The dreaded cone of shame. It goes by several other different names as well: Buster collar, Elizabethan collar, and even a pet lampshade. It looks like you’re in the market for a new dog cone since you’re reading this. As funny as they may seem, they are important devices to help your dog heal after an injury or surgery.
If you’re not sure what kind of cone you should be looking for, read through our reviews of the 10 best dog cones on the market. For your convenience, we go over the pros and cons and all the different features. This way, you can easily point and click to select the one that is right for your pooch. We hope you’ll find the right cone that will help your dog heal quickly!
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A Quick Look at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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All Four Paws Comfy |
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Best Value
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SunGrow Post-Surgery |
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Premium Choice
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KONG Cloud Collar |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Bencmate Protective Inflatable |
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WZ Pet Adjustable Dog Cone |
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The 10 Best Dog Cones
1. All Four Paws Comfy Cone E-Collar – Best Overall
| Sizes: | X-small, small, small-long, medium, large, x-large |
| Material: | Nylon |
| Color: | Black |
| Fastener: | Velcro |
The All Four Paws Comfy Cone is our pick for the best overall dog cone. It is made with a soft, flexible, and therefore more comfortable nylon, which is also washable. It comes in 6 sizes ranging from extra-small up to extra-large. Its flexibility makes it quite adaptable as you can fold it down into a kind of protective cape over the shoulders and chest. This way, the cone is comfortable for your dog for eating, sleeping, and just getting around the house, but you can adjust its rigidity.
The main flaw is that the cone tends to be a little short (although if your dog is small, there is the option of getting it in long). If your dog has a long nose, but this cone will better suit shorter-nosed dogs.
- Made with soft, flexible nylon
- Comfortable and washable
- Available in 6 sizes
- Can be folded down to cover the chest and shoulders
- Rigidity can be adjusted
- Cone tends to be a bit short for some dogs
2. SunGrow Post-Surgery Soft Cone – Best Value
| Sizes: | Medium |
| Material: | Foam |
| Color: | Pink with white polka dots |
| Fastener: | Velcro |
The best dog cone for the money is the SunGrow Post-Surgery Soft Cone. It comes in medium (it fits pets with a 9-to-10-inch neck) and is in a cute pink with white polka dot pattern in a soft foam that is easy to wash. It’s well-priced and comfortable for your dog to eat and sleep in. The cone is nice and thick, and the material is water-resistant, so it’s easy to spot clean when necessary.
However, like the previously mentioned cone, it’s not long enough for some pups, and some dogs might be able to slip it off rather easily.
- Well-priced
- Size medium in cute pink with white polka dot pattern
- Soft foam that is easy to wash
- Super comfortable
- Water-resistant good for spot cleaning
- Not long enough for some dogs
- Some dogs might be able to get it off
3. KONG Cloud Collar – Premium Choice
| Sizes: | X-small, small, medium, large, x-large |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Color: | Blue |
| Fastener: | Attaches to collar |
The KONG Cloud Collar is an inflatable cone that attaches to your dog’s collar to keep it in place. When it’s inflated, you should only blow it up until full but not hard, so it will become a comfortable pillow for your dog in addition to protecting the wound. The design doesn’t restrict your dog’s peripheral vision in any way and is comfortable for your pup while sleeping and eating. It’s also scratch and bite resistant, and the fabric is washable.
The disadvantages are that it is a little pricey, and if you don’t get it in the right size, the dogs will reach the wound.
- Attaches to the collar
- Inflated, so it becomes a comfy pillow
- Doesn’t restrict peripheral vision
- Scratch and bite-resistant
- Washable fabric
- A little pricey
- Some dogs can reach the wound
4. Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar – Best for Puppies
| Sizes: | X-small, small, medium, large, x-large |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Color: | Blue |
| Fastener: | Fastens to collar |
The Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar comes in five sizes, but the extra-small and small should work very well for puppies. Like the previous one, it attaches to the puppy’s collar and is inflatable with a scratch and bite-resistant fabric. It’s more comfortable than the stiff plastic cones, doesn’t block your puppy’s peripheral vision, and is adjustable.
Unfortunately, some puppies will still be able to reach their wound or incision, and it might deflate, particularly if your puppy is determined to get it off.
- Comes in 5 sizes and is adjustable
- Small and x-small should work well for puppies
- Scratch and bite-resistant
- Comfortable and doesn’t block peripheral vision
- Some puppies will still be able to reach the incision
- Might deflate
5. WZ Pet Adjustable Dog Cone
| Sizes: | Small, medium |
| Material: | Cotton |
| Color: | Pink with white polka dots |
| Fastener: | Velcro |
The WZ Pet Adjustable Dog Cone is available in small and medium and is another pink with white polka dotted cone made with a cotton material. It’s machine washable and is quite comfortable as it’s soft and made with breathable fabric. It’s adjustable, makes for a nice, padded surface for a pillow, and is lightweight.
Like several of the other softer cones, it doesn’t always prevent your dog from licking where they are not supposed to. Plus, some dogs might be able to get it off easily.
- Available in small and medium
- Soft, breathable cotton material
- Machine washable
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t always prevent the dog from getting at the area
- Might be easy for your dog to get off
6. Ccypet Adjustable Recovery Collar
| Sizes: | X-small, small, medium, large |
| Material: | Cotton |
| Color: | Rainbow |
| Fastener: | Drawstring |
The Ccypet Adjustable Recovery Collar is an adorable rainbow-colored cone made with a cotton material and filled with polystyrene balls. It can be used as a comfortable pillow and can be fastened to the dog’s collar for extra stability. You use a drawstring-like feature to tighten it, and it is easy to spot clean.
However, the polystyrene balls will make a tremendous mess if it happens to tear, and it won’t work for every dog.
- Adorable rainbow-colored cone
- Can be fastened to the collar
- Drawstring for tightening
- Can be easily spot cleaned
- Polystyrene balls everywhere if it rips
- It won’t work for every dog
7. KONG EZ Soft Collar
| Sizes: | X-small, small |
| Material: | Lycra |
| Color: | Blue |
| Fastener: | Drawstring |
The KONG EZ Soft Collar is shaped more like the traditional cone but in a soft, flexible material, making it more comfortable. It’s made with a flexible material they call “Flexstay,” which is designed to hold its shape, is pretty comfortable to wear, and is machine washable. It has a drawstring closure, which makes it easy to adjust in size, and the cone is less likely for your dog to get stuck and shouldn’t knock things over.
The drawbacks are that it doesn’t give your dog any peripheral vision, and it might tear if your dog scratches at it enough.
- Comfortable, soft, and flexible
- Material designed to hold its shape and is machine washable
- Drawstring fastener makes it easy for sizing
- Dog won’t get stuck or knock things over
- No peripheral vision
- Might tear through excessive scratching
8. Vital-Fri Protective Inflatable Donut Collar
| Sizes: | Small, medium, large, x-large |
| Material: | Polyester & PVC |
| Color: | Yellow |
| Fastener: | Attaches to collar |
The Vital-Fri Protective Inflatable Donut Collar is another adorable collar that is shaped and looks like a donut. It attaches to your dog’s collar and also includes Velcro straps for adjusting, and it’s inflatable. The inner PVC airbag can be removed, which makes washing the outer softer material much more manageable. It comes in four sizes and is comfortable for most dogs.
Some of these donuts tend to deflate, and the zipper has been known to break. Also, it doesn’t prevent all dogs from reaching their wounds.
- Looks like a donut
- Attaches to the collar and is inflatable
- Inner airbag can be removed for easy washing
- Comes in 4 sizes and is comfortable
- Might deflate
- Doesn’t stop all dogs from reaching the wound
- The zipper sometimes breaks
9. Supet Adjustable Dog Cone
| Sizes: | X-small, small, medium, large, x-large, xx-large |
| Material: | PVC Plastic |
| Color: | Clear |
| Fastener: | Velcro |
Supet’s Adjustable Dog Cone is the only traditional dog cone on our list. It’s a semi-transparent plastic cone that is fastened around your dog’s neck with Velcro. The edges of the cone are covered in a softer fabric for your dog’s comfort, and it’s super lightweight.
The biggest problem with this cone is in the sizing. The measurements aren’t very accurate, so you might want to check the reviews in which some give some good advice on figuring out the right size for your dog. And because the Velcro is in one large and long strip, it can be very loud when separating. This might scare some dogs.
- Traditional plastic semi-transparent cone
- Edges are covered in a softer fabric
- Very lightweight
- Measurements aren’t accurate
- Velcro is loud
10. IEUUMLER Inflatable Recovery Dog Collar
| Sizes: | Small, medium, large, extra large |
| Material: | Fleece |
| Color: | Yellow, orange |
| Fastener: | Velcro |
This Dog Collar from IEUUMLER is not only made from soft, comfortable fabric, but it is also inflatable to keep your pooch comfortable while they’re recovering. The collar is easy to inflate with a standard air valve that inflates in seconds. The inflatable inner is easy to remove with a convenient zipper so you can wash the collar when needed. Lastly, the Velcro strap makes putting the collar on and taking it off a breeze.
Of course, an inflatable collar is no match for a determined dog, and the collar can be easily punctured according to customer reviews. As a recovery collar alone, it also does not work as well as standard recovery cones.
- Inflatable
- Removable inner
- Easy to remove and put on
- May puncture easily
- Not as good as standard cones
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Cone
Most vets will provide you with an e-collar, but many dog owners like to buy their own as they aren’t usually very comfortable for the dog to wear. But before you decide on one, read through our buyer’s guide, as we’ll go over a few points that might help you with your purchase.
Dog Size
This is clearly one of the most important parts of buying a dog cone. Make sure you measure your dog’s neck and check the measurements on the listing. But also read the reviews. Sometimes the measurements aren’t accurate, which we’ve pointed out in a few of our reviews, and other dog owners usually share this information and give advice so you can figure out the correct size.
You should also measure the length of your dog’s head and snout, as well as the diameter of the head where it is widest. These measurements, in addition to the size of their neck, can help you find the right size.
Dog Cone Fastener
Most dog cones are fastened with Velcro, while others are attached with a drawstring or to your dog’s collar. The Velcro is probably one of the easier cones to get on and off your dog, but you know your dog best. Would they patiently sit while you pushed it over the head and then tighten with a drawstring, or would putting it on with the collar work best?
Dog Cone Comfort
You’ll want to protect your dog’s wound or incision, but they should also be able to eat and sleep comfortably with it on. It shouldn’t be too large and unwieldy either. You don’t want them getting stuck in furniture or running into walls. If you need guidance on picking a dog cone that will keep your dog’s wound safe, we suggest you speak to a vet.
To talk to a vet online now, click on the image or button below:
Location of the Wound/Incision
What you are buying the cone for is to stop your dog from licking, biting, or scratching at the injury or incision. This is where the measurements and sizing are also necessary. If your dog has a long snout, you’ll need to ensure the cone is long enough to prevent your dog from nibbling on the area. Use your judgment.
How We Selected These Dog Cones
This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The dog cones reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best dog cones available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with dog cones. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.
Conclusion
The All Four Paws Comfy Cone is our pick for the best overall dog cone. It is made with a soft, flexible, and comfortable nylon, which is also washable. The SunGrow Post-Surgery Soft Cone is a great value, and it comes in a cute pink with white polka dot patterned fabric that is easy to wash. Finally, the KONG Cloud Collar is inflatable and attaches to your dog’s collar and won’t block your dog’s peripheral vision.
We hope these reviews will have helped you figure out the best cone for your dog and that they heal fast and maybe with a bit of dignity. No cones of shame here!
Featured Image Credit: Kittima05, Shutterstock
