We Reviewed the Best Dog Cones

When your pet gets injured, their instinct is to start licking or scratching the wound. But letting them do so can make things worse. It can cause a possible infection, further irritate the wound, or even take out their stitches if there are any. At the very least, leaving them able to access their wound will hinder the healing process. This is why the “cone of shame” was invented. And it’s also why your dog needs to wear one whenever they have a hot spot, a wound, or are recovering from surgery. Not that they’ll like it, of course. They are more likely to whine and try wiggling out of it.

While it would be fine to go with the cone that your vet gives you, it probably isn’t the most comfortable for your dog. It makes sense to get one that would be less stressful for your pooch to wear, especially since they are in recovery. The question is, which one would work best? All pets are unique and there’s no one e-collar (also known as an Elizabethan collar) that would work for each and every one of them. That’s why there are a variety of dog cones on the market. That’s also why it’s important that you learn about the different features you need to consider to find the cone that will suit your pooch best.

Top Picks: The Best Dog Cone Today

#1 Best Overall: The Original Comfy Cone by All Four Paws, Soft Pet Recovery Collar with Removable Stays

Our number one choice for the best dog cone is The Original Comfy Cone by All Four Paws, Soft Pet Recovery Collar with Removable Stays. Recovering from a wound can be a stressful time for your pet. Wearing a traditional dog cone would make it even more so. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be, since the Original Comfy Cone offers such a comfortable option.

Comfort is not the sole reason why we chose this as the best overall dog cone in the market today. This soft-coned shape collar features foam-backed padded nylon. There are Velcro closures that allow you to create a custom fit and put it on and take it off your dog easily. There are three sizing strips, so you can make sure it isn’t too tight on your dog’s neck but not loose enough that they can get out of it. You can even attach it to your pet’s collar using the loops provided. 

We love that the material was water-resistant, making it easy to wipe away any dirt or slobber. Another thing that we really like about this cone is that it features removable plastic stays, which allow you to give the cone structure or leave it reversed for when your dog is eating or drinking. 

The one major drawback to this cone is the lack of peripheral vision. With a plastic cone, your dog can still see all the objects around him. With the Comfy Cone, their field of vision can become limited (unless you’re using it in reverse). But then this might be a small price to pay if you want your dog comfortable throughout the day and even through the night while they are recovering.

Pros and Cons of the Original Comfy Cone by All Four Paws, Soft Pet Recovery Collar with Removable Stays

Best Overall

The Original Comfy Cone by All Four Paws, Soft Pet Recovery Collar with Removable Stays

• Soft cone-shaped collar
• Crafted from foam-backed nylon
• Available in 9 sizes and two colors
• Easy to clean with soap and water
• Veterinarian approved and tested

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2. Best Inflatable Collar: BENCMATE Protective Inflatable Collar for Dogs and Cats

If a rigid, cone-like structure is a no-go for your pooch, then here’s an alternative option for you — the BENCMATE Protective Inflatable Collar for Dogs and Cats. Unlike the traditional cone, this looks more like a donut cushion or a travel pillow. And it is this design that makes it so popular with our pets.

This inflatable e-collar features a soft material that is comfortable but durable. It’s scratch- and bite-proof which means you don’t have to worry if your pup is a chewer. It is easy to put on (just use the loops to insert the device onto your doggo’s collar), and the straps are easy to adjust. By the way, you can choose from four different sizes. 

Since this is inflatable, it’s easy to store away when your dog is fully healed. You can just deflate it and put it in a drawer or cupboard. The collar has an outer cover that is removable and easily washed. So, there’s no need to hold your breath for weeks while your dog wears a smelly collar. 

Because of its design, sleeping, eating, and all other daily activities are never a problem for your pet. In fact, some dogs have used it as a pillow while they are still recovering. However, this inflatable collar may not work as well for large dogs or those with long snouts such as a Doberman. This type of e-collar does not prevent them from reaching their paws or the bottom half of their body. It also won’t also stop determined dogs from being able to scratch injuries on their face.

Pros and Cons of the BENCMATE Protective Inflatable Collar for Dogs and Cats

Best Inflatable

BENCMATE Protective Inflatable Collar for Dogs and Cats

• Designed to resemble a donut cushion or travel pillow, not a traditional cone
• Made from comfortable-but-durable material
• Scratch-proof and bite-proof and features a removable, washable cover
• Available in 4 different sizes
• You can simply deflate it for storage

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3. Best Plastic Collar: Dogswell Remedy + Recovery Dog E-Collar

In some cases, only a plastic cone will do, and when it comes to traditional dog cones, the most comfortable we’ve found is the Dogswell Remedy + Recovery Dog E-Collar. Like many plastic cones, it has a clear, see-through design which means your dog’s vision remains unhindered while they are wearing it. It’s lightweight which makes it a good choice for puppies because it won’t weigh them down. 

We like how durable this cone was even if your dog hits it against walls, table corners, and the like. The cone features padding in the area that wraps around your dog’s neck for increased comfort. The rims of the collar also feature a bit of padding to avoid objects around the house from getting damaged. It also ensures that your legs won’t get scratched whenever your pooch bumps into you. 

There are drawbacks to using this cone, however. The rigid plastic makes it a bit uncomfortable for your dog to wear while sleeping. Also, putting on the cone can be difficult. You need to put a bit of muscle into snapping the cone into place.  

Here’s a pro tip: make sure to measure the length/depth of the cone instead of just the neck size. The collar might fit the neck of your pup, but the length of the cone might be too short to prevent your dog from reaching their wounds.

Pros and Cons of the Dogswell Remedy + Recovery Dog E-Collar

Best Plastic Collar

Dogswell Remedy + Recovery Dog E-Collar

• Traditional dog cone
• Features clear, see-through material so your dog can see where it's going
• Lightweight, so it's perfect for puppies
• Durable
• Features padding around the neck area for additional comfort

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4. Best for Eye Surgery: Optivizor Eye Protection for Dogs

The Optivizor Eye Protection for Dogs comes is, in our humble opinion, the best “dog cone” for eye surgery and facial injuries. A cone or inflatable collar might not be enough to deter a determined dog from scratching a facial wound that requires healing. However, the Optivizor Eye Protection for Dogs is specifically designed to protect your dog’s face from their paws. 

Now, the Optivizor looks much like a welding mask. However, this one has a clear plastic shield allowing your pup to see their surroundings while wearing the device. It comes with adjustable Velcro straps to keep the mask in place and a chin strap to prevent your pooch from getting their paws underneath the shield. 

With the Optivizor, your dog will be able to eat, drink, sleep, and even play without getting injured further. The only drawbacks to this device are that it’s not that easy to figure out the right size and it is very expensive.

That being said, if other types of e-collars are not working for you, this might just be the answer to your prayers.

Pros and Cons of the Optivizor Eye Protection for Dogs

Best for Eye Surgery

Optivizor Eye Protection for Dogs

• Designed specifically to protect your dog's face from its paws
• Perfect for healing facial injuries and eye surgeries
• Resembles a welding mask, and it does not impede vision
• Held in place with Velcro straps
• Allows your dog to eat, drink, play, and sleep without injuring itself further

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5. Most Breathable Cone: WZ PET Soft Adjustable Dog Cone

Even a soft, cushy cone can be bulky, stuffy, and uncomfortable for your dog, which is why we like the unobtrusive and flexible design of the WZ PET Soft Adjustable Dog Cone.

Depending on what your dog’s recovering from and where the injury is, you can configure this cone like a regular one or you can flip it so the wider part of the cone opens up over the dog’s body. That way, your recovering pooch can still benefit from the protection while maintaining their peripheral vision.

Also, this option is easy to adjust. It’s lightweight and breathable, machine washable, and it won’t obstruct your dog from being able to eat, drink, play, walk, and sleep. In fact, many pups find that the WZ PET soft cone makes a cozy pillow.

However, this option is more shallow than a traditional cone, so some dogs may still be able to reach their injuries, even while wearing it. Some customers also reported concerns that the sizing chart runs small.

Pros and Cons of the WZ PET Soft Adjustable Dog Cone

Most Breathable Cone

WZ PET Soft Adjustable Dog Cone

• A happy compromise between conventional rigid cones and soft cones that can be too bulky and hot
• Easy to adjust
• Unobtrusive, flexible design can be flipped so your dog can maintain its peripheral vision
• Lightweight, machine washable, breathable
• Some dogs find that it's a soft, cozy pillow, too!

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What to Look for in a Dog Cone

With so many options of dog cones out there, where should you start? Let’s take a closer look at some of the important factors to consider when selecting a cone for your dog:

• Fit and Comfort
• Visibility
• Durability
• Easy to Clean

Fit and Comfort

The most important things you need to consider when choosing a dog cone are how easy it is to put on your pet and how comfortable they are wearing it. You should be able to put the cone on your pooch in a matter of seconds.

When you put the cone on your dog, there should be enough space between the dog’s neck and the collar to fit two to three of your fingers. It should be tight enough that they won’t be able to get out of it, but not too tight that they’re uncomfortable. The right-sized e-collar for your pup should also be longer than 2 to 3 inches past their snout. This prevents them from being able to lick any part of their body. 

One aspect of the perfect dog cone that often goes overlooked is the fabric’s breathability and flexibility. You want your pup to be able to wear it day in and day out through the healing process without feeling hot and stuffy. Plus, breathable fabrics tend to be more odor resistant. All that considered, we updated this list for 2022 by adding a dog cone that’s lightweight and allows airflow.

Visibility

Discomfort is not the only reason why dogs get so stressed while wearing an e-collar. A dog cone can prevent them from seeing their surroundings if it’s not transparent. Aside from possibly causing them to feel panicked, the lack of vision can make it harder for them to navigate around your home, especially in narrow spaces. It’s not uncommon for a dog to knock over tables, vases, and the like while wearing a traditional e-collar. 

Durability

Your dog likely won’t need to wear a cone longer than 10 days. But that doesn’t mean you won’t need it again in the future. Look for a cone that won’t easily get banged up even if your pooch keeps knocking it against stuff around the house. 

Easy to Clean

Since your doggo will be wearing the cone for at least a week, you’ll want one that will be easy to clean. Look for a dog cone that can be wiped clean with a wet cloth or laundered in the washing machine.

How to Safely Use a Dog Cone

There are several things you can do to ensure your dog is safe and comfy while they are wearing a cone. 

• Prepare your space. You need to put away stuff that your dog may bump into as they navigate your home with the cone on. Being fitted with an e-collar can be quite stressful. Bumping into things around their own home will up their stress levels and yours. 

• Introduce the collar to your dog before you have them wear it. Let your dog check it out before placing it around their neck. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once your dog is wearing the cone, don’t forget to praise them and give them a treat or two. This will help your dog form a positive association with the cone. 

• Make sure your dog is able to eat and drink while wearing the cone, whether it’s store-bought or homemade. This may mean switching out your dog’s regular bowls for an elevated feeder. Also, if your pet’s bowls are linked together, it might be easier if you got them separate bowls to make it easier for them to maneuver while eating or drinking.

Up Next:

• Antibiotics for Dogs — Usually, when your dog is recovering from surgery, it will include antibiotic medicine. Here are some things you should know!
• Best Orthopedic Dog Beds — Any pup going through aches and pains could use an extra dose of comfort!
• The Best Dog Wipes — Sometimes bathtime gets put on the back burner while your dog heals up. Do some touch-ups instead with freshening wipes.