A recovery cones—often called “cones of shame“—are essential for dogs after surgery. They help wounds heal and prevent infection due to licking or scratching.
“When choosing a cone, think about how it will protect your dog and how comfortable it will be for them,” says Alex Crow, DVM, chief veterinary officer at The Net Vet and founder of PetHealthGuru.com. There are a variety of factors that should go into your decision, from material to durability.
The Winners
We consulted veterinarians for the key characteristics a cone or other recovery wear should have to keep dogs both safe and comfortable. Then, we considered our dogs’ experiences wearing cones in the past. The Comfy Cone, a soft version of the Elizabethan cone, is our top pick. Gabre Denton, DVM, a veterinarian based in New York City, recommends this cone for its smart design, which can be adjusted for dogs of all sizes.
If you prefer a plastic cone, Dogswell Remedy+Recovery E-Collar is another great choice that provides clearer visibility for your pet during recovery. For smaller procedures or wounds, an inflatable cone, such as the KONG Cloud Collar, can prevent your pup from licking or scratching while allowing for a greater range of motion.
If you’re looking for an alternative to a full cone, we also found additional products to consider for your dog.
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All Four Paws’ Comfy Cone is our top choice for dogs. No pet owner enjoys seeing their dog in a rigid, plastic cone. This soft alternative is padded to keep your pup comfortable, while still mimicking the shape of a traditional cone. It’s no wonder Dr. Denton recommends it often.
This soft fabric cone has a foam back and is padded inside. It’s designed with loops to slide your dog’s collar through, making it easy to size to their neck and extra-comfortable for them to wear. You then close the collar with a hook that loops around to ensure it will stay put.
The cone comes in sizes extra-small to extra-extra-large, so it will fit a wide range of dogs, with necks ranging from 7 to 27 inches. To find the best fit for your dog, measure their neck.
This cone is also adjustable to your dog’s size and needs. It’s made up of three different panels, so you can remove one to make it smaller if needed. The brand also sells an extra extender panel for larger necks.
This soft cone comes with a removable plastic piece that you can add to make the cone more rigid, which can help your dog reach their food and water bowls better. It’s also reversible and can be worn either upright or around the shoulders and chest.
While this cone may reduce visibility more than a clear cone, its opaque fabric was designed to decrease shadows and distorted views to keep dogs calm. This water-repellent cone is extremely durable, making it a good pick for more active dogs and even cats who may try to claw at it. The edges are reflective for safety while walking at night.
Highly adjustable and expandable
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Dogswell’s Remedy+Recovery E-Collar is a great alternative to the Comfy Cone if you prefer a plastic cone, which typically gives dogs more visibility. “This collar is a good choice for most dogs,” says Dr. Crow. “It’s flexible, which is great for dogs who find rigid cones uncomfortable.”
This cone is effectively shaped to prevent your dog from licking or scratching wounds, but it contains features you won’t find in the typical plastic cone from your vet’s office. The neck is padded to keep your dog extra comfortable, and the cone also has this same soft edging around the perimeter to protect your furniture. It’s made from lightweight plastic that’s easy to move in and won’t block your dog’s vision.
This material is also easy to wipe clean. However, some pet owners report it being fragile when used with more destructive dogs.
The cone has holes to attach to your dog’s collar and is available in sizes small to extra-extra-large. This may sound like a narrower range than the Comfy Cone, but it fits smaller necks. The small size fits necks from 5.75 to 9.5 inches, making it a good pick for toy breeds and puppies, while the XXL fits up to a 25-inch neck.
However, pet owners with larger dogs suggest sizing up to ensure the length extends past your dog’s snout. This cone is easily adjustable and snaps shut securely.
Available in five sizes
How We Picked
Our top cone picks are vetted by veterinarians and trusted by pet owners. We asked experts to share the products they find themselves recommending to patients. The veterinarians we spoke to agreed that comfort and safety are the key points to keep in mind.
Based on these guidelines, we used real experience and reviews to find cones that offer comfort, visibility, and durability for dogs. Top picks were evaluated based on what size dog they would work best for, as well as in what type of scenario (such as minor vs. major surgeries).
What to Look For in Cones and Recovery Wear for Dogs
Benefits and Uses
A cone blocks your dog from being able to reach an area that is injured, making it a necessity to allow wounds to heal and prevent infection.
“Dogs usually need a cone if they’ve got a wound, surgery site, or skin issue that they might interrupt the healing process with by licking or scratching,” says Dr. Denton. “If they self-traumatize like this, it can delay wound healing or worsen the wound.”
Cones are especially important for dogs with stitches, such as after spaying or neutering, says Dr. Crow. “I always recommend using a cone to avoid any complications from your dog bothering a sensitive area,” he says.
Size/Fit
The best way to ensure a proper fit is to measure your dog’s neck and the length from their neck to nose. “Pick a cone that fits these measurements and adjust it so it’s snug but not too tight—your dog should be able to breathe and swallow easily,” says Dr. Denton. There should be room for two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
A cone that extends just past their nose will ensure they can’t reach the area you’re trying to protect. A well-fitting cone also should not interfere with eating or drinking.
Style
Elizabethan cones should extend past your dog’s nose for the highest level of protection. However, if you have a smaller dog or your pup is recovering from a smaller infection, you can consider a soft collar, which usually just goes around their neck. Other cone alternatives include recovery suits and recovery boots, if your veterinarian recommends them.
Durability
A strong material is important to look for—after all, a cone is there to protect against any scratching and biting. This is especially true for active dogs.
Material
Most cones are either made of fabric or plastic. While fabric can be softer and more flexible, plastic may offer more visibility. Soft cones usually contain inflatable or soft filling.
The key is to find an option that your dog can move in comfortably while protecting the surgical site or wound. “Look for features like padded edges and lightweight design to keep them comfortable,” says Dr. Denton.
Ease of Cleaning
Your dog may be wearing their cone for weeks straight, so you’ll want to choose an option that’s easy to clean. After all, the cone will touch the ground outside, wherever they sniff. Plastic cones can often be wiped clean, while fabric cones should be machine-washable.
Safety
Cones are generally designed to be safe, but with any new product you introduce to your dog, there are a few things to watch out for. “A poorly fitting cone can cause chafing or sores, especially around the neck,” says Dr. Crow.
Dogs might also get anxious or stressed and try to remove the cone, which could cause injuries. A confused dog may also be prone to accidents. “To avoid these issues, make sure the cone fits well and keep an eye on your dog while they’re wearing it,” says Dr. Crow.
More We Recommend
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Best Soft Collar: If your dog has a smaller wound or is recovering from a minor surgery, consider using a soft collar instead of a full cone. Both Dr. Denton and Dr. Crow recommend the KONG Cloud Collar for the comfort and mobility it offers dogs. “It’s also a good choice for dogs who might get anxious with a traditional cone,” says Dr. Crow.
This inflatable cone comes with an inner balloon that you blow up (it almost looks like a pool float). You then place it inside the fleece cover for an easy setup process.
The cone has holes that can be attached to your dog’s collar if you choose, but it will stay in place regardless, thanks to its circular shape. It has a hook-and-loop (Velcro) closure that ensures a snug but comfortable fit.
The Cloud Collar is available in sizes extra-small to extra-large and fits necks from 6 to 25 inches. When in doubt, size up—you can always tighten the cone with the Velcro. The soft material is scratch- and bite-resistant to make it more durable. It’s also machine-washable.
Since this cone is inflatable, you’ll want to check it every few days. I’ve used inflatable collars with my own dog, and they tend to deflate after a few days. If this goes unnoticed, your pup may be able to reach their wound.
Inflatable cone available in 5 sizes
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Better for Small Dogs: If you’re looking for a soft collar, but don’t want the hassle of inflating it, we recommend the Comfurt Collar Recovery Collar. “This is a great option, especially for smaller dogs or those recovering from minor surgeries,” says Dr. Crow. “It’s soft and lightweight, making it a good option for dogs who don’t need the rigidity of a plastic cone,” he says.
This soft cone is stuffed with a polyfill core instead of an inflatable balloon, so you also won’t have to worry about it deflating over time. The material is soft and comfortable around your dog’s neck. Similar to our other picks, it can be attached to your dog’s collar. It closes with an elastic for a snug fit.
However, it may be a better pick for smaller dogs. This cone comes in sizes extra-extra-small to extra-extra-large, fitting neck sizes 2.5 to 28 inches.
This is the smallest size on our list, making it a good pick for toy breeds and puppies. Dog owners with larger breeds noted that their pups were too easily able to reach around this cone.
Available in seven sizes
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Most Fun: The Grand Line Inflatable Collar puts a fun twist on your average soft cone. It’s a similar design to the KONG Cloud Collar, containing a PVC inflatable airbag that you blow up and place inside the outer shell. But it comes with a fun design: a pink donut, a blue donut, or a hamburger.
As a dog mom in New York City, I’m used to my cavapoo turning heads every time we go on a walk. However, she has never received more compliments than when I walked her wearing this cone. She received a ton of pets and well-wishes from strangers, which I like to think helped her recovery time. (Though I know not everyone would want this type of attention every time they walk out the door.)
My cavapoo is small, at 11 pounds, and this cone effectively prevented her from reaching her wound. She seemed unbothered while wearing the cone and ultimately healed without any complications. However, it may be better for smaller dogs or those with less serious wounds, similar to the other soft collars on our list.
The collar is available in sizes small to extra-large for necks 6 to 25 inches. It can attach to your dog’s collar—which I chose not to do, and it still stayed in place. I’ve machine-washed the fabric cover a few times, and it has held up well.
Available in four sizes
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Best Recovery Suit: We didn’t test this Suitical recovery suit for dogs, but nearly 13,000 shoppers at Amazon gave it a five-star rating, so it’s safe to say that pet parents love it; several even shared that it was recommended by their vet.
Although only available in three colors, it has an extensive size range, from XXXXS to XXL. Measure from a dog’s collar to its tailbone for the best fit. If your dog is in between sizes, the brand suggests opting for the smaller size to ensure the suit fits snug enough to prevent openings around the arms and legs where a dog might be able to bite, scratch, or lick sensitive areas.
The soft, stretchy cotton fabric is breathable and comfortable to wear. When it comes time to pee or poop, unsnap the closure and roll the fabric up, and secure the tabs to the chest with the snap studs. One pet parent of a boy dog rolled the fabric higher up and tucked the tabs under the armpits to avoid getting urine on the back flaps.
Easy to put on and remove
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Best Recovery Boot: If you’re looking for a recovery bootie or sock, we recommend the Medipaw Soft-Lined Dog & Cat Healing Boot. Your veterinarian may suggest a product like this for a paw injury, says Dr. Denton.
The MadiPaw boot, which looks similar to a human leg cast, is soft and breathable to aid your pup’s recovery. It slides onto the foot, then shuts with a drawstring.
Two additional Velcro closures ensure a snug fit that your dog won’t walk out of or pull off. Pet parents recommend folding the top down and tucking it under the drawstring for an extra-secure fit.
The boot is lined with antimicrobial nano-silver and bamboo to keep your pup comfortable. It also has a non-skid sole to help your dog walk more naturally.
This healing boot comes in seven sizes to fit a wide range of breeds. For the best fit, measure both your dog’s paw width and leg height. The boot is black, but each size has a different accent color.
Machine washable
FAQ
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How can I make sure my dog is comfortable in a cone?
“To help your dog get comfortable with a cone, introduce it slowly,” says Dr. Crow. If you know your dog has surgery coming up, this could mean familiarizing them with the cone beforehand. “Let them wear it for short periods and gradually increase the time,” he says. Offer rewards and praise to create positive associations with the cone.
You’ll also want to choose a cone that doesn’t stop your dog from eating, drinking, or sleeping. “Regularly check the fit to ensure it’s not too tight or causing any irritation,” says Dr. Crow. Veterinarians recommend making sure you can fit two fingers in between the cone and your dog’s neck.
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What is an alternative option to a cone?
A full cone should be worn when recommended by your veterinarian. However, there are some instances when your dog can wear an alternative option. Soft collars are often suitable for smaller wound sites and can prevent some dog breeds from itching and scratching.
“Recovery suits cover wounds well and keep dogs calm, but watch for overheating,” says Dr. Denton. “Booties or socks can also work for minor paw injuries.”
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Is there anything that should be avoided when shopping for a cone for a dog?
“Avoid cones that are too tight, heavy, or block your dog’s vision,” says Dr. Denton. “Go for something lightweight and comfy.” Make sure to monitor your dog while wearing a cone and make adjustments, or contact your veterinarian if they seem too stressed.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
Rebecca Shinners is a writer with a decade of experience and now specializes in testing and reviewing products. As a contributor for The Spruce Pets, she has also written about The Best Dog Treats, The Best Peanut Butter for Dogs, and The Best Cooling Mats for Dogs. Rebecca is a dog mom to a cavapoo named Gemma, who recently turned 2, so she knows the importance of finding a product that can support your pet through a tough time.
For this story, Rebecca spoke with veterinarians Alex Crow, DVM, and Gabre Denton, DVM. Their expertise guided our best cone selections.
