What can my dog wear instead of a cone? A Complete Guide

Best Onesie: Suitical Recovery Suit For Dogs Review

The Suitical Recovery Suit is an excellent alternative to a dog cone after neutering, spaying, GI surgery, or for any wound on your dog’s abdominal area. The non-toxic four-way stretch fabric is comfortable and can also help your pup feel less anxious (similar to how a thunder coat works). The fabric is breathable, allowing air to circulate to the wound site for proper healing.

This recovery suit is also a fantastic way to keep the site clean from dirt and debris that could cause an infection. The rear fastener is easy to pull back for potty time, and it’s available in 10 sizes to fit a wide variety of breeds. This suit gets rave reviews from pet parents.

Pros Cons
Keeps wounds protected, clean, and dry A few customers said it can be hard to figure out the right size
Breathable cotton fabric
Comfortable and doesn’t block vision
Machine-washable

Best Soft Inflatable Collar for Dogs

Our Pick: Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar

What can my dog wear instead of a cone?

If your dog isn’t down for plastic inflatable collars due to noise or a scratchy feel, this plush inflatable option from Bencmate is ideal. The cloth cover is comfortable for dogs to wear, but this dog cone alternative still offers plenty of protection from biting, scratching or licking. It features an adjustable strap, so you can secure it correctly around your dog’s neck and it comes in five different sizes to accommodate a large variety of sizes and breeds. Better yet, the cloth cover comes off and can be thrown in the washing machine for cleaning, and this collar can be deflated when you’re finished and put away for no-hassle storage.

Highlights

  • Soft and plush for extra comfort
  • Available in five different sizes
  • Easy-to-secure adjustable neck strap
  • Removable cover is machine washable
  • Things to Consider

  • Some dogs—especially larger ones—may still be able to reach incisions or sores with this type of inflatable collar. Pay close attention to the size when ordering
  • Heavy chewers or biters can pop this, so always supervise your dog when it’s on
  • Does not come with any kind of air pump to inflate the collar
  • What can my dog wear instead of a cone?

    Fabric collars need to have a flexible skeleton in order to work like a regular e-collar, and that’s what we love about this fabric recovery collar from Alfie Pet. The fabric is stretched over a flexible base, so it’s comfortable, but structured at the same time. And can we talk about the checkered pattern? So cute!

  • Closure allows dog owners to tighten and loosen as needed.
  • It’s pliable, meaning you can adjust it to your pet’s position.
  • It is lightweight and soft, easy to wear for most dogs.
  • It doesn’t make the noise of a traditional plastic dog cone.
  • If your dog is really tenacious about licking or biting at a wound, this collar may be too flexible.
  • Some reviewers said their dogs were able to figure a way out of this, so supervision is key.
  • Our Pick: ARRR Comfy UFO Pet Recovery Collar

    What can my dog wear instead of a cone?

    While this soft dog recovery collar may look like it belongs in outer space, it really does the job for recovering pups here on earth. What we like most about this flexible option is that it can be adjusted and positioned in a variety of ways that helps to protect your pet no matter where the injury or problem area is. It can be worn up in a traditional cone shape or pushed down on a dog’s body, which is perfect if your dog is eating or drinking. We also love the fact that this collar is comfortable and dogs don’t have a problem sleeping while it’s on.

    Highlights

  • Looks cooler than most dog cone options
  • Available in five different sizes
  • Very easy to remove dog hair from the collar
  • Water resistant
  • Won’t block a dog’s vision
  • Things to Consider

  • The drawstring that cinches the collar around a dog’s neck can be a bit flimsy. May not be ideal for heavy chewers
  • If you want to use this to prevent your dog from licking their paws, it may not be suitable
  • What can my dog wear instead of a cone?

    If your dog has to wear the cone of shame, you might as well have a little fun with it! This inflatable recovery collar from VITAL-FRI is designed like a donut—and we’re loving it. The bright yellow color and sprinkle designs are sure to bring a smile to the faces of anyone your dog encounters. But as cute as it is, this inflatable recovery collar is also practical. It is easy to put on and can be attached to your dog’s collar for added security. The adorable donut cover is removable and can be machine washed. Plus, this collar won’t interfere with your dog when they are eating or drinking.

    Highlights

  • Downright adorable design
  • Machine washable cover
  • Adjustable neck strap for a custom fit
  • Comes in four different sizes
  • Comes with a money-back guarantee
  • Things to Consider

  • It may need to be reinflated frequently for the best results
  • Depending on your dog’s injury, it may not prevent them from getting to the area
  • The zipper on the cover is not very strong. Be careful when taking the cover on and off
  • Dogs wear cones, or e-collars, to prevent them from licking or biting at areas on their body. Cones and cone alternatives are traditionally used after surgical procedures, like spay and neuter surgeries, to prevent them from licking or biting at sutures. Dog cones are also used to prevent dogs from biting at or licking skin injuries or paw injuries.

    Can a dog sleep in a crate with a cone?

    Yes, a dog can sleep in a crate with a cone. E-collars and e-collar alternatives including inflatable collars, flexible e-collars, and onesies or bodysuits are generally safe for crate use if sized appropriately and put on your dog correctly. Make sure your dog has room to stand up, turn around, and lay down in the crate to ensure comfort if they are wearing a cone. If your dog is at risk of popping an inflatable e-collar or chewing parts of a dog cone, talk to your veterinarian to ensure safety before using the product in your dog’s crate.

    DIY Comfy Dog Cone | How to Make a Homemade Dog Cone Alternative