Dog cone alternatives
Soft Fabric Recovery Collar for Cats with Hook-and-Loop Strap
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- 4 to choose from
From $16.99
Dogs
Dog cones
Little things. Happy tails.
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Dog cone alternatives
Soft Nylon Anti-Lick Protection Ring for Dogs
- Options
- 42 to choose from
From $19.99
A little guidance
Help choosing dog cones
Buying guides and care advice written for this range: what to measure, what matters and what to skip.
From our guides
Shop dog cones and recovery collars for after surgery or while a wound or hot spot heals: soft padded cones, breathable mesh cones, inflatable donut collars, a classic cone collar for large dogs and a soft flower-shaped cone for cats. This page is for owners whose vet has said the cone has to stay on, and it explains which style suits which wound, how to fit it, and how to help your dog eat, drink and sleep in one.
Which type of cone to choose
A cone, or Elizabethan collar, works by stopping your dog reaching a wound with its mouth. Classic cone collars give the most protection and suit wounds on the paws, legs and tail, or on the face where an inflatable collar cannot help. Soft padded and mesh cones do the same job but flex when your dog bumps into a door, which most dogs find easier to live with.
Inflatable donut collars sit around the neck like a travel pillow. Dogs can see and eat normally in them, but many dogs can still bend round to reach the back legs, feet and tail. Ask your vet which style suits the location of the stitches before you buy.
How to fit a recovery cone
Fit matters more than style. VCA Animal Hospitals advises that you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog's neck, so it does not restrict breathing or swallowing, but not so loose that it slides off over the head.
For protection, the edge of a cone usually needs to reach a little past the tip of your dog's nose. Measure from the base of the neck to the nose tip and compare it to the size chart. Check the neck every day for rubbing, and adjust the fit or change size if the skin looks sore.
Eating, drinking and sleeping in a cone
A well-fitted cone should not stop your dog eating or drinking, but deep bowls can be awkward. VCA suggests a shallow dish or plate, and raising the bowl helps some dogs. If you take the cone off for meals, stay with your dog and put it straight back on afterward.
Most dogs adapt within a few hours. Clear the floor of stools and small tables, help your dog through narrow doorways, and give it a bed with room to turn. Do not leave a coned dog alone outside, where the collar can snag on fences or branches.
How long the cone stays on
Your vet sets the timing, and it is usually longer than owners expect. Many incisions need about 10 to 14 days, and a dog that licks for a few minutes can undo a repair or start an infection in that time, so follow the full course even if the wound looks healed.
Call your vet if the wound opens, swells, smells, weeps or turns red, or if your dog cannot eat or drink in the collar. If your dog will not tolerate any cone at all, ask about alternatives, such as a recovery suit, rather than leaving the wound uncovered.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Are soft cones as effective as hard cones?
For most wounds, yes, if the soft cone is long enough to reach past the nose and stiff enough that your dog cannot fold it. Very determined lickers sometimes still need a firmer cone.
Can a dog sleep with a cone on?
Yes, and it should, because most licking happens when owners are asleep. Give your dog a bed with space to stretch out, and check the fit before bed so the collar is not too tight.
Do inflatable dog collars work?
Inflatable donut collars work well for wounds on the upper body and belly. Many dogs can still reach the back legs, paws and tail in one, so ask your vet whether it suits your dog's stitches.
What size cone does my dog need?
Measure your dog's neck and the distance from the collar line to the tip of the nose. The cone should fit with two fingers under it and extend slightly beyond the nose to stop licking.
Can cats wear dog cones?
Cats need a lighter, smaller collar. This range includes a soft padded cone sized for cats, which is easier for a cat to wear when grooming, eating and moving around the house.