How To Put A Cone Collar On Your Dog

Overview

• Recovery cones are an excellent short-term way to stop your dog from licking themselves after surgery, or if they have a sore spot.
• There are various types available and they are all slightly different, so some will work for your dog, and others won’t.
• Whichever protective device you use, it’s important to make sure it completely stops your dog from getting to their wound, that they are comfortable wearing it and they can still eat, drink, sleep and go to the toilet with it on.

Dog cone, inflatable collar, fabric collar, protective suit or boot?

There are a variety of protective devices available for dogs so our vets have put together a pros and cons chart to help you decide on the best type for your dog.

Plastic cone collars

Plastic cone collars are an excellent short-term way to stop your dog from reaching the places they shouldn’t, they are also easy to clean and very hard-wearing. There are a few different types – some fasten with a plastic tab, some with clips or and some come with foam edging for comfort. Eco-friendly cardboard alternatives are available, but aren’t quite as robust, so if you use one you’ll need to supervise your dog a bit more closely. To fit a cone collar:

• Select an appropriate size – if you’re buying online you’ll need to measure the circumference of your dog’s neck (all the way around where the collar will sit). The cone also needs to extend past the end of their nose, so if your dog has a longer than average snout then you might need a size up. If you’re struggling with which size to buy ask your vet for advice.
• If the cone isn’t already put together, hold it around your dog’s neck to see exactly how big it needs to be – you should be able to fit two fingers in between the collar and your dog.
• If it has clips, clip it closed.
• If it has windows (rectangle cut-outs), slots and a long tab, put the windows on top of the slots, fold the end tab down and weave it through the windows and slots (as shown in the video).
• Give your dog a treat, slip it over their head (be careful not to catch their eyes or ears) and then reward them with another treat afterwards.
• Double-check it’s tight enough not to slip off yet loose enough to fit two fingers between the cone and your dog.
• Finally, to secure it, thread your dog’s usual collar or some bandage material through the loops.
• Make sure your dog can still eat and drink with their collar on - if they are struggling, you’ll need to raise their bowls or remove their collar regularly for them to eat/drink under supervision.
• Ideally, we recommend keeping your dog supervised by a responsible adult at all times while using a protective cone.

Fabric cone collars

Fabric cone collars are an excellent alternative to a basic plastic or cardboard cone and have the added benefit of being flexible and slightly more comfortable to wear. Their flexibility also means that they are less likely to cause damage around the home and are much less painful if your dog walks into the back of your legs wearing one! However, due to the added flexibility, it’s important to make sure your dog can’t reach their wound before leaving them unattended with their fabric collar on.

• Select an appropriate size – if you’re buying online you’ll need to measure the circumference of your dog’s neck (all the way around it). The cone also needs to extend past the end of their nose, so if your dog has a longer than average snout then you might need a size up. If you’re struggling, ask your vet for help with sizing.
• Fabric collars are usually slip-on and have a pull string for fastening, so give your dog a treat, slip it over their head (be careful around their eyes and ears) and then reward them with another treat afterwards.
• Tighten the pull string so it’s tight enough not to slip off yet loose enough to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
• If necessary, you can also tie the drawstring ends around their collar.
• Make sure your dog can still eat and drink with their collar on - if they are struggling, you’ll need to raise their bowls or remove their collar regularly for them to eat/drink under supervision.
• Ideally, we recommend keeping your dog supervised by a responsible adult at all times while using a protective cone.

Inflatable collars

Inflatable collars are very comfortable, won’t block a dog’s vision as much as a classic cone collar, and stop them from reaching most areas. However, some dogs, especially those with long noses, can still reach their extremities while they’re wearing them such as their tail, scrotum, back end, or feet, so always check that your dog isn’t able to reach their wound before leaving them unattended.

• Select an appropriate size – if you’re buying online you’ll need to measure the circumference of your dog’s neck (all the way around it). It needs to fit snugly around your dog’s neck, but you should also be able to fit two fingers in between it and them.
• Inflatable collars usually have loops inside to thread a collar through, and a Velcro fastening.
• Inflate the collar.
• Thread your dog’s usual collar through the loops inside the inflated collar.
• Slip the inflated collar over their neck and give them a treat for encouragement.
• Fasten their usual collar and the Velcro on the inflatable collar.
• Double-check you can still fit two fingers in between the collar and your dog.
• Ideally, we recommend keeping your dog supervised by a responsible adult at all times while using an inflatable collar.

Recovery suits

Recovery suits are an excellent alternative to a protective collar as long as it covers the right areas, and your dog isn’t tempted to chew it off.

• Choose the right size - make sure it fits snugly (but isn’t too tight), and has the right holes for your dog to go to the toilet.
• If you buy one from a pet shop or vet clinic, it may be possible to try it on for size before buying it.
• Make sure it stays clean and dry at all times, and remove it at least twice a day to check your dog’s wound.
• Bodysuits can sometimes trap moisture and make the wound sweaty. If this is the case you’ll need to take it off a couple of times a day for the wound to air – during this time you’ll need to supervise your dog fully or fit them with a buster collar.
• Ideally, we recommend keeping your dog supervised by a responsible adult at all times while using a protective suit.

Protective boots

Protective boots are a great short-term way to stop your dog from nibbling at a wound on their foot and keeping foot wounds/foot bandages dry on wet ground.

• When choosing the right size boot for your dog first check whether it’s intended for use over a bandage. If it is, and your dog isn’t wearing a bandage, then you might need to choose a size down.
• Make sure the boot fits snugly and won’t fall off, but that you can still fit a finger in between it and your dog’s foot. If it’s difficult to put on, or feels too tight, get a size up.
• Protective boots can become sweaty when left on for long periods of time so you’ll need to remove it for sections of the day to allow your dog’s foot to air.
• Make sure they are wearing a buster collar whenever they don’t have their boot on, or if you need to leave them wearing it unattended at any point (they might be tempted to chew it off!).
• Ideally, we recommend keeping your dog supervised by a responsible adult at all times while using a protective boot.

FAQs

Published: January 2023