Beyond the Cone: Stress-Free Recovery Options for Your Dog

We all know the “cone of shame*” look - that big plastic lampshade** your dog wears after surgery or an injury. It’s supposed to keep them from licking, chewing, or scratching wounds. And yes, sometimes it’s necessary.

But, here’s the thing: cones are not the only option.

In fact, for many dogs, they’re uncomfortable, stressful, and downright impractical. 

The good news? There are kinder, comfier alternatives that still protect wounds, and may even help your dog heal more quickly.

*cone of recovery and cone of healing are often used as more dignified terms!

** also, not dissimilar to a Martini glass, some might say … 

Why cones can cause more trouble than they solve

For some dogs, the cone is simply an inconvenience. For others, it’s a genuine source of distress.

• Stress slows healing - anxiety increases stress hormones, which can delay recovery.
• Daily life disrupted - cones can make eating, drinking, sleeping, and navigating the house tricky. Maybe even terrifying.
• Mobility issues exacerbated - senior dogs or those with existing joint problems may struggle to balance and move safely.
• Increased injury risk - dogs can bang into doorways, trip on stairs, or scrape themselves trying to get the cone off.
• Bruised legs - ever had a cone-wearing dog run into the back of your knees?

So while cones do prevent licking and chewing, they can create a whole new set of challenges.

Alternatives to the traditional cone

There’s no “one size fits all” in post-surgery care. 

The right choice depends on what the procedure was, where the wound is, your dog’s body shape, and their temperament and comfort levels.

Here are some effective alternatives:

1. Recovery suits

These are a body suit that protects the surgical site. Styles vary. My go-to is the MediPaw Recovery Suit. I stock them because they work, they are comfortable, they are easy to use, and my own dogs did very well in them. You can read more about how I found these when I was looking for a suit for Tigg.

• Soft, breathable fabric for comfort.
• Protects wounds or bandages without restricting movement.
• Reduces stress (and therefore speeds up healing).

            

2. Recovery boots

Perfect for paw injuries, stitches, and covering post-surgery bandages. The MediPaw Protective Boots shield the wound or bandage from dirt, moisture, and licking while allowing your dog to walk normally.

• Durable and provides traction - which is distinctly lacking when wearing a plastic bag on your foot!
• Easy to put on and take off.
• Ideal for outdoor bathroom breaks and gentle pottering during recovery.

3. Other options

While I don’t stock these, you might also hear about:

• Soft cones/collars - a flexible fabric version of the cone.
• Inflatable collars - like a travel pillow for dogs.
• Rigid foam neck collars - prevent head-turning without covering the face.

These are all viable options, and can work in certain situations, but they’re still more likely to increase stress for the wearer, especially if they haven’t been conditioned to wear them prior to use.

If a cone is unavoidable, train for comfort

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a cone might be the safest choice. In that case, a little preparation can make a big difference.

One of my favourite cooperative-care training exercises is teaching dogs to choose to put their head into things. You can start with:

1. Easy wins - present a paper bag, then mark and reward when your dog pops their head in. After a few reps, cut the bottom out of the bag, and let them ‘wear’ it around their neck.
2. Change the feel - try a cardboard box (again, cut the bottom open, so it’s a cardboard ‘collar’), a big fabric loop (wrap a scarf around a circle of wire coat hanger, or even just an oversized collar), or a wide-brim hat or sun-visor.
3. Add movement of the object - gently wiggle the object so your dog gets used to weird flapping or bumping sensations.
4. Add movement of the dog - use a treat magnet to get your dog moving with the ‘thing’ around their head.
5. Short sessions - keep it fun, positive, and pressure-free. Be generous with the cookies.

Want to see how it works? Here’s a short demo.

These games can build your dog’s confidence, reduce fear, and mean that if a cone is ever needed, it’s far less stressful for everyone.

Comfort aides recovery

Protecting the wound is only half the job. Keeping your dog calm, happy, and mobile is just as important for a smooth, speedy recovery.

That’s why I stock MediPaw Recovery Suits and Boots. They're vet-approved, dog-friendly, and, in my experience, the least stressful way to keep wounds safe.

Recovery time shouldn’t mean boredom. Simple, low-energy enrichment activities - like a gentle sniff-and-find game indoors, or a safe, natural chew - can help your dog relax, reduce stress, and make the healing time pass more peacefully. For everyone.

If your dog is heading into surgery or dealing with an injury, I’m happy to help you find and implement the right recovery gear and calming activities for their needs. You can check out MediPaw products here in my shop or get in touch for tailored advice.

If you're curious to know how I first landed on MediPaw, you can read about that here

Links to other resources -  

MediPaw recovery suits and boots sizing and info videos on my YouTube 

Wolly's 'Head in Things' demo video