Every dog owner knows the sad and guilty feeling that comes with the “cone of shame.” The colloquial name for the Elizabethan collar is as apt a description for owners as it is for pet: No one likes seeing the littlest member of the family struggle due to restricted movements and impaired visions. E-collars literally add insult to injury, and pet owners are quite right to seek alternatives.
While unfortunately the universal replacement to the infamous cone does not exist, there are several alternatives out there.
One of the most popular options is the inflatable collar. As you can see from the picture below, the inflatable simply has to be more comfortable than a plastic one. However, it is also easier than a plastic one for a dog to break out of. Note however that this particular one from BENCMATE comes in five sizes, ranging from X-Small to X-Large:
Another, similar, option is the so-called soft cone. This one by ARRR is very popular with owners small dogs. Although it comes in four different sizes, owners of larger dogs have noted that it could ideally be wider.
The final option is the recovery suit. Using a different logic than the innovative collars, the suit prevents your dog from licking her wound by simply covering it up:
With every one of the alternatives, your dog’s mileage may vary. Dogs are distinct not only in size but in personality, and what works well for one pup could very well further irritate another. Still, attempts to make the sadly necessary cone of shame more humane are always welcome.