The 5 Best Dog Recovery Collars for Dogs of Every Size
The best dog recovery collars keep your dog safe and comfortable after an injury or procedure.
Whether your dog needs to heal from an accidental injury or veterinary procedure, they need one of the best recovery collars. Recovery collars wrap around your pet’s neck to keep them from biting or chewing their way through any stitches or sensitive wounds. They can also keep them from using their back legs to scratch at their eyes and face, lowering the risk of infection or permanent injuries. And in addition to a safe crate or kennel, they’re the best way to keep their movements to a minimum, leading to faster healing.
We know every pup is different, from their size to their temperament. That’s why it’s essential to ensure the recovery collar you choose meets your pup’s specific needs. And we’re here to help. We did plenty of research on each collar’s type, the most common injuries, and more, so we could help you pick the perfect one. For example, some dogs really do best with the usual Elizabethan cone, while others will balk at the bulk. We made sure to include several styles to give you as many options as possible.
Best Dog Recovery Collars to Consider
Keeping wounds clean and your dog calm during medical recovery is necessary for their long-term health. We recommend providing bully sticks, keeping up with their pain medications, and ensuring they stay in a small space to keep them safe. However, they can still hurt themselves if they can get to their wounds with their teeth. That’s where recovery collars come in.
To ensure you pick the perfect recovery collar for your pet, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional. Your dog’s vet will know their medical needs best. Once you’ve gotten their opinion, you may also want to consider the basics, like your dog’s size, the space they will spend their time in, and what type of injury they have. All of these details come into play during the weeks following any surgery or accident.
The Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar is the perfect example if you plan to keep your dog in a small area or kennel. It doesn’t get in the way of eating and other daily activities. It also allows them to fit through doorways and around furniture comfortably. On the other hand, the inflatable design can make it a little less durable than some competitors, so if you have a rough pup, you may prefer the versatile All Four Paws Comfy Cone, which holds up well to a bit of banging around.
Both of those recovery collars do an excellent job of protecting dogs from themselves. And there are even more where those came from on our list below. Whether your pet is just a tiny little puppy or a giant guard dog, there’s sure to be one that you and your vet can approve of, even if your dog doesn’t love the idea.
Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar
The Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar comes in handy anytime you need to keep your dog safe from injury. It attaches right onto any flat collar, and between the size options and adjustability, you can find one to fit pretty much any pup. And with the thick, durable inner materials and soft outer fabric, it’s gentle on your furry friend’s skin and stands up to scratching and biting. Once your pet is recovered, you can quickly deflate, fold it up, and store it away.
Pros:
- Fun color options make it easy to stay stylish while allowing you to keep each pet’s collar separate
- You can reuse it as often as needed
- Allows your pet to see, eat, and play without walking into things
- Great fit prevents rubbing and discomfort
Cons:
- Some dogs still find a way to get to their tails or hindquarters while wearing this
- It’s useless if your dog manages to poke a hole in it
All Four Paws Comfy Cone
If you need a full-coverage recovery collar, the All Four Paws Comfy Cone is an excellent choice. Like most cone-style recovery collars, it keeps your pet’s face away from the rest of their body to prevent scratching and biting. However, unlike the rest, it’s super soft and flexible. Your pup can lie down and rest without discomfort. It’s also reversible, so you can use it to cover your dog’s body or face based on their injuries and comfort.
Pros:
- Outer material is water resistant and easy to wipe clean as needed
- Easy to get on and off, and you can adjust it to fit better
- Thick padding supports your dog’s head while keeping a barrier between their face and nails
- Doesn’t bang into things like hard plastic cones
Cons:
- Makes it hard for your dog to see
- Collar loops are too small for wide-fit flat collars, which are common for big dogs
Fezep Dog Cone Collar Set
It can be tough to stock up on basic necessities with multiple dogs, especially if they’re different breeds and sizes. That’s not an issue if you choose this recovery collar cone set from Fezep. It comes with five high-quality plastic Elizabethan recovery cones in varying sizes, allowing you to have one on hand for any pet. The smallest one fits tiny Chihuahuas, while the biggest has you covered for Bullys, Shepherds, and more. As a bonus, each one is also adjustable and easily secured using thick velcro strips.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to get on and off without a flat collar
- Velcro is sturdy and keeps the cone in place, even if your dog scratches at it
- Surface can be wiped and sanitized between uses
- More flexible than most vet-provided plastic cones
Cons:
- Not super deep, so lanky dogs can often reach their paws with little effort
- Hard to clean hair and debris out of the velcro
BABYLTR Dog Recovery Collar
The BABYLTR Dog Recovery Collar combines the benefits of a traditional cone and inflatable collar to help you keep your pet comfortable and safe. It inflates in a ring design that spreads out to the sides. From there, you can snap on the adjustable snaps and tighten the strap to get the perfect fit. It has a wider fit than most inflatables, which keeps your pup’s face and body separated. But unlike cones, it doesn’t get in the way of seeing or eating.
Pros:
- Broad enough to keep your dog from their feet and tail
- Folds up for compact storage
- Stays on securely using two methods, preventing your pet from pulling it off
- Dogs can sleep, eat, and play while wearing this
Cons:
- As with many options, lanky dogs with long legs can often still get to their paws
- Takes a few minutes to inflate
Alfie Pet Noah Recovery Collar
Many dogs fight any recovery collar tooth and nail, literally. If that’s an issue you face, you may want to check out the Alfie Pet Noah recovery collar. It has a similar fit to the classic cone. However, there are a few key differences that make this one unique. First, it’s super soft. Lightweight padding and cozy fabric keep your dog comfortable and happy. It’s also adjustable, easy to get on, and provides enough room for your fur baby to eat, drink, and see the world around them.
Pros:
- Adorable lion design makes recovery a little more fun, at least for the pet parents
- Comfortable enough for frequent use
- Fits small dogs better than many competitors
- Doesn’t bang or bump into furniture or walls as your dog moves around the home
Cons:
- Even the largest sizes don’t quite fit large breeds
- Soft material absorbs liquid and stays wet for a while
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my dog wear the recovery collar?
Most vets recommend keeping a recovery collar on your dog for seven to ten days after common procedures, like spay and neuter surgeries. The time will vary based on the specific wound or length of your dog’s allergy outbreak, so we recommend checking with your vet.
How can I stop my dog from removing its recovery collar?
Even the most well-behaved dogs will attempt to get a recovery collar off. The best way to prevent that is to keep them occupied and busy. One great way to redirect their attention is to muzzle.
When should my dog wear a recovery collar?
Recovery collars come in handy anytime you need to keep their teeth, face, and body separated. Usually, that would be after surgery, a major injury, or during an allergy breakout. Many professionals also recommend them for dogs with anxiety that tend to harm themselves when left alone.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
DogTime is a leading resource for dog owners & pet lovers. Our goal is to give every dog & pet a happy, healthy home by providing the best advice to owners.