Alternatives to the Cone of Shame: Dog Cone Alternatives

The usual alternatives to a plastic cone are a soft fabric cone collar, a neck pillow, a T-shirt, a recovery suit, and a bandage. Which one can work depends on the wound. VCA Animal Hospitals tells pet parents to "Ask your veterinarian if any of these alternatives are suitable for your pet." This page covers why vets use a cone, what each alternative is, and how to get a dog through eating, drinking, and sleeping in one.

Why vets send a dog home in a cone

VCA defines the Elizabethan collar, also called an e-collar, as "the plastic or fabric cone placed around your pet’s head to keep them from licking a place on their body where they have a wound or had surgery." The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains why: "Dogs instinctively lick wounds. Something hurts, so they lick it." The goal of every option on this page is the same, to keep your dog from biting at or licking an injury while it heals.

The AKC says "Excessive licking can lead to irritation, paving the way for hot spots, infections, and potential self-mutilation." It adds that "Licking and chewing can also slow healing by reopening wounds." For surgery sites it says "Licking can break down sutures and reopen the site, necessitating a trip back to the veterinarian." If licking has already caused a hot spot, see DIY hot spot remedies for dogs.

A cone also stops scratching. VCA says "The cone can also prevent your dog from scratching his head or ears."

How long a dog wears the cone

The AKC says surgeons send dogs home with a cone "to wear while sutures are in place or until the wound is completely healed (typically 10-14 days)." The ACVS says "Your veterinary surgeon will supply discharge instructions" for the recovery at home.

If your dog keeps getting at the wound, the ACVS lists this among the reasons to contact your veterinary team: "Licking, chewing, or interference with the incision that cannot be controlled." When the cone comes off, ask your veterinarian about prevention for the next time.

Why some dogs dislike the plastic cone

VCA gives the reasons: "Some dogs and cats may be distressed or upset when they wear the Elizabethan collar, whether it’s rigid plastic or fabric, because they have trouble eating or drinking, bump into walls and furniture due to limited vision, or are bothered by the way sounds are amplified by the collar."

VCA’s veterinary behaviorists also say your dog can startle easily in a cone and advise, "Be sure to talk to him quietly to announce your approach."

Which alternative fits depends on the wound

VCA’s behaviorists say "Whether you can use an alternative to an Elizabethan collar depends partly on what part of your dog’s body needs to be protected." They give one example: "a neck brace prevents the dog from fully turning their head, thus reducing the ability to lick." The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) says "Appropriate protective devices will be recommended by your veterinary team depending on the location of the incision and the individual pet."

Soft cone collars

VCA’s veterinary behaviorists say "Many dogs tolerate soft collars better than firmer plastic ones, but some dogs can maneuver around the soft material and harm themselves by licking or removing sutures." They add "Your surgeon may strongly encourage you to use a plastic cone after your dog’s surgical procedure."

Comfy Cone

Another great alternative to the cone of shame is the Comfy Cone. This cone is made of soft, flexible material that is much more comfortable for your pup to wear than a traditional cone.

All Four Paws, the maker, describes it as "a soft, cone-shaped e-collar" made of "foam-backed, padded, tight-gauge nylon," with "removable plastic stays that allow you to adjust the rigidity of the cone to fit your pet’s specific needs." Its page says "The Comfy Cone should extend from your pet’s neck past their snout" and "as with any medical devices, please supervise your pet when they are wearing it."

Alfie Pet Recovery Collars

Alfie Pet Recovery Collars provide a cozy alternative to the stiff plastic cone of shame. These soft collars protect against injuries while still allowing your dog to eat, drink, and sleep comfortably. The padded neck collar prevents your dog from biting or licking stitches, abrasions, or sensitive areas.

Neck pillows

VCA lists the neck pillow among its alternatives: "A cross between an Elizabethan collar and the type of pillow you see travelers wearing on plane trips, a neck pillow fits snugly around the neck but doesn’t block peripheral vision."

Suitical recovery suits and other recovery suits

If you want full-body protection for your pooch during recovery, Suitical recovery suits are a great option. These lightweight yet durable suits cover your dog from neck to tail, allowing for maximum mobility while preventing chewing, licking, or scratching.

VCA describes a recovery suit for dogs as "A snug suit, similar to a baby onesie, with loops for a collar and a flap that can be snapped up to allow your dog to urinate when on walks." The AKC says some recovery suits "fold up or snap out of the way so your dog can wear them when they need to eliminate."

Suitical says "It’s important that the Recovery Suit fits like a second skin. Not too tight, but definitely not too loose!" and to "Measure your dog from the neck (where the collar sits) to the base of the tail." The ACVS says surgical sleeves and recovery body suits "may be recommended in select cases based on the incision location and individual patient" and "should only be used if specifically advised by your veterinary team."

Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKC’s Chief Veterinarian, says "It’s important to remember that wounds require oxygen to heal, as well as a constant blood flow to the site. So bandages, recovery suits, or any other types of wraps used to cover them should not be very tight."

T-shirts and bandages

VCA says "Depending on the location of a wound or surgery, a T-shirt may provide enough coverage." The AKC says "Putting a T-shirt on your dog to cover a wound provides loose protection that also lets air reach the spot." A dog shirt is one place to find one in a dog’s size.

For a paw, the AKC says "try placing a specially designed paw bandage, or even one of your socks wrapped with adhesive surgical tape, over the irritated paw." VCA lists bandages for paws and joints and says "a dedicated cat or dog may be able to work it off."

Helping a dog eat, drink, and sleep in a cone

VCA says "Give your pet time to adjust. It might take a few hours, so consider putting them in a safe space where there is less chance of knocking over something."

VCA’s behaviorists say "It is not normally necessary to take the collar off while your pet eats or drinks. However, you may wish to raise the bowl or set it on a platform to allow him to reach it more easily." VCA’s list of alternatives also says "If your pet refuses to eat, try removing the collar and supervise them until they finish eating."

They say "Lickable treats work very well, particularly when you are using a cone, because you can bring the food directly to your dog’s face." If your dog is not adjusting easily to the cone, they say "talk with your veterinarian."

FAQs About Alternatives To The Cone Of Shame

Can my dog sleep with a cone on?

The AKC reports that veterinarians suggest "the only guaranteed way to protect a wound from licking, especially at night or when you’re not watching the dog, is to use a properly fitted dog cone or recovery collar." VCA says "It is important to supervise your dog very carefully whenever he is wearing his protective gear."

Can my dog go for walks in a cone?

VCA says "If your surgeon feels it is safe, you may be able to remove the collar for leash walks." It also says "Never allow your dog to go outdoors unsupervised while wearing an Elizabethan collar," and, for any pet outside, "Keep your pet on a leash when outside to help prevent injuries from getting tangled in plants or bushes."

How is a dog cone measured?

For a plastic cone, VCA says the edge "must extend slightly beyond the tip of your dog’s muzzle." For fit, VCA says "You should be able to fit two crossed fingers between the collar and your pet’s body, and your pet should be able to reach their food and water dishes." Breeds as different in size as Pomeranians and the Newfoundland each need their own fit check.

Can a cat wear a dog recovery suit?

Suitical says "No, the Recovery Suit for dogs and cats is different and specifically designed to fit the unique anatomy of each animal." All Four Paws describes the Comfy Cone as "The original soft cone-shaped e-collar with removable stays for dogs and cats."

Sources

• American Kennel Club, Should Dogs Lick Wounds to Heal Them?
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Alternatives to the Elizabethan Collar
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Dog Behavior Problems: Elizabethan Collars
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Postoperative Care After Surgery
• All Four Paws, The Comfy Cone
• Suitical, Recovery Suit for Dogs