Dog recovery cones: 8 options at a range of prices
A dog recovery cone is worn around the neck as protection during recovery, when the vet wants to stop your dog licking or biting an area. The range includes eight models: soft Elizabethan cones, inflatable collars, recovery collars and fabric cones. Every dog cone on this page is adjustable, and several suit cats as well as dogs.
Soft Elizabethan cones
The Elizabethan cone is the classic shape, a cone around the head. Here it comes in a soft version:
- the adjustable soft Elizabethan cone in lightweight TPU, from XS to XXL, which its product page recommends for small dogs and cats and describes as designed to prevent biting and scratching;
- the soft, colourful Elizabethan cone, in S, M or L, which its product page describes as waterproof and designed to stop licking and biting;
- the soft recovery cone, with a cotton edge and a secure fastening according to its product page, in S, M or L and four colours.
Inflatable and recovery collars
These versions look like a ring around the neck rather than a cone.
- The soft inflatable collar, sized by neck circumference, comes in S (15 to 28 cm), M (28 to 35.5 cm), L (35.5 to 48 cm) or XL (48 to 61 cm). Its product page says it lets your pet sleep, eat and move around while healing.
- The inflatable recovery collar, from XS to XL, whose product page says it is easy to wash.
- The flower-shaped recovery collar, soft and colourful, comes in sizes XS to L.
Fabric cones for dogs
For a medium or large dog, two fabric cones complete the range of protection. The adjustable protective cone – blue and green, from S to XL – is described by its product page as light and breathable. The breathable polyester recovery cone – with adjustable fastenings – comes in M, L and XL.
How do you choose a dog recovery cone?
- Small dog – the soft Elizabethan cone, the soft colourful cone or the flower collar in the small sizes.
- Medium dog – the soft ring in size M or L, or the adjustable protective cone.
- Large dog – the soft ring in size XL, or the polyester cone in XL.
- Dog and cat at home – most of the options can be worn by both.
- Type of protection – a cone-shaped Elizabethan collar, or ring-shaped protection around the neck. The choice between the two is up to your vet, depending on the area to protect.
Choosing the right size
Size is taken around the neck, where the usual collar sits, with a soft tape measure. For a ring, compare this measurement with the ranges on the product page. For an Elizabethan cone, also check the cone depth given on the product page. Once fitted, two fingers should slide between the cone and the neck. If you're between sizes, re-read the size guide on the product page: the right protection is the one that stays in place without squeezing the neck.
Hygiene and care while wearing it
Wearing a cone makes grooming harder: a dog wipes helps keep the coat clean around the area, and a dog brush keeps the coat in good condition. For the rest of the dog grooming, think of the dog nail clippers, dog toothbrush, the dog drying robe after the bath, the dog clippers and dog blaster dryer for drying. Between the dog wipes and dog brush, most of the dog grooming is still possible with the cone on. Always follow the care instructions given by your vet.
During rest, a cushion of the right size matters too: our article on how to choose the right bed size for a puppy gives you the measurements to go by. In summer, a dog cooling mat adds an extra layer. For short outings, a dog lead or a dog harnesses completes the kit.
FAQ
Can a dog eat with a cone on?
With an Elizabethan cone, the edge can get in the way of the bowl: ask your vet how to manage mealtimes. The product page for the soft inflatable collar says it lets your pet eat.
Can a dog sleep with a cone on at night?
Yes, a cone is worn around the clock for as long as the vet says. The product page for the soft ring says it lets your pet sleep while healing.
How long should a dog wear a cone?
It depends on the procedure and how it heals: your vet will tell you when to take the cone off.
What can be used instead of a dog cone?
In this range, the alternative to an Elizabethan cone is ring-shaped protection or the recovery collar. Ask your vet whether it suits the area to protect.
To complete the look
For a cat, see our cat recovery cones – the cat recovery cone page brings together the options in a cat's size. For everything else, it's all in our dog products.
