Last Updated on 9 months by Dr. Shannon Barrett
Looking for the best dog or cat cone (E-Collar) to protect your pet’s injury?
Have they recently had surgery and now need to wear the cone of shame?
Veterinarians have spoken! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top E-collars according to vets, as well as their pros and cons. Keep your furry friend safe and comfortable with the right E-collar for them. Keep reading to learn more about each one!
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Here are our favorites:
The Original Comfy Cone by All Four Paws
One of the most respected soft E-collars on market. The Comfy cone has been trusted for years.
Benefits:
- Soft E collar with foam inserts so allows for structure without hard plastic
- Water resistant and easy to clean
- Made with a thick, opaque material so even cat claws will not ruin the collar
KVP Calmer Pet Recovery Collar
This is a great cone for those dogs with longer snouts but will work for dogs of all sizes. The material is not as stiff as the comfy cone but still durable.
Benefits:
- Has a blue inner lining to help keep
pets calm - Velcro straps make it easy to size and take on and off
- Machine washable
Kong Cloud Collar
This is a great alternative to a standard E collar. This is the best donut collar I have found for both dogs and cats.
It sits comfortably around your
Benefits:
- Does not interfere with your
pets vision - Your cat or dog can still eat and drink with ease while wearing this collar
- Please note that this collar may not work for all wounds or surgery sites. Ensure your pet cannot reach their surgery site with this collar.
Dog Recovery Suit
If you are looking for an alternative to an E-collar, you can consider a pet recovery suit. These suits are similar to a baby onsie and work well for
Benefits:
- Effective alternative to E collars for abdominal wounds
- High-elastic fabric: four-way stretch fabric, hand washable
- Comes in several sizes and colors
Once you have decided on the right E-collar for your pet, make sure you choose the correct size and know your E-collar basics!
How do you measure your pet for a cone (E-collar)?
1) Measure the circumference of your pets neck. Use a soft flexible tape measure to measure their neck. If possible, use a tape measure that has both inches and centimeters as some E-Collars use inches while others use centimeters.
You can also use your dog’s existing collar as a guide. Make sure that you can fit 2 fingers under their collar (or your measurement) so that the E-collar will fit comfortably.
2) Next, measure the length between your pets neck and the tip of their nose. Then add 1-2″ depending on your dog and the location of their injury.
This is a crucial measurement because the cone must extend past their nose to prevent them from licking.
If you are deciding between 2 sizes, choose the larger size if it will extend the length of the E-collar.
How Long Does My Dog or Cat Need to Wear the Cone (E-collar)?
This depends on the reason for wearing the E-collar.
For most spays and neuters, they should wear the cone for 10-14 days.
To prevent licking a simple wound, usually 10 days or until the sutures are removed
Other times will vary depending on the situation
What Can I Do With the E-Collar after My Pet is Done Using It?
The information in this article is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
Dr. Shannon Barrett brings an exceptional blend of academic excellence and professional expertise to the world of veterinary medicine. With a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences, where she graduated with honors, and dual Bachelor degrees in Biological Sciences and Psychology, her depth of knowledge is extensive. A member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Barrett's insights and contributions to pet health have been featured in leading publications such as Rover, MarketWatch, and Newsweek.
