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!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – 2023 Update
Image Product Details
Best Overall
All Four Paws Comfy
Made with soft, flexible nylon
Comfortable and washable
Available in 6 sizes
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Best Value
SunGrow Post-Surgery
Well-priced
Super comfortable
Soft foam that is easy to wash
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Premium Choice
KONG Cloud Collar
Attaches to the collar
Doesn’t restrict peripheral vision
Washable fabric
Check Price
Bencmate Protective Inflatable
Comes in 5 sizes and is adjustable
Small and x-small should work well for puppies
Scratch and bite-resistant
Check Price
WZ Pet Adjustable Dog Cone
Available in small and medium
Soft, breathable cotton material
Machine washable
Check Price
The 10 Best Dog Cones
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.
Sizes: X-small, small, small-long, medium, large, x-large
Material: Nylon
Color: Black
Fastener: Velcro
Check Price on Chewy
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.
Pros
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
Cons
Cone tends to be a bit short for some dogs
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.
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
- 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
- Cone tends to be a bit short for some dogs
Sizes: Medium
Material: Foam
Color: Pink with white polka dots
Fastener: Velcro
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.
Pros
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
Cons
Not long enough for some dogs
Some dogs might be able to get it off
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.
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
- 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
- Not long enough for some dogs
- Some dogs might be able to get it off
Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large
Material: Polyester
Color: Blue
Fastener: Attaches to collar
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.
Pros
Attaches to the collar
Inflated, so it becomes a comfy pillow
Doesn’t restrict peripheral vision
Scratch and bite-resistant
Washable fabric
Cons
A little pricey
Some dogs can reach the wound
- Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar – Best for Puppies
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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.
Attaches to the collar
Inflated, so it becomes a comfy pillow
Doesn’t restrict peripheral vision
Scratch and bite-resistant
Washable fabric
- 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
- A little pricey
- Some dogs can reach the wound
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Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large
Material: Polyester
Color: Blue
Fastener: Fastens to collar
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.
Pros
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
Cons
Some puppies will still be able to reach the incision
Might deflate
- WZ Pet Adjustable Dog Cone
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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.
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
- 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
- Some puppies will still be able to reach the incision
- Might deflate
Sizes: Small, medium
Material: Cotton
Color: Pink with white polka dots
Fastener: Velcro
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.
Pros
Available in small and medium
Soft, breathable cotton material
Machine washable
Lightweight
Cons
Doesn’t always prevent the dog from getting at the area
Might be easy for your dog to get off
- Ccypet Adjustable Recovery Collar
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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.
Available in small and medium
Soft, breathable cotton material
Machine washable
Lightweight
- 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
- Doesn’t always prevent the dog from getting at the area
- Might be easy for your dog to get off
Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large
Material: Cotton
Color: Rainbow
Fastener: Drawstring
However, the polystyrene balls will make a tremendous mess if it happens to tear, and it won’t work for every dog.
Pros
Adorable rainbow-colored cone
Can be fastened to the collar
Drawstring for tightening
Can be easily spot cleaned
Cons
Polystyrene balls everywhere if it rips
It won’t work for every dog
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.
Adorable rainbow-colored cone
Can be fastened to the collar
Drawstring for tightening
Can be easily spot cleaned
- 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
- Polystyrene balls everywhere if it rips
- It won’t work for every dog
Sizes: X-small, small
Material: Lycra
Color: Blue
Fastener: Drawstring
The drawbacks are that it doesn’t give your dog any peripheral vision, and it might tear if your dog scratches at it enough.
Pros
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
Cons
No peripheral vision
Might tear through excessive scratching
- Vital-Fri Protective Inflatable Donut Collar
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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.
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
- 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
- No peripheral vision
- Might tear through excessive scratching
Sizes: Small, medium, large, x-large
Material: Polyester & PVC
Color: Yellow
Fastener: Attaches to collar
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.
Pros
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
Cons
Might deflate
Doesn’t stop all dogs from reaching the wound
The zipper sometimes breaks
- Supet Adjustable Dog Cone
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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.
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
- 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
- Might deflate
- Doesn’t stop all dogs from reaching the wound
- The zipper sometimes breaks
Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large, xx-large
Material: PVC Plastic
Color: Clear
Fastener: Velcro
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.
Pros
Traditional plastic semi-transparent cone
Edges are covered in a softer fabric
Very lightweight
Cons
Measurements aren’t accurate
Velcro is loud
The Alfie Pet Noah Lion Recovery Collar will make your adorable dog an adorable lion with this cone. It’s in a super soft and plush fabric, so it will be comfortable for your dog to wear. It’s light, fastened with three separate Velcro strips, and is machine washable.
Traditional plastic semi-transparent cone
Edges are covered in a softer fabric
Very lightweight
- Traditional plastic semi-transparent cone
- Edges are covered in a softer fabric
- Very lightweight
Measurements aren’t accurate
Velcro is loud
- Measurements aren’t accurate
- Velcro is loud
Sizes: X-small, large, x-large, xx-large
Material: Soft fabric
Color: Brown
Fastener: Velcro
However, like some of the others, the sizing is off, plus smaller dogs might end up walking or tripping on it. It’s also floppy, so some dogs might still reach the wound or incision area.
Pros
Collar will make your dog an adorable lion
Soft and comfortable
Light and machine washable
Fastened with 3 Velcro strips
Cons
Sizing is off for some dogs
Smaller dogs might walk or trip on it
Too floppy to work for every dog
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.
Collar will make your dog an adorable lion
Soft and comfortable
Light and machine washable
Fastened with 3 Velcro strips
- Collar will make your dog an adorable lion
- Soft and comfortable
- Light and machine washable
- Fastened with 3 Velcro strips
Sizing is off for some dogs
Smaller dogs might walk or trip on it
Too floppy to work for every dog
Sizing is off for some dogs
Smaller dogs might walk or trip on it
Too floppy to work for every dog
See Also: 10 Best Flea Collar for Dogs; Reviews & Top Picks
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’s 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.
Location of the Wound/Incision
What you’re 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.
Conclusion: Best Dog Cone
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!
See also: 7 Effective DIY Dog Cones You Can Make Today
Featured Image Credit: Kittima05, Shutterstock
