The Best Dog Recovery Cones
Dog owners would do just about anything to keep their canine family members safe and happy. We spend top dollar on vet checkups and dog food and wake up at the crack of dawn to take them out on the walks they love so dearly. We do this in service of their best interests, but dogs don’t always do their part to help us in that effort. A perfect example of this is when a dog tries to lick or bite at stitches they just received in surgery. To help Fido help himself, we need a simple and non-invasive solution to prevent the stitching from coming undone. That’s where dog recovery cones come in. Designed to ensure that dogs recover fully from surgery, recovery cones have been touted by vets and pet experts alike for decades for their efficacy and humaneness. To help you find the right one for your dog, we’ve put together this list of the best dog recovery cones on the market. With any one of these, your dog will be back to tip-top shape in no time.
Supet Adjustable Dog Cone
The Classic Cone
You can’t go wrong with the classic. This cone from Supet is everything you need to help get your dog back to 100%. Made from durable PVC material with a soft fabric edge, this cone keeps your dog protected without skimping out on comfort. With their hard edges, many plastic cones can irritate dogs, but this cone prevents irritation with the fabric layer stitched around the edge. Supet offers six different sizing options, so no matter how big or small your dog is, you’ll find a size that fits. What’s more, the hook and loop Velcro strap makes tightening and loosening the cone simple for any size or breed of dog. Some of our other picks may be a little more comfortable, but as far as efficiency goes, you can’t do better than this pick from Supet.
Pros:
- Made from durable PVC material with soft fabric edges
- Comes in six different sizes
- Hook and loop velcro strap makes tightening and loosening easy
Cons:
- Could be more comfortable
Focuspet Dog Cone
On the Soft Side
Harder plastic dog cones can be irritating for your dog to wear and depressing for you to see. This pick from Focuspet is here to soften things up a bit. Made of water-resistant Oxford cloth, this cone gives your dog the same protection as plastic cones without the difficulty and discomfort. And with five different sizes offered, you’re sure to find one that fits your dog perfectly. When other cones might dent or crack with persistent biting or gnawing, this cone from Focuspet can withstand wear and tear due to its bite and scratch-resistant construction. This cone is the best of both worlds, and we can’t recommend it enough for dog owners looking for both comfort and results.
Pros:
- Comes in five sizes
- Waterproof
- Bite and scratch-resistant
- Comfortable and durable
Cons:
- Might not offer the exact protection that a plastic cone would
Bolbove Dog Cone for Small Dogs
Perfect for Puppies
If you’ve liked our previous picks but have been hoping to see something geared specifically for small dogs and puppies, this pick from Bolbove is right up your alley. Bolbove’s dog cone is designed for the little ones up to the last detail. The durable plastic frame gives your puppy the maximum protection it needs, while the cushioned fabric edges provide the comfort they crave. For small dogs and puppies, surgery is traumatic enough. You can help make their recovery as smooth as possible with this durable and comfy dog cone.
Pros:
- Ideal for small dogs and puppies
- Maximum durability and comfort from the lightweight plastic and cushioned fabric edges
- Comes in a medium size as well
Cons:
- Only two sizes
- It may be too short for some pets
Supet Inflatable Dog Cone
Comfort in a Cone
If comfort for your dog in recovery is your number one concern, look no further than this pick from Supet. This cone is different from our other picks because it really technically a cone; rather, it’s an inflatable tube that goes around your dog’s head, preventing them from licking or biting at their surgery incision. Recovery cones are very invasive for many dogs. They prevent them from playing, eating, and sleeping as they usually would. This cone allows your dog to do all of those things and even gives them a built-in pillow for naps. The cone contains an inflatable tube that you can blow up in a couple of minutes and remove in seconds for washing the outer layer. Plenty of dogs will forget they’re wearing it within hours of use. This cone might be less effective for dogs with longer snouts, but it’ll work just fine for most dogs.
Pros:
- Maximum comfort and ease of use
- Comes in four different sizes
- Much less disruptive to your dog’s routine
Cons:
- Might not work as well for dogs with longer snouts
Alfie Pet Noah Recovery Collar
Roar into Recovery
In tough times such as recovery, we can all use a laugh. That’s why we’re so in love with this dog cone from Alfie Pet. Strap this thing onto your dog, and they’ll instantly transform into the cutest little lion cub your kitchen floor has ever seen. This cone gives you all the functionality of some of our more practical picks with the added benefit of novelty and maximum cuteness. Plastic dog cones can make your dog look and feel sad, but this hilarious and adorable cone is sure to fill your home with the laughter and positive energy that your dog will feed off of in recovery. Some dogs may chew on the mane a little, but the strong Velcro fastener is well-built and will keep the cone secure.
Pros:
- A hilarious, adorable cone that makes recovery more fun
- Strong Velcro fastener
- Allows your dog to sleep, eat, and drink normally
Cons:
- A bit expensive, but considering the quality and humane design, we think it’s worth it
- Doesn’t offer the most protection
When would my dog need a recovery cone?
In most cases, a dog cone would only be necessary after surgery. The incision left after surgery must be left undisturbed to allow for proper healing. Without a dog cone, most dogs would get curious and lick or gnaw at their stitches, greatly prolonging the healing process. Vets or pet trainers may recommend dog cones for reasons other than surgery, such as preventing unwanted licking or biting habits.
Can I use these dog cones for my cat or other pets?
Most of the cones we featured on this list come in multiple sizes, the smaller of which would be perfect for cats or even guinea pigs or rabbits. The recovery cone is usually associated with dogs, but all kinds of pets require cones after surgery. Make sure to measure your pet’s neck along with doing the proper research to find the right pick for them.
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