Best Dog Cones (Review & Buying Guide) in 2018

A dog cone has many different names. However, no matter whether you refer it to a pet cone, buster collar, E-collar, Elizabethan collar, or a pet lamp shade, this device is designed to prevent your dog from scratching or licking at a hot spot, surgical incision, or other irritation. When purchasing this protective medical device, you need to consider your options carefully because you want to make sure that your dog is safe and comfortable. With that being said, read on to discover more about the top nine dog cones, as well as some extra advice regarding what to consider when buying dog cones and how to use them effectively.

Best Dog Cones Buying Guide & FAQ

Things to Consider When Buying Dog Cones

There are many different factors you need to consider when you are looking for a dog cone. This includes the type of cone. There are many different cone designs available today, including comfy cones and inflatable collars. You need to consider what type of cone is going to be the best for your pet, depending on the size of your dog. You also need to consider the material of the collar, as cones can either be soft, i.e. made from fabric, or they can be hard, i.e. a plastic dog cone. The shape of the cone also plays a pivotal role, as they can come shaped like a donut neck pillow or they can come with the standard cone style. Some pets will find the former more comfortable, especially when they need to wear it for extended periods of time.

Of course, you also need to take the time to read reviews so that you can make sure the dog cone you have chosen is of a high-quality. After all, the last thing you want is for your pet to feel uncomfortable or for the cone to be of a poor quality and, therefore, easy to break. Luckily, you don’t need to go hunting far for all of this information, as we have already put it in one place.

The cone you select will also depend on where your dog’s injury is located. For example, some of the comfier cones are great but if your dog has an injury on his paws, they aren’t going to do much good. On the flip side, if your dog’s wounds are on his belly or flanks, they will provide effective protection. What if your dog seems to have a knack for chewing through just about anything? If this is the case, you would probably be better off going for a traditional e-collar. If you are still unsure, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet to see if he or she can offer any recommendations.

Taking Care of Your Pet After Surgery

There are many different steps that you can take in order to look after your dog once he has had surgery. This includes the following:

• Preparing in advance – There are numerous steps you can take to prepare in advance if you know that your dog is going to undergo surgery. This includes creating dog-safe areas, as well as obedience training and crate training. The latter will give your dog a safe place to rest. You should also consider the timing of the surgery with care. After all, you will want to make sure that your home is peaceful and quiet while your dog is recovering.
• What the vet can do – Your pet will be miserable and sore after the anaesthetic wears off, so you should make sure that you get painkillers from the vet.
• Prevent licking – This is where the dog protective collar comes in. Of course, there are dog cone alternative options available, such as neck braces and you can even get creative with clothing. Nevertheless, if your vet has recommended a collar, it is definitely better for you to go down this route.
• Take things easy – You will want to make sure that your dog is allowed to take things easy while recovering. There are a number of ways that this can be done. If your dog feels groggy or sore, mental stimulation can help to reduce boredom. You can also take your dog for gentle lead walks once a few days start to pass.
• Caring for wounds – It is also important to make sure you care for your dog’s wounds while he is recovering from surgery. This includes making an effort to ensure that dressings are dry at all times. You should also monitor the incision, checking it two times per day for discharge, swelling, or redness. If you notice any of these, you should give your vet a quick call for some advice.

FAQ

Q:  What is a cone collar for dogs?

A:  Quite simply, a dog cone is an aid designed to help dogs with healing after surgery or any type of injury. The cone is placed around the dog’s neck so that it is unable to lick the area of the wound. This discourages re-injury, infection, or contamination while facilitating the fastest possible recovery for your dog.

Q:  Why do dogs need neck cones?

A:  Lots of animals lick themselves to facilitate healing. It’s not only the norm for domesticated cats and dogs. Many animals in the wild do it, from primates to rodents. However, this can cause complications when your dog is trying to heal from surgery or any other medical issue. It’s not the act of licking itself that is the problem, but more the quantity of licking and the impatience that dogs feel because they want to be better. In your pet’s mind, if one lick is good, 100 licks will be even better, and this is where it starts to become problematic. Therefore, a dog neck cone is required to prevent your pet from licking the wound excessively.

Q:  Are dog cones comfy?

A:  Yes, so long as you purchase with care. All of the dog cones that we have recommended have been suggested because they are comfortable. You can also get comfy collars, which are designed to reduce stress and ensure that dogs have an alternative to the rigid and stiff Elizabethan cones.

Q:  When do I remove my dog’s cone?

A:  If your dog is wearing the cone because of surgery, it should remain on until the stitches have been removed. After all, the purpose of the cone is to make sure the dog cannot chew or lick the incision. This can cause an infection or severe inflammation by either contaminating the wound or opening it up. This is why you should ensure the cone is kept on until the dog is fully healed.

Q:  Can dogs eat and drink with a cone?

A:  You may be wondering how your dog is going to manage to eat or drink while wearing the cone. Well, your dog should be able to reach his food and water bowls. If you have chosen the correct size cone, this is not something you should need to worry about. Of course, there are a few things that you can do to help, as your dog is likely to feel a little bit awkward. In order to make the process easier, why not raise your dog’s bowls or change them to something easier? If your dog’s water and food bowls are usually combined, i.e. the two sides are linked, you should utilise two separate bowls while your dog is wearing the collar, otherwise it will be very difficult for him to manoeuvre between the two bowls. Elevating the bowls is also beneficial because it means that your dog will not have to lean down so far in order to drink and eat.

Q:  How do I measure my dog’s neck for a cone?

A:  Your vet can help to make sure that your dog has the right sized cone. However, in general, you need to make sure that the base fits around your dog’s neck in the same manner that his collar does. To do this, you will need to measure the size around the neck (the circumference, and the size from the neck to the snout. Some cone collars are easier to fit because they are designed to fit around your dog’s normal collar. You will know that your dog’s cone fits correctly if the wide end is a little bit shorter than your pup’s nose when he pokes it out straight. Plus, as mentioned in the former section, your dog should be able to get his mouth to his water bowls and food bowls.

Q:  Can I trim my dog’s cone?

A:  You could cut your dog’s cone, so long as it is long enough to keep your dog from licking the incision. However, if you use the advice that has been provided in this guide and you choose a dog cone with care, you shouldn’t need to do this.

Our Top Pick

Now that you know more about the different factors that need to be considered when choosing a dog surgery collar, it is not hard to see why the All Four Paws Comfy Cone for dogs was awarded our top position. Not only is this collar comfortable, but it is convenient too. It features a soft cone-shaped design, which has been patented. Comfort is assured thanks to the foam-backed padded nylon and the Velcro closures, offering a custom fit and ease of use. In terms of convenience, not only is the cone easy to take off and put on, but also it is easy to wipe clean with water and soap. Plus, it loops at the neck to securely thread the pet’s collar through and it is resistant to water. If that was not enough, the collar can be used on multiple pets, and it offers high levels of flexibility. It is reversible, from front-to-back and inside-out, as well as featuring removable plastic strays that can be added to the structure when required.

Hopefully, you now feel more prepared in terms of choosing the best dog cone for your furry friend. With so many pet cones for dogs to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Nevertheless, if you consider everything that has been mentioned above, you should have no trouble narrowing down your search and finding a cone that is not only effective but comfortable for your dog too.

Sources

1. How to Care for Your Pet After Surgery, PetMD