Dog Cone Alternatives

If your dog recently had surgery, suffered an injury, or developed a skin condition, your veterinarian may recommend an Elizabethan collar—also known as the “cone of shame” or a dog cone collar.

These protective devices prevent dogs from licking, biting, or scratching at wounds and stitches, but many pet parents find them cumbersome, uncomfortable, and stressful for their furry friends. Fortunately, there are several Elizabethan collar alternatives that can keep your pup safe while allowing for a more comfortable recovery.

Why Do Dogs Need Protective Collars?

Dogs instinctively lick or bite at areas that feel irritated or painful. While this behavior is natural, it can hinder the healing process after surgery or medical treatment by introducing bacteria to wounds, pulling out stitches, or worsening skin conditions like hot spots.

Protective recovery collars help prevent licking and other issues by physically blocking access to the affected areas. However, many dogs struggle to adapt to traditional plastic cones, leading to issues like anxiety, difficulty eating and drinking, or trouble navigating their surroundings.

In fact, research shows that a traditional e-collar can significantly reduce your dog’s quality of life.

If your dog dislikes wearing a traditional Elizabethan collar, don’t worry! There are several effective dog cone alternatives that provide protection while enhancing comfort.

What are the Best Cone of Shame Alternatives?

For many dogs, the traditional hard plastic E-collar doesn’t work well. Here are some great alternatives for loving pet parents who want to help their dog recover but the traditional dog cone just isn’t working.

Soft E-Collars

Soft e-collars resemble the traditional hard plastic recovery cone but are made of a more flexible, padded material. These collars are typically lined with fabric or foam, making them a more comfortable alternative for your dog to wear while still preventing access to wounds.

Soft e-collars or soft cones allow for better mobility and can be less intimidating than rigid plastic cones. They are also less likely to damage furniture or walls and, in some designs, allow for better visibility.

However, they may not be as durable as traditional e-collars, and dogs with long snouts may still reach affected areas.

Inflatable Collars

Inflatable collars, also known as inflatable cones or donut collars, function like a neck pillow, wrapping around your dog’s neck and preventing them from turning their head far enough to reach wounds. These collars are lightweight, comfortable, and less obstructive than traditional cones, allowing dogs to eat, drink, and move more freely.

Inflatable dog collars provide comfort, do not block peripheral vision, and are easier for dogs to sleep in. However, they may not be ideal for dogs with long necks or flexible bodies, can be punctured by sharp teeth or nails, and may not work for wounds on the lower legs or tail.

Recovery Suits and Medical Pet Shirts

A recovery suit, also known as a medical pet shirt, a surgical suit, or a body suit, is a snug-fitting garment that covers a dog’s torso. It prevents direct access to wounds, stitches, or irritated skin. These suits are particularly effective for dog recovery from abdominal surgeries, spay/neuter recovery, and skin conditions.

They are comfortable and non-restrictive, provide warmth and a sense of security, and allow dogs to move freely without blocking vision. Another benefit of these suits is that they are washable, so loving pet parents can keep them clean for their best friends.

However, a significant drawback is that they may not prevent access to leg, face, or tail wounds, and some dogs may try to chew or remove the suit.

Neck Control Collars

Neck control collars, like the BiteNot collar, are rigid bands that wrap around a dog’s neck like a neck brace. They prevent excessive neck movement, making it difficult for dogs to turn their heads and reach wounds.

These collars do not block vision or affect eating and drinking, are more comfortable than traditional cones, and work well for upper-body wounds. However, they do not protect wounds on the legs or the tail, and some dogs, particularly large dogs, may still find ways to reach problem areas.

DIY Alternatives to Cones

If you need a quick and affordable alternative, you can create a protective barrier at home using household items.

Some common DIY solutions include wrapping towels around the neck and securing them with Velcro (similar to an inflatable collar), cutting and threading pool noodles onto a collar to create a flexible barrier, or using a baby onesie or t-shirt to cover wounds on the torso.

These DIY options are inexpensive, easily accessible, customizable to fit your dog’s size and needs, and comfortable and non-restrictive. However, they may not be as effective as commercial alternatives and require supervision to ensure durability.

What are the Best Alternatives for Small Dogs?

Comfort and size are the top priorities when choosing the best Elizabethan collar (also known as an e-collar) for small dogs. Traditional plastic cones are a popular choice, but they can sometimes be bulky or uncomfortable for small breeds.

Soft fabric cones, which are padded and flexible, provide a more comfortable fit while still preventing your dog from licking or scratching at wounds. These cones are especially useful for dogs that may have a harder time adjusting to the rigidity of a plastic collar, offering more mobility and a less intimidating appearance. Some fabric E-collars even have adjustable straps or Velcro closures for a customized fit.

Another excellent option for small dogs is inflatable collars, which are like soft pillows that wrap around the dog’s neck. These collars provide a less restrictive alternative to plastic cones and are usually more comfortable for dogs to wear for extended periods.

Inflatable collars are particularly beneficial for small dogs because they are lightweight, offer more visibility, and are less likely to cause neck strain. They also allow more freedom of movement while still serving the purpose of preventing licking or biting.

With the right balance of comfort and effectiveness, these E-collars can make recovery more manageable for your little dog.

What are the Best Alternatives for Active Dogs?

For an active dog, the recovery suit (medical pet shirt) or the BiteNot collar would likely be the best alternatives to a traditional Elizabethan collar.

A recovery suit is a great option because it doesn’t restrict vision or mobility. The snug fit provides a sense of security while covering wounds on the torso or abdomen. It allows dogs to run, jump, and play more freely than a cone would. However, it may not work well for wounds on the legs or tail.

The BiteNot collar is another excellent choice for active dogs because it doesn’t block their vision or interfere with movement. Since it functions more like a neck brace, it prevents them from reaching wounds while still allowing them to navigate their surroundings comfortably. However, it’s not ideal if the injury is on the legs or tail, as dogs may still be able to reach those areas.

If your dog’s wound is on the torso, a recovery suit is a great solution. If the wound is on the upper body and the dog is particularly active, the BiteNot collar could be a better choice. Depending on the situation, you might even try a combination of both!

What are the Best Alternatives for Older Pets?

Older dogs may have mobility issues like arthritis, or reduced energy levels, so selecting the right protective alternative is essential for their comfort. Inflatable collars are often the best choice for senior dogs, as they provide protection without restricting movement, peripheral vision, or access to food and water.

Soft e-collars are another gentle option that reduces stress and facilitates navigation. Recovery suits can also be beneficial for older dogs recovering from surgery, as they provide warmth and comfort without adding extra weight or discomfort to aging joints.

What are the Best Combinations for Dogs with Multiple Wound Sites?

For dogs with multiple wounds or surgical sites, a combination of protective alternatives may be necessary. Here are a few effective pairings:

1. Recovery Suit + Inflatable Collar
   • Best for: Dogs with wounds on both the torso and legs.
   • Why it works: The recovery suit covers wounds on the body, while the inflatable collar prevents the dog from reaching leg wounds or excessively bending to lick certain areas.
2. BiteNot Collar + Medical Pet Shirt
   • Best for: Dogs with wounds on the upper body and tail.
   • Why it works: The BiteNot collar restricts neck movement to prevent biting at upper-body wounds, while the pet shirt offers protection for abdominal or back injuries.
3. Soft E-Collar + Leg Bandages or Lick Sleeves
   • Best for: Dogs with facial wounds and injuries on the legs.
   • Why it works: The soft e-collar prevents licking or scratching facial wounds while allowing better mobility, and protective leg wraps or lick sleeves help cover leg wounds.
4. Inflatable Collar + DIY T-shirt Wrap
   • Best for: Dogs with minor wounds that need moderate protection.
   • Why it works: The inflatable collar prevents excessive movement, while a snug-fitting T-shirt helps cover wounds on the body.

Are there Breeds That May Struggle with Certain Alternatives?

Yes, certain dog breeds may struggle more with specific Elizabethan collar alternatives due to their unique body shapes, coat types, or behavioral tendencies. Here are some notable considerations:

1. Brachycephalic Breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers)
   • Struggle with: Traditional Elizabethan collars and some soft e-collars
   • Why? Their short snouts make it harder to push food and water bowls away, causing frustration when eating or drinking. They also tend to have breathing difficulties, and restrictive collars can worsen this.
   • Best alternatives: Inflatable collars or recovery suits, which won’t obstruct breathing or vision.
2. Long-Necked Breeds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Dobermans, Afghan Hounds)
   • Struggle with: Inflatable collars and soft e-collars
   • Why? Their long necks and flexible bodies often allow them to reach wounds despite wearing these alternatives.
   • Best alternatives: BiteNot collars or recovery suits, which provide more coverage and restrict excessive movement.
3. Heavy-Coated Breeds (Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Collies, Samoyeds)
   • Struggle with: Inflatable collars and recovery suits
   • Why? Thick fur can interfere with the fit of inflatable collars, making them less effective. Recovery suits can also cause overheating in these breeds.
   • Best alternatives: Soft e-collars or BiteNot collars, which minimize overheating and provide better fit.

Final Thoughts

While Elizabethan collars are effective at preventing dogs from interfering with their healing process, they aren’t the only option. Whether you choose a soft e-collar, inflatable collar, recovery suit, or a DIY solution, there are many ways to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable.

By selecting the right cone alternative and providing gentle support, you can ensure your pet’s recovery is as stress-free as possible for both you and him!

This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.

Shenoda, Yustina, Michael P. Ward, Dorothy McKeegan, and Anne Fawcett. 2020. “‘The Cone of Shame’: Welfare Implications of Elizabethan Collar Use on Dogs and Cats as Reported by Their Owners.” Animals 10 (2): 333. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020333.

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