If your dog just had surgery and looking for a collar your dog can use, we have picked the 5 best collars for dogs after surgery that you can choose for your dog to use for better healing.
KONG EZ Soft E-Collar is our top pick and emerged as the overall best collar for dogs after surgical procedures. It has a comfortable and flexible design to easily fit your recovering dog without making it painful for the dog to wear. We have reviewed it in detail below.
Why get a post-surgery collar for your dog?
Ever seen what your doggie does when he or she has an open wound no matter how small? That wound licking behavior can be detrimental to their health. And if your dog just had surgical treatment, they will detest wearing anything, including collars unless it is comfortable and flexible on the neck.
Unlike humans, dogs do not recognize the purpose of wearing it or the benefits it offers when they have a wound. These after-surgery-collars come in three different types including rigid, inflatable, and flexible. They help stop your dog from unconsciously licking a wound which helps speed up the healing process. The wounds can be from surgery, allergies or skin problems, and repetitive chewing behaviors.
Today, I will be delving into the top collar picks in the market, how to take care of your pooch after surgery, how to put the collar on, as well as a buyer’s guide for the most ideal device.
Table of Contents
Reviews of the best collars for dogs after surgery 2022
KONG EZ Soft E-Collar for Cats and Dogs
Neck Size: 4” to 5½”
Material: Pliable Fabric
Weight: 0.798 Ounces
Closure Type: Drawstring
This EZ Soft E-Collar For Cats and Dogs from KONG is our finest pick for your dog recovering from a surgical procedure. The product is one of the most popular in the e-collars market and is perhaps the first name that comes into the mind of most dog parents at the mention of e-collar. That explains why this e-collar has a 4 and above rating for comfort and durability in Amazon reviews.
The collar features a flexible design that stops your canine friend from licking his or her wound after surgery. It is constructed using pliable fabric with an internal wire to keep the shape intact. Another thing I like is the flexible material that prevents your dog from knocking things over in the house. When it comes to your dog’s comfort, the EX soft e-collar is second-to-none.
On top of that, this collar is fastened using a drawstring to fit dogs with neck sizes of 4 to 5½ inches snugly to prevent slipping. It is also very lightweight.
Overall Review
| Name | KONG EZ Soft E-Collar for Cats & Dogs #1 in 10PetFood |
| Amazon Rating in 2021 | 4.1/5 stars rating in 539 customer reviews |
| Best-selling rank on Amazon | Ranks well in dog recovery collars and cones |
| Why people like it | Dogs seem comfortable wearing it and are flexible to allow for easy movement, eating, and drinking |
| Price | You can buy this collar for your dog after surgery at a competitive price depending on the bag size. Check availability, sale, and pricing on Amazon here. |
Alfie Pet Noah Recovery Collar
Size: 6.5” to 14”
Material: Plush Fabric
Weight: 3.2 Ounces
Closure Type: Velcro
Yet another product that ranks highly in terms of comfort with a 4.3 stars rating in Amazon client reviews is the Noah Recovery Collar from Alfie Pet. Most dog owners have commented that their pooches can sleep, drink, and eat without a hassle while wearing this collar. The collar comes in a variety of sizes including x-small, small, medium, large, and x-large to fit different dog sizes and breeds.
This recovery collar features a beautiful lion pattern design that allows your canine pal to exhibit his or her amusing side of the coin. Other available patterns include flower and frog collar designs which are awesome too. The plush fabric material is soft and flexible for increased comfort when wearing with a lightweight for ease of movement. All you need to do is choose the perfect size for your adorable pup or dog.
To make sure that the e-collar remains snug on your dog’s neck and adjustable, it uses a Velcro closure design that is easy to tighten or loosen. Being machine washable makes this collar’s maintenance easy.
Pros:
- Works for rashes, post-surgery & injuries
- Easy to clean
- Available in a range of sizes
- Soft & comfortable
Cons:
- Some dog parents complained about ease access of the wound
Overall Review
| Name | Alfie Pet Noah Recovery Collar #2 in 10PetFood |
| Amazon Rating in 2021 | 4.1/5 stars rating in 4,415 customer reviews |
| Best-selling rank on Amazon | #10 in Dog Recovery Collars & Cones |
| Why I like it | Great design and durable material with heavy-duty Velcro for adjusting the size |
| Price | You can buy this collar for your dog after surgery at a competitive price depending on the bag size. Check availability, sale, and pricing on Amazon here or Chewy here. |
Vivifying Pet Cone
Size:
Material: PVC, Flannel
Weight: 1.7 oz.
Closure Type: Snapping
This Pet Cone from Vivifying is yet another fantastic ecollar for your dog that is recovering from a surgical operation or an injury. The product is suitable for pups and small pooches with a neck circumference of 6.7” that prevents them from licking the surgery area or wound. Vivifying launched this ecollar in January 2017 and has since received many positive reviews from users. Most buyers bought the medium and small-size collars which they claim are super-effective.
The e-collar is made using high-quality and lightweight PVC material making it easy for your dog to move around with around their neck. Its soft flannel rims make the collar comfortable and there are three pairs of adjustable snaps for hassle-free tightening and loosening. The double snaps hold the collar snugly on your doggie’s neck. They use a material that is hand washable.
You can also use this pet cone to protect your pooch when doing general body care or a bath. Just make sure that you get the right size. On their website, Vivifying says that you can contact the company in case you are dissatisfied with the collar for a refund.
Pros:
- Available in a range of colors
- Ideal for after surgery
- Soft fabric for comfort
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Few reports of flexibility that allows dogs to reach the wound
- Quality control needs improvement
Overall Review
| Name | Vivifying Pet Cone #3 in 10PetFood |
| Amazon Rating in 2021 | 4.2/5 stars rating in 2,080 customer reviews |
| Best-selling rank on Amazon | #32 in Dog Recovery Collars & Cones |
| Why I like it | Soft and flexible for optimal comfort and is worth the value for money |
| Price | You can buy this collar for your after surgery at a competitive price depending on the bag size. |
Comfy Cone Pet Recovery Collar
Neck Size: 9.75” to 12.5” (large)
Material: Nylon
Weight: 7 Ounces
Closure Type: Hook & Loop
All Four Paws is a known brand in the pet products industry and their Comfy Cone Pet Recovery Collar is no exception. This cone-shaped e-collar helps your canine friend to heal his wounds without licking. These collars feature foamed and padded nylon that is water-resistant and water-repellent which means that you can use it without worry during outdoor activities.
You will love the unique Velcro closures with three sizing strips that help keep the e-collar snugly on your dog’s neck with a custom fit. In addition, there is plastic that can be removed from the package for adding structure when you need it. What caught my attention about this ecollar is its versatility as you can reverse it inside-out or front-to-back depending on the injured section.
This ecollar is marketed as vet tested and approved which means it is reliable as you can see in the rating section below. It comes in two colors – black and tan as well as 8 different sizes.
Pros:
- Comfortable & soft padding
- Available in 8 different sizes
- Most clients say it’s easy to use
- Excellent for head surgery
- Reversible design
Cons:
- Can be a little bulky for tiny or lightweight pooches
- Blocks your dog’s peripheral vision completely
- High price tag
Overall Review
| Name | Comfy Cone Pet Recovery Collar #4 in 10PetFood |
| Amazon Rating in 2021 | 4.3/5 stars rating in 14,443 customer reviews |
| Best-selling rank on Amazon | #6 in Dog Recovery Collars & Cones |
| Why I like it | Reversible design that makes it great for multiple surgeries and is user-friendly with soft padding for comfort. |
| Price | You can buy this collar for dog after surgery at a competitive price depending on the bag size. |
E-KOMG Inflatable Dog Collar
Size: Small to X-Large
Material:
Weight: 8.8 Ounces
Closure Type: Zipping
This review would not be complete without mentioning this Inflatable Dog Collar from E-KOMG. If you are looking for an ecollar that will not block your pooch’s vision, you can never go wrong with this product. It features an adjustable inner ring that allows you to adjust to a size that fits your dog’s neck using straps that makes it comfortable on their neck.
Other than protecting your pooch from licking his surgery wounds, this ecollar protects him or her from biting and scratching which promotes the recovery process of the wounds. When it comes to storage, all you need to do is deflate it and keep it safe. You will also love making material that is both durable and robust even when used in strong dog breeds.
Cleaning this ecollar is easy by wiping using water and soap.
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Inflatable & comfortable
- Easy to use, store & maintain
Cons:
- Does not control movement like rigid types
- Not suitable for flexible dogs
Overall Review
| Name | E-KOMG Inflatable Dog Collar #5 in 10PetFood |
| Amazon Rating in 2021 | 4.1/5 stars rating in 4,087 customer reviews |
| Best-selling rank on Amazon | #20 in Dog Recovery Collars & Cones |
| Why I like it | Inflatable design that is comfy, safe, and easy to use and store. It is also inexpensive. |
| Price | You can buy this collar for dog after surgery at a competitive price depending on the bag size. Check availability, sale, and pricing on Amazon here. |
Collars for Dogs After Surgery Buying and User Guide
How to put on a dog collar after surgery
You can use these 4 tips to help you put on the collar safely and properly on your dog’s neck after surgery:
- Unfasten the strings that keep the collar intact.
- Put the e-collar over your dog’s head gently – make sure that his ears are inside the cone.
- Like with any collar, tighten the strings making sure that two or three fingers can fit in the space between your dog’s neck and the collar.
- Make sure the collar is tight enough but not making your doggie friend uncomfortable.
Vets recommend that you buy the cone in advance (before surgery) and train your dog how to wear it and get used to it. This will make it easier for both you and him or her to put it on after the surgery. Like with dog training, introducing a cone to your dog takes patience. At least 2-3 days to get used to the collar and accept the feeling.
Check out this video below on how to make your dog wear a collar after his or her surgery.
How long should a dog wear e collar after surgery?
According to Sarah Ochoa, DVM, of Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital, your pooch should put on the e-collar for approx. 7 to 10 10 days. During this time, the wound is healing slowly without touching the incision area or licking. That is whether you are there to watch your doggie or not. Never stop using an ecollar unless you have permission from your veterinarian.
If you are taking your canine buddy for a walk, however, there are exemptions that you can remove the e-collar. But if you do not know how to put the collar back on, please let it remain in your pooch’s neck. Make sure that you clean the collar thoroughly using water and soap to avoid odors or possible infections.
How to pick the best e-collar for dog after surgery
So, your dog does not celebrate the thought of wearing a collar, but you know that he must. You might wonder, how do I know the most ideal one for my canine companion. Here are the three things to consider when choosing the best e-collar for your pooch after surgery:
- Collar Size
E-collars are available in different sizes. So, you must know the type of dog breed you own first which will help you narrow down the wide range of collars you will find. The larger the breed, the bigger the collar you need.
- Adjustability
After choosing the right collar size, look for one that is adjustable so it can fit snugly into your dog’s neck without causing discomfort or slipping out. That way, your dog and his or her wound will be miles apart with no licking.
- Construction Material
From plastic to nylon and a blend of both, collars come in a variety of materials which dictates their longevity and durability. You should make sure that despite being well-built, the e-collar is free of toxins that could affect your dog’s wound causing more damage. Ensure they are easy to wash too.
- Type of Collar
As mentioned above, collars are available in 3 types, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Flexible collars tend to be softer and more comfortable while rigid (lampshade) collars make most dogs uncomfortable and block their exterior vision. And although inflatable collars are also comfortable, they are not very effective.
How to protect a dog’s neck after surgery
Just like you and me, our pets need to stay safe after undergoing surgery to help the wound heal undisturbed for a quick recovery. In this case, all you have to do is put an e-collar around his or her head to stop them from licking where surgery was done. Doing this also keeps your dog from licking the wound or its dressing. For more information on how to put this collar, keep reading.
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Hi there! My name is Alex Landy, one of the co-founders here at Our Pets HQ and a parent to a small-breed Yorkie. I am a published author of two books on dog breeding and currently write on various pet-related blogs about caring for dogs. I am a parent of two daughters and live outside Boston where I spend a lot of time with family and serve in different breeding clubs. You can reach me at alex@ourpetshq.com
