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The Trupanion blog

7 Alternatives to the “Cone of Shame”

By: Kelli Rascoe

white dog wearing a cone looks up at his owner

Pets are notorious for irritating their wounds and injured areas. It’s 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 your pets 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. For more on how to put on a no-bite collar, check out this video guide here.

2. The ProCollar Premium Protective Collar

This inflatable neck pillow is much like one that you might use to take a nap on an 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 of 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 its own way.

Which protective devices have worked best for your pet?

For more on pet care, check out our Pet Safety Guide.

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