog Cone is an inflatable and comfortable cone that can be used even for fussy dogs. The collars are soft and do not interfere with your dog’s activities. E-KOMG dog cone allows for normal vision, feeding, drinking, sleep and play.
It prevents dogs from scratching or further irritating their injuries. In addition, there cone can protect your dog from rashes, injuries and post-surgery wounds and prevent them from biting and licking their surgical site and promote recovering from surgery or wounds.
It does not mark or scrape furniture an everyday collar can be inserted through the inner ring loops for stabilization.
Features
- Soft and comfortable collars
- Durable and stable
- Scratch and bite resistant
- Inflatable design
- Easy to store
- Adjustable collar
- Washable
Bottom line– with an inner ring that you can adjust using a strap for a desirable and well-fitting size for your dog, this dog cone provides you with convenience and value for money. The collar has an inner ring that can be adjusted to a proper size for your pet by using strap.
Alfie Pet – Noah Recovery Collar (for Dogs and Cats) – Color: Brown
Alfie Pet – Noah Recovery Collar is designed to prevent your pet from scratching or chewing and causing trauma on a surgical site or injured area. The collar features a unique Velcro system that is adjustable allowing you to tighten or loosen as necessary, for the perfect fit. It is lightweight, soft and comfortable, and does not alter your dog’s normal eating, sleeping or drinking.
Other than protecting your dog during injury recovery, this Alfie pet collar also doubles up as a lion costume and can be used as a Halloween costume.
Features
- Adjustable
- Light, soft and comfortable design
- Ideal for injuries, rashes and post-surgery
- Unique Velcro closure
- Can be used for both cats and dogs
- Versatile design
- Available in different sizes
- Measurements: girth 7.75″ to 9.5″ with the overall depth of 5.75″
Bottom line– it is safe and lightweight. The collar is multifunctional with unique closure that allows you to loosen or tighten as required.
IN HAND Adjustable Pet Recovery Collar Comfy Cat Cone
IN HAND Adjustable Pet Recovery Collar is vet recommended as a safe and humane method of preventing pets from aggravating a healing wound or injury. The collar helps to overcome lick-bite, itch-scratch cycle and stops self-inflicted wound aggravation. It features an extra soft fabric edge material that makes it extremely comfortable for your dog. It is made of a transparent plastic hence does not block your pet’s vision, so it can prevent your dog from feeling anxious.
The cone features a combination of unique button closure and Velcro closure design that is easy to tighten or loosen for security. It helps to keep the collar secure in place and prevent it from being pulled off or from falling off.
Features
- Lightweight and comfortable
- It is soft and washable
- Allows normal feeding and sleeping
- Does not mark or scrape furniture
- Multifunctional and convenient to use
- Perfect fit
- Great for both cats and dogs
- Prevents pet from biting while in shower, trimming the nails, deshedding hair to keep you safe
Bottom line– the lightweight, transparent dog cone does not interfere with your dog’s feeding, sleeping or vision. It facilitates wound and after-surgery healing as there is restriction of scratching and biting.
GoodBoy Comfortable Recovery E-Collar for Dogs and Cats
GoodBoy Recovery E-Collar is an inflatable neck donut that is soft and lightweight offering an alternative to a traditional e-collar cone.
It is especially designed to prevent your pet from biting or licking surgery sites, injuries, rashes or stitches. It also features a cozy fleece for your pet’s comfort and allows your pet to freely eat, drink, play and sleep without blocking their vision.
This GoodBoy inflatable collar is thicker than the standard inflatable recovery collars. This makes it even harder for your cat or dog to reach surgery sites or wounds on their body thus promoting a quick recovery. It also fits to your pet’s regular collar, securing it safely in place.
It is designed with a secure, quick release buckle that does not pull your pet’s fur, and an adjustable neck size that offers a great fit for small, medium or large pets.
Features
- Adjustable fit
- Available in 4 different sizes
- Stable and comfortable
- Ideal for all dog sizes
- Easy to deflate for easy storage
- It can be used with dogs or cats
Bottom line– can be fitted conveniently to your pet’s everyday collar. It is a great choice for small, medium or large cats and dogs.
Depets Adjustable Recovery Pet Cone E-Collar for Cats Puppy Rabbit
Depets cone E-Collar is an adjustable recovery pet cone with a neck circumference of 3-27cm and width 12.5cm for a medium size, which is suitable for small dogs such as Pomeranian and Shih Tzu. It is designed with a soft fabric edge making it extremely comfortable and breathable. The depth prevents your dog from licking themselves completely making it great for recovery from injuries, rashes and post-surgery.
Features
- Made of high quality lightweight plastic
- Environment-friendly PVC
- Breathable and very comfortable
- Adjustable hook & loop for fast opening and closing
- Easy to clean
- Scratch and Bite-resistant
- Safe and Multi-functional
- Great for pets recovering from surgical operation or injury
- Helps overcome lick-bite, itch-scratch cycle
- Ends Self-Inflicted Wound Aggravation or Mutilation
Bottom line– it is safe and practical, recommended for both beauty and medical care. It can be used in bathing, trimming the nails and other grooming occasions to protect you from bites.
Conclusion
As seen above, a dog cone is basically an aid designed with the aim of facilitating healing after a surgery or injury. It is normally placed around a dog’s neck to prevent them from licking or biting the wounded part. This helps to prevent re-injury, infections and contamination.
With so many types of dog cones available in the market, we hope that this review has helped you narrow down to some specific choices most suitable for you and your pet.
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Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.
