Also known as the Elizabethan Collar, the dog cone of shame is a weird looking veterinary tool that most dogs will need in their lifetime. From preventing excessive licking to letting their injuries heal faster this product is a definite purchase if your canine has serious skin infections or is going to have a surgery soon.
However sometimes these cones of shame could be a hindrance in their day to day activities. These include awkward meal times, bulkiness around the neck, etc. So if you have been looking for the best alternatives to the dog cone of shame, you have arrived at the right spot.
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What are the best alternatives to Dog Cone of Shame?
Some of the best alternatives to dog cone of shame include soft e-collars, inflatable e-collars, neck control collars, comfy cones, and recovery suits. Based upon their designs, these products offer both protection and are quite comfortable on their little bodies.
To know more about these products, keep on reading.
Soft E-Collars
Unlike the rigid inverted cones as in Elizabethan collars, the soft e-collars are much more flexible and comfortable. As their name suggests, these collars are made up of really soft fabric which are often filled with slushy fillers. Thus when on, they don’t put unnecessary pressure on the canine’s neck muscles.
Moreover, given their rounded design that lays around the neck, wearing a soft e-collar won’t hinder your pooch’s natural eating style. Thanks to the flexibility, the canine can lower their heads and munch down their favorite food without getting stuck every now and then as in the dog cone of shame.
Similarly, another added advantage of using soft e-collars is that they don’t block the woofer’s peripheral vision. Most of the time, canines with Elizabethan collar on are not able to read onto their surroundings well enough and end up getting badly spooked. However, with soft e-collars there’s no such risk. The collar stays way below their normal vision range and hence the dog can see whatever is happening around.
Pros:
- No added pressure on their neck muscles
- Flexible and offers a comfortable fit
- Prevents them from bending down extensively
- Allows normal vision range
- Made up of breathable, soft, water-resistant fabric
- Fido can bend their necks to have water or food
- Available in bold colors and unique patterns
Cons:
- Not suitable for adamant dogs as they can bend down to lick or bite their bodies without much of a hindrance
Inflatable E-Collars
A bit sturdier than the soft e-collars, inflatable e-collars are the next best alternatives to dog cone of shame. Thanks to their unique design, pet parents can decide how much air to fill in to ensure that their dog isn’t able to reach the operated places.
For instance, when kept loose, a dog can pretty much access every part of its body, excluding their waist, and back area. But when the air is filled tight, they won’t be able to move their neck downwards much without getting restricted by the inflated e-collar. Thus, these collars are better suited for pooches that just won’t keep still while wearing a neck collar.
Pros:
- Best suitable for determined Fidos
- Air pressure can be adjusted as needed
- Made up of durable and soft materials
- Arrive in many sizes, and color options
- Allows the dog to eat, drink and comfortably scan their surroundings
- Affordable but highly effective
Cons:
- The quality of the material may vary greatly. And therefore careful purchase is a must.
Neck Control Collars
Although initially it may seem brutal for the dog, the neck control collars are the smaller version of Elizabethan collars. The neck control collars cover the entirety of their head and neck, thereby completely preventing the canine from reaching their injuries.
When it comes to their design, these collars lie just a few inches above the pooch’s face and are mostly transparent in nature. This enables the canine to effortlessly have a watch over its surroundings and thus be less anxious. The collars also have a wider mouth, enabling the dog to eat without getting the sides stuck or crash against the bowl.
Usually available in many sizes, they have adjustable velcro straps that makes fitting a rather easy task. Just put on the neck control collar over your canine’s head, and depending upon their neck girth adjust the straps. However make sure never to let them too loose or too tight. If loose the neck collar won’t be effective at all and the dog may even wriggle its head out of it, or else extreme tightness can lead to trouble in breathing.
Pros:
- Sturdier than soft and inflatable e-collars
- Allows the dog to watch over its surroundings
- Long lasting and transparent
- Made up of durable, anti-scratch materials
- Covers the entirety of their head and neck
- Smaller compared to Elizabethan collars
- Comes with adjustable straps
- Soft and lightweight for everyday use
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Quality of the collar may vary greatly between different manufacturers
Comfy Cones
Like their name, comfy cones are cone shaped structures that are designed to keep your canine sufficiently away from their injuries or other severe skin infections. Although their design may somehow block your canine’s peripheral vision, the design itself is highly protective.
The special inverted cone structure completely restricts the dog from making sudden,extended neck movements, thereby ensuring a faster recovery from whatever they might be suffering from. Such collars are often prescribed by vets
after complicated medical situations, involving major surgeries or in case the dog has been affected by skin infections, like manges, or dermatitis.
Comfy cones are also highly beneficial for pets that have recently undergone spaying or neutering. The cone will keep their head and neck aligned straight without pressuring their neck muscles. Thus, if you are in search of the best alternatives to dog cone of shame, then comfy cones can be a good investment.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Consists of padded, foam fillings to ensure the best quality comfort
- Restricts neck and head movement
- Keeps their spinal cord aligned straight
- Has velcro straps for easy adjustment
- Best suitable for post-surgery recovery
- The comfy cone often have opaque fabric to prevent the canine from getting bad spooks
- Dog can sleep, eat, drink with the cones on
Cons:
- The dog’s peripheral vision will be blocked which may lead to some canines panicking
- Expensive than all other choices mentioned here
Recovery Suits
Finally, we have the recovery suits which can act as another best alternative to dog cone of shame. Much like human body suits, the recovery suit for your canine offers them a snug, flexible fit, ensuring that no damage is done to the injury site.
Unlike the neck collars, the recovery suit serves the role of a cozy barrier, preventing your pooch from scraping the site with their razor-sharp teeth. Moreover, thanks to its comfortable, breathable fabric, the dog can do anything, including taking a stroll in the park, munching down their food, rolling in grass, or getting a good sleep, without feeling a constant pressure on their neck.
Similarly, recovery suits give a complex posh look to the little Fidos, while also protecting their fragile skin and coats from dirt and debris. Pet parents can choose from a plethora of colors and patterns both in online as well as offline platforms.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit all day long
- Breathable, top quality fabric ensures the dog stays ventilated
- The snug fit doesn’t pressurize or tug the injury
- Can be worn over bandaged wounds
- Protects their body from outer agents as well
- Serves as a protective barrier between the injury site and the canine’s teeth and claws
- Allows free movement
Cons:
- Probably the most expensive of all
- Proper size requirements will be needed prior purchase
So, this was all about the best alternatives to dog cone of shame. For more such interesting reads, subscribe to our mailing list at spanieldogs.com today.
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