If your dog’s had surgery or suffers from hot spots, you may be frustrated with the plain old Elizabethan collar from your local vet. The cone of shame certainly gets the job done, but sleeping, eating, drinking, and generally being a dog can be tough while wearing a giant white lampshade. Luckily, we’ve rounded up some great options that work just as well. The alternatives to the traditional cone of shame include these six basic types:
- Soft e-collars
- Inflatable collars
- Neck control collars
- The comfy cone
- Surgical recovery clothing
- DIY jacket or collar
Whatever your choice, make sure your cone alternative adequately protects the injury site. And don’t forget that even when wearing the cone, dogs need supervision after surgery. So book an experienced Rover.com pet sitter or who provides dog boarding or find a dog lover to drop by during the day if you can’t be around to monitor them.
Soft E-Collars
Comfortable and affordable, these collars are ideal for dogs who aren’t likely to chew or lick vigorously. If your pet is likely to leave the affected area alone with a mild deterrent, these collars offer great mobility at a very reasonable price point.
Check out a couple of our favourite e-collars.
1. ElizaSoft Recovery Collar
The ElizaSoft is an inexpensive e-collar solution. A determined licker will quickly figure out how to nose the material out of the way. However, a calm pet will enjoy the mobility and comfort.
3. Jeelinbore Recovery Collar
This adorable cone alternative will cheer you up, even if your dog isn’t quite sold.
Inflatable E-Collars
These puffy, padded collars won’t work for power chewers, but they’re very comfortable for supervised breaks from the traditional cone. They offer increased mobility, as well.
4. Kong Cloud Inflatable E-Collar
This is a comfy inflatable option with a cosy fabric cover and affordable price point.
Neck Control Solutions
These collars work by immobilising your dog’s neck. They’re a stronger deterrent than the soft e-collars, though determined chewers can often find a way around them.
5. Bite Not Collar
Sturdier than the inflatables. Not recommended for protecting ears or eyes, though!
The Comfy Cone
The best of both worlds! This cone is soft and adjustable, yet prevents most dogs from accessing their injury site.
6. The Comfy Cone
Easy to clean and adjustable, plus, can be reinforced with plastic spines. Comes in a range of sizes and depths, with extender pieces to further customise the fit.
Surgical Recovery Clothing for Dogs
This is just what it sounds like—an outfit, rather than a cone per se. If your dog tolerates clothing, we love the flexibility and coverage of this option.
7. Suitical Recovery Suit for Dogs
This vet-approved outfit is washable and comes in fun cheerful patterns, and offers a range of styles to cover different injury zones.
DIY Options
You may find that a human T-shirt, sweater, or baby onesie and a couple rolls of 3M Vetrap 
will keep areas where they were operated on adequately covered. Not sure how to begin? Here are some DIY guides to get you started.
Custom Post Surgery Shirt
Written for cat parents but will work equally well on smaller dogs.
Custom fit a post-surgical jacket with an old shirt and safety pins. This method will work equally well for smaller dogs. For larger dogs, you won’t need safety pins. A big knot on the bottom hem of a shirt will keep it in place, or you may have to improvise a little.
DIY neck control collar
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Featured image: source
