7 Alternatives to the “Cone of Shame”
Pets are notorious for irritating their wounds and injured areas. It is instinctive for them to bite, scratch, and lick injured body parts and cause problems with a healing area. Is the best solution to reward the animal with an uncomfortable and clumsy plastic cone?
We’ve all seen cone-wearing canines run into walls, struggle to eat, and do everything in their ability to remove the plastic barrier. The Elizabethan collar (or the plastic cone) eliminates the animal’s peripheral vision and can cause several accidents. The plastic material can rub against the skin, causing painful rashes. There must be some alternatives to the plastic cat or dog cone collar that can help keep your furry friend happy while healing. Below are some options other than the cone that can keep our pets (and us) at ease during the healing process.
Seven alternatives to the cone of shame
1. The BiteNot Collar
This device does not represent the shape of a cat or dog cone at all; it most resembles a neck brace. The collar is made using flexible plastic and foam and appears like a more comfortable alternative to the hard plastic cone. It lowers the chance of the pet running into objects and the size and placement make it easier for the pet to perform daily activities. The animal may still have some discomfort with the device but will be less likely to destroy everything in its path. The collar is machine-washable and has a harness strap to ensure it stays on the cat or dog. The collar is available in seven different sizes for dogs and two size options for cats.
The BiteNot Collar seems to work best for pets with injuries or problems on the upper extremities. This might not be the best option for pets that chew and bite their tail and have problems in their lower extremities. This collar is not recommended for animals that need protection from their ears, eyes, or lower leg areas.
2. The ProCollar Premium Protective Collar
This inflatable neck pillow is much like one that you might use to take a nap on the airplane. The ProCollar seems to be much more comfortable than the plastic cat or dog cone and allows the injured pet to eat, drink, and play. The material doesn’t cause rashes or irritation to the neck area. This alternative comes in six sizes designed for both dogs and cats.
The ProCollar doesn’t provide as much protection as the plastic cone does. This device is ideal for animals with upper body injuries. The ProCollar is less likely to protect areas like paws or tails because the device provides mobility. Some users mentioned that the ProCollar tends to deflate during the day and can easily pop or break. This form of collar might be a good option for less active pets.
3. Kong EZ Soft Collar
This device mimics the shape and function of the dog or cat cone collar. The collar features include flexibility, comfort, and fewer accidents. The collar is adjustable by using a drawstring and doesn’t scratch anything it comes in contact with. The Kong EZ Soft Collar is machine-washable and comes in five sizes that range from kittens to large dogs.
The device easily slides onto the neck of the animal and is adjustable to fit the size. Customers say The Kong EZ Soft Collar stays on the animal well and provides more comfort than the traditional cone option.
4. Comfy Collar
This comfier alternative uses a flexible combination of nylon and foam material to protect your pet from injuries. The collar has “stays” which are removable to allow more (supervised) freedom for activities such as eating or drinking. The “stays” keep the form and structure of the cone. The cone remains secure and holds its shape by attaching it to the pet’s collar using loops on the device. The Comfy Collar features a reflective fabric to keep you and your pet safe while going outside at night. This medical device comes in six sizes and can protect both canines and felines.
One drawback that could affect daily activities is that the animal can’t see through the cone. The flexibility of the cone does increase the chance of restless animals being able to reach injured areas. Some dogs and cats have been successful in removing the collar.
5. The Boobooloon
This is an inflatable medical device that increases comfort level and visibility. Velcro straps help keep the device and the deflated Boobooloon is easy to store in small spaces. Also, the collar gives your dog or cat the freedom of peripheral vision to help avoid accidents. The Boobooloon is lightweight, comfortable, and convenient to take on and off. The collar comes in five sizes for both dogs and cats.
Some animals may be able to reach wounds because this device allows for the pet’s face to reach more areas. This cone may pop easily by aggressive pets or ones with sharp nails. Although offered for both dogs and cats, this inflatable cone may be more practical for small dogs with well-groomed nails. This product does come with a patch kit in case the cone gets popped, but supervision might help to avoid this being a problem.
Important note: only inflate the product about halfway to prevent trouble breathing or suffocation.
6. Optivisor or Novaguard
When visibility and hearing are a priority, these protection devices are a great option. They leave the ears exposed and don’t obstruct the animal’s ability to see, eat, and hear. The guard contains clear plastic and covers the animal’s face, resembling mask-type protection. These protectors still allow the animal to eat, play, drink, and even use doggy doors with freedom. This device would be most beneficial for specific injuries and issues on the face and head area of cats and dogs. These options might be beneficial for blind dogs that are prone to bumping into objects. The Optivisor and Novaguard come in a variety of face shapes (7 sizes for dogs with short snouts, three sizes for dogs with long snouts, and 6 sizes for normal snouts).
The Optivsor and Novaguard seem to be somewhat uncomfortable for the pet, but maybe a great option for certain, specific cases.
7. TCOA Soft E-Fabric Collar
One reason why the E-collar isn’t always ideal is the clear level of discomfort. The TCOA Soft E-Fabric collar represents the shape and function of the traditional protective cone but is made of soft, lightweight fabric that allows the animal to have full movement. This water-resistant cone is flexible and should minimize accidents and issues reaching the dog bowl. The collar is tied together with a ribbon made of a smooth fabric that requires a double-knot in order to stay on the animal. The TCOA Soft-E Collar comes in 5 sizes that are suitable for both cats and dogs.
Because of the flexibility with this product, the cone collar can sometimes flip over. This could allow the dog full access to an injured area. Supervision might be a smart idea to prevent the pet from reaching the area if the cone flips over. The Soft E-Fabric Collar would be most effective on a relaxed dog that has an injury on the back or upper extremities.
Sometimes an alternative to the cone can be made at home. Bandages, boxer shorts, booties, and baby onesies can help keep injured areas protected. These alternatives should be consulted with your veterinarian before using them.
All of these options have their benefits for specific cases. Each one differs from the E-cone in their own way. Which protective devices have worked best for your pet?
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8. Sock of solitaire. For small cats or dogs. Take tube sock, cut hole for head and front limbs. Carefully place on pet. Very effective on tiny female himilayan mix that has an overgrooming habit!
My wife and I just got our cat fixed. Would the sock help keep them from picking at the stitches?
Surgi Snuggly is an incredible E Collar Alternative!
It’s a soft body suit, it covers wounds and eases anxiety!
I had great luck with the Pro-Collar – and Petco promised that if it didn’t function right they’d replace it. It worked fine. As Shiloh healed, I could deflate it a bit to make his sleeping more comfy. He used it as a pillow. 🙂 He never upset his urethrostomy healing. My vet was impressed. I just felt bad he would try to go out the cat door and it totally stopped him (we have an enclosed cat garden). He needed the people door.
I’m surprised no one had come out with a style made from memory foam type material instead of inflatable. It would need a cover so the pet doesn’t chew it to pieces but seems lik it would be more durable that inflatable.
Excellent idea
We spay and neuter approx. 200 cats and dogs in a weekend and cones are not an option for our tiny budget. We recommend rolling a towel (hand towel for a cat) wrapping it around the neck and securing with a large safety pin. It is just enough that the pet can not get its head to the surgical site.
DIY isn’t always the answer…
What if the safety pin opens…it happens?
What about choking?
How do you keep the towels clean?… (you can’t wipe them offyuck)
Suggestions…
Reach out to manufacturers… GoFundMe.com (scroll down and select the catagory for ANIMALS)
Hand me downs
We’re there’s a will, there’s a Way!
The towel method is actually very effective and is also comfortable for the animal. Towels go in the washer and can be used over and over. As far as the safety pin…that’s how baby’s diapers used to be fastened and they survived…if you’re over 40 chances are you may have had your diapers pinned on you! Not to mention a strip of vet wrap will cover that pin nicely.
Will this method work on small kitten? Our strict budget doesn’t let us afford the $10 collar after paying $100 for surgery.
We use a long sleeve boys shirt
Puts the cone and all of the other tricks we tried to shame and she loves it
Theres a new cone coming out this week. By Comfurt Collar. It has a soft pillow like inside that is water resistant & a outside covering that can be taken off and machine washed ! It comes in 2 different colors and 4 different sizes.
Not only does it provide great comfurt 😉 it has 2 adjustment features giving it a perfect fit!
You can check them out on Instagram. @comfurtcollar
Kathy Peery, How do you use a boy’s shirt as a means to stop a dog from licking an area. I have a mini dachshund with front paw issues and is soon to be neutered. He loves to lick any sites on his body that are irritated.
Need a cone that not only lasts but works? Check out http://www.puppupkitty.com ! We improved upon the plastic cone and the donut as well as created a kit that gives the parents the peace of mind they not only need but deserve in order to leave their pet unattended!
I use the stocking or sock method but make sure you make holes for the back legs as well so they can’t pull the stocking back up over the site, this works very well. I’m part of a rescue that started this year and I have used it on over 100 kittens/cats and none have touched their stitches
I have a cat with an injury on her head, just above her eye and leading up to her ear. It’ll heal just fine, only problem is, she keeps scratching it and when she does, the wound reopens, bleeds, and gets bigger. Do any of these options keep the ever-so-flexible cat from reaching up and scratching her head?
Did you find a solution? I have the same problem. My cat has an injury next to her eye and keeps scratching and cleaning it. She been to the vet twice and I have spent $500 at the vet because it won’t heal.
HELP !!! I have the same problem going on with my beautiful boy cat !!! It’s breaking my heart … did you find a good solution that worked ???
Our cat has the same issue, has scratched til she is bald in front of ear! Only thing to keep her from re-opening the wound has been the plastic cone.We take it off when she eats and let her groom under immediate supervision, then plop it back on. We feel awful, but it works. She plays and sleeps in it.
Help. 70 pound pit bull has an infection on two of her nail beds on her back paw. After two weeks of soaking, antibiotic powder and oral antibiotics, it looked like it was healed. Now it’s red and raw again. I’ve tried the cone collar. Lasted five minutes and she had it off. Any suggestions?
That doesn’t sound good. Please give your veterinarian a call ASAP!
Hay when my dog split her paw we used the sock ons for baby’s, they’re these weird little sleeves you put on a baby to keep their socks on. Life safer! Bandage as usual, add sock on, then put on a baby sock. This kept bandage on for my staffy, if you could double up with cone too you should be sorted
Great idea, Phillippa!
Hi Joe, I had 4 pit bulls and used the soft inflatable on all them it worked and they didn’t mind it too much to take it off. Worth a try from any pet shop
Already did that. We were there two days ago. She said I should get a different cone collar. Problem is I don’t know which to get. This dog is very stubborn and determined. I tried making a kind of bandage with a sock, but she had it off in less than a minute.
The reason it’s red is because she licks it. It’s not infected anymore, but the skin needs time to heal. She’s had two laser treatments which helped, but again she started licking it. I need to get something that she’s not going to take off, chew off or shake off. Anyone had experience with the Kong inflatable collar for a large dog?
Jo – you can purchase anti licking paw sprays! That could really help 🙂
I’m currently using the Kong inflatable on my 60 lb pit/beagle mix after having a TPOL on her back left leg. I also use a sock and the meds the vet is giving us to keep her calm. When she gets more vibrancy back, I’m sure it’s off to the Ecollar again since her long body allows for he sharp claws to do anything! Good luck!
Jo, 1st I would get the area treated. 2nd why & how is she getting it off? Is it not attached to the collar? Do they have her in a larger size than necessary because the correct size for her neck is not long enough? Once I know that I can try to help!
Dani have you tried a cone? I know there are multiple issues with the cones (can’t keep it on, folds in on animals head, etc.) that are sold at vets & the big box stores but the only thing I am looking for is to see if with a cone on can she still reach the problem area? If not I would look for a comfortable long-lasting cone (Premium Protective Cone) but if she can you will
Most likely need our Collar Kit. I specifically created this kit for animals that have long legs, long bodies and/or long noses, easily accessible problem areas as well as certain surgery (TPLO, Mast Cell, etc.). I do not feel like one of the donuts would work because it sounds like she’s very flexible.
Got the same problem with 3 year old kitty who gets itchy ears initially from ear wax, then from the healing sores. Cone works whilst someone is at home to supervise, but would not recommend leaving kitty unattended with this. I have just tried cutting a clean new sock to size to fit like a cap. I cut two holes for her ears to fit through and so far all is good. I use a medical grade Manuka honey on the wounds and found this keeps infection away and heals quickly.
I can’t picture this for my life…argh! I would like to try the sock…the cone isn’t something I want my medium sized dog to tolerate. She has several dog bites over her eye…and rolls taking the scabs off. It’s been 3 weeks and she’s still not healed.
Geesh!
Blessings.
Karenbeth
I have a frenchie who has had ear surgery. The hard cone is aweful! What is a good alternative ? Something softer and not so uncooperative ???!
My havanese is obsessed licking his front paws. He only does it when we are home! How can I stop it?
I have a 9yr old 32lb male cat (on steroids,) since he was 2 he chews his front right paw pad to the point of bleeding. Vet cleans it & gives him steroids shots for it. It’s sometimes 2 time a year but mostly just once yearly. He stops chewing completely & when he starts back we just repeat.
Your post is really good. Useful content.
Hi I have a 9 lb shitzu she’s had a allergen that went into a yeast infection and infection on her left and rear paw antibiotics and medicated shampoos and sprays anti itch pill helps But I’m having to keep a e collar on her because she will lick it raw I’m wondering if I used a medical paw bootie breathable material if it would be OK to cover the paws thanks
Talk to your veterinarian about alternatives that will work best for your pet. The booties may work well in your situation!
4 year old cat ripped open muscle in leg. Knows how to get out of cone has not touched stitches yet. What can I do
My 2-year old cat has an infected wound on his nose and got a cone yesterday from the vet. But it really freaks him out and, overnight, it broke. None of the alternatives above look like they would help prevent him from rubbing his nose with his paws or on other things. Any suggestions?
Hi Pamela,
Great question. Your veterinarian might be able to suggest some alternate options to protect your cat’s nose. We hope he’s feeling better soon!
My cat has washed himself bald on his lower tummy and the inside of his back legs. We are using Feliway Friends to ease his anxiety and I think his over grooming has become a habit now. I’ve thought about a cone and maybe some sort of body stocking but as it’s near his bottom obviously he Ustinov be able to go to the toilet – any ideas on what to use?
My feline has washed himself bare on his lower tummy and within his back legs.
My 2-year old feline has a contaminated injury on his nose and got a cone yesterday from the vet.
We utilize a long sleeve young men shirt.Theres another cone turning out this week. By Comfurt Collar.
My Maine Coon boy was bit last July by something. Since then his immune system has gone nuts. Finally in May of this year I had the bite area removed because he has torn it open about 6 times.
NOTHING worked to keep hI’m away from the bite area or his tail which breaks out in blisters.
I finally, in desperation, took a 1 gallon vinegar jug, cut the top off, cut a hole for his neck, slit it from the hole to about 4 inches up the side.
Then I took a small drill bit and drilled a series of holes about 1/4th inch apart around the neck and on both sides of the slit.
I then took twine and a small crochet hook and covered the sharp edge of the plastic around the neck holes. I then took twine and laced the slit up.
I can slip it over his head and lace it up and he cannot reach any part of his body.
He has been fighting this reaction of the bite since July 2016. Problem is, everything heals up and he starts scratching and then back to the cone again
As I said, we had the bite area removed and it seems to be coming under control, except a couple sores on his tail.
Is there something I can put on his tail to let that area heal without him having to wear this cone 1 minute longer.
Hi AJ,
We recommend you talk to your veterinarian about ways to help your kitty heal and get rid of the cone as soon as possible. It’s important to keep him from licking the spot. You may be able to cover his tail instead of using a cone and there may be safe sprays to deter him through taste or smell. Your veterinarian is a great resource to talk through your options!
Most of these aren’t any good to protect eye injuries. I tried the Optivisor amd it was a big waste of money. Dog hated it. I can’t believ no one has come up with an alternative that works better.
My cat Bear has been in various options for several months, while he is recovering from a severe fungal infection which caused large open sores on his shoulders, flanks, and belly. The inflatable neck pillow was a lifesaver in the beginning — he would wear it like a necklace instead of around the back of his head, and this prevented him from reaching his belly. But he did manage to start new sores on his hind legs, and kept an existing sore near the base of his tail open.
The inflatable was great for his quality of life (although sometimes I wondered if it was allowing his neck muscles to atrophy). It was easy to wash, the synthetic material dried quickly, and it was difficult to puncture. But it IS puncturable, and the Kong version doesn’t include a puncture kit (bicycle tube repair kits work fine) so keep the animal’s claws clipped. Also, as Bear wore his for several months, he managed to shred the fabric cover by scratching it with his back paw. A sewn-on patch helped, but was only a temporary solution. And if he was very itchy or distressed he could get out of it — this might not be a solution for a tenacious animal.
He is now wearing a Kong EZ Soft Collar. He still has mobility issues with this — visibility is poor, he can’t see his front feet (once fell on his face when I put him down, cos he didn’t see the floor coming) and he crashes into things and gets stuck. Also it has a kind of “lights out” effect which makes him a bit depressed. So he usually wears it flipped back like a cape — which gives him very good visibility and quality of life — but only when supervised, as he can still twist into accessing his hind limbs.
The soft collar is easy to put on, and easy to flip by hand, although he hasn’t worked out how to do this by himself. But it’s also quite easy to get off. Bear is a cat of little brain and fairly placid habits, but a smarter and more desperate animal would be out of it in a heartbeat. So at night and when unsupervised for long periods, he goes back into the cone of shame.
I have a soft Elizabeth collar. My Australian cattle dog had her dew claws removed and spayed. It has been 1 week and it’s starting to make her ears droop. Her ears have stood straight up since she was 3 weeks old. How can I keep her safe for one more week without ruining her ears?
I need one that not only keeps my old Bichon from getting at her itchy paws and skin sores, but keeps her from her ears as well….. so far the traditional cone is the only one that seems to help. Any ideas?
I live in a part of town that most of the houses have iron bars on the doors and windows. The other day a friend knocked on the door. I opened it and was talking to him through the iron bar door. Romeo a pitt bull from about 1 1/2 blocks down the street from us, ran up to the door and latched onto our our pitt bull, James’s right side of his mouth through the door. T and I were trying to get them separated when a friend came around the corner when she heard me screaming. With her help we got them separated.He had about a 2 inch slash above the corner of his upper lip and a triangle flap of skin hanging down under his bottom lip. Cleaned it up and put antibiotic ointment on it. It was healing really good. Then it started itching and he tore it open scrathing. What can I make (I don’t have $$ to buy something) that will keep him from messing with it
Hi Ora,
We’re sorry this happened to you and your pup. We recommend you call your local veterinarian for advice on how to keep James from reaching his lip and how to help him back on the road to recovery. We hope he’s feeling better soon.
I would be giving the pet owner whose dog attacked yours a bill for the vet and any treatments you need!
I cant say enough great things about the NovaGuard and the OptiVizor by Protective Pet Solutions! They were life saver products after Spay surgery and for an eye condition for our Shepherd. Our Veterinarian recommend both of these. Ingenious products that work and fantastic customer service!
i have a 47 pound lab mix. she has pulled off the hard cone and the soft cone. when the cone is off, she rests comfortably. any suggestions. i’m afraid to leave her alone because i don’t want her to hurt/lick her stitches.
My cat has had stitches between his back leg and belly. I reaaaally struggled with the cone of shame and he would NOT tolerate it even after hours of trying. He was really stressed out. I left the cone off and kept an eye on him when I could and I ended up buying an inflatable dog collar which he actually tolerates. I’m still keeping it off when I’m sat with him but when I’m not around I keep the inflatable collar on him. Hope this helps.
My dog refused to put on any of the cones. I rolled up a smaller towel and safety pinned it. I placed his sweater on after it so he couldn’t bother with the safety pin and so it would be secured.
We have an 11 mo havanese that had hip surgery, and has a nasty 6 inch incision. We have tried the soft cone ( comfy cone), and he can reach back and get at the stitches. We tried the inflatable cone, and he an still get at it! Took him in to our vet today and he said the place he has been getting is not infected yet..Wouldn’t give us antibiotics at this point. I think it’s close to being infected, and I will be making a trip in to the vet withing the next two days to get some. The tech told me to try using both the inflatable and soft cone together to see whether that works. I am doubtful. Any other suggestions?? Also, any suggestions as to what to put on the stitches he keeps scraping with the cone? I am worried about infection. They say peroxide is not good to use on stitches. Thanks!
There is a new standard in Veterynary care. The cone of shame is being replaced by the protective wear. These days dogs or cats or even rabbits don’t need a cone after surgery. Please ask your vet for an e-collar alternative or do a google search. I have used the “sputer shirt” which is for dogs and cats and my boy was just fine wearing it. It was great because he was able to do everything as usual and also go outside to take care of business. It is a brand new product and it is universal for males and females.
Don’t laugh but years ago my shitzu got neutered….I put a baby onsie on him. I cut a hole for his tail. It worked great.
I unsnapped it and pushed it up when he went out to potty.
My vet was very impressed with this option.
We do the same thing on our dog and cats. It works and it is a lot more comfy. They look ridiculous, but it is a comfy & safe alternative.
We would recommend the Comfy Collar for a small pet. It’s the most lightweight lighted collar for small dogs. You could also try the small pet light that is waterproof and emits a beacon.
very informative, thanks! however…would have been a tremendous bonus if photos were included of these items.
Glad you enjoyed reading the blog post. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Onesies. HATE dressing the dog in clothes, but when it is necessary.
When my female dog was spayed we put two tank tops on her, on from the front and one from the rear. She ould still go to the bathroom but her stitches were safe from her and our other dog’s ‘care’. We just got our male neutered and for obvious reasons the tank tops are not going to work, I think we will tough it out with the cone, currently on day three and it is broken and taped with packing tape. Apparently having his balls removed and wearing a lampshade isn’t enough to slow him down!