Whether a result of surgery, injury, or skin irritation, every dog needs a wound protected from time to time.
The best inflatable dog collars make a superior alternative to the traditional plastic cone of shame, and they are available in sizes to suit all breeds.
Today, we’ll review the top 10 collars in this crowded space to help you easily pick the right one for Fido.
See our related article on the Best Dog Cones and E-Collars. Compare these to inflatable dog collars to see which one is the best fit for your dog.
Do these inflatable collars actually work, then?
Do Inflatable Collars for Dogs Work?
Many people wonder whether a collar that resembles the flight pillow you probably use really work, and the answer is simple: these collars are highly effective.
They resemble a plastic cone in terms of blocking your dog’s access to his wound, but they are much more comfortable, and they won’t stop your dog from seeing properly either.
Can you let your dog wear one of these things round the clock, or should you take it off overnight?
Can Dogs Sleep with Inflatable Collars?
The design of an inflatable collar resembles a super-sized pillow, so not only is it safe for your dog to wear one of these things overnight, but he is also liable to get the best night’s sleep he’s had in ages.
A plastic cone, by contrast, is notoriously uncomfy for a dog overnight, meaning he either sleeps poorly or ends up with his wound exposed overnight, both outcomes leading to longer recovery times.
Some first-time pet owners find it tough to keep these collars on energetic dogs intent on removing them. What can you do about that?
How Do You Keep an Inflatable Collar On a Dog?
You should find with most dogs that you can use an inflatable collar on its own without any concerns.
Some dogs are always likely to try removing the collar, though, and in this case you can try attaching the collar to your dog’s existing collar for added security.
Is an Inflatable Collar Better Than a Cone?
As we’ve outlined above, an inflatable collar offers many benefits over a plastic cone of shame:
- More comfortable
- Easy for dog’s to sleep in
- Doesn’t obscure peripheral vision
- Much more maneuverable
Can I Put a Shirt On My Dog Instead Of a Cone?
Some dog owners find making a recovery cone using an old shirt can prove successful where all else fails.
Just grab any old shirt or T-shirt from the closet and make your dog his own personalized cone.
Read our related article on Why Dogs Lick Wounds and pus to learn more about the behavior and why you need an inflatable cone to prevent it!
Now, before we move on with our inflatable collar reviews, take a glimpse at the core benefits of the six leading collars:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar | • Super-simple to inflate • Plush, comfortable collar • Non-staining and non-marking |
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Runner Up: MIDOG Dog Cone Collar | • Highly adjustable • Helps prevent wound licking • Soft and breathable fabric |
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Best All Sizes: WONDAY Dog Cone | • PVC inside and polyester outside • Robust metal hardware • Comfortable yet effective |
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Best Fun Design: BINGPET Inflatable Recovery Collar | • Bite-resistant collar • Hardwearing and adjustable • Cute donut styling |
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Best For Medium Dogs: wondertail Inflatable Dog Cone | • Easy to inflate and deflate • Doesn’t take up much storage space • Comfortable and durable |
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Best For Girl Dog: KittyStar Soft Inflatable Dog Collar | • Pretty in pink for female dogs • Highly adjustable • Doesn’t block dog’s vision |
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10 Best Inflatable Dog Collars
1. Best Overall: Bencmate Protective Inflatable Collar (5 Out Of 5 Stars)
Features
- Neck size: 3 inches
- Weight: 2.4oz
- Dimensions: 8.2 x 4.2 x 2 inches
Our favorite overall in today’s showcase of the best inflatable collars comes from Bencmate in a wide variety of sizes to suit most breeds.
This extra-small collar is perfect for small breeds with necks to 3 inches, and you’ll help prevent wound licking after surgery or an accident, but without blocking Fido’s vision.
Comfortable yet hardwearing, you’ll find this collar is a cinch to inflate, and it’s just as easy to take off, deflate, and store in a small space.
What We Liked
- Soft and comfortable
- Won’t mark or stain furniture
- Easy to inflate by pinching and blowing
What We Didn’t Like
- Some issues with dogs accessing wounds
2. Runner Up: MIDOG Dog Cone Collar (5 Out Of 5 Stars)
Features
- Neck size: 18 to 24 inches
- Weight: 1.34 pounds
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches
A close runner-up in our collection of inflatable dog collars comes from MIDOG in the form of this comfortable and breathable collar ideal if your dog has an injury or wound.
You’ll get the support and wound licking prevention offered by a plastic cone of shame, but without the restrictions.
Use the metal buckle to tweak the fit and you can stop your dog from worrying his wound without causing him any further discomfort.
What We Liked
- Breathable fabric
- Adjustable buckle
- Keeps dog from licking wounds
What We Didn’t Like
- Too many points of failure
3. Best All Sizes: WONDAY Dog Cone (4.5 Out Of 5 Stars)
Features
- Neck size: 14 to 18 inches
- Weight: 11.68oz
- Dimensions: 10.39 x 6.34 x 1.97 inches
WONDAY serves up a soft and inflatable dog cone that makes a great alternative to the hard and brittle plastic cones traditionally used after surgery.
This collar is made from a waterproof PVC inside, with the outside made of soft but hardwearing polyester.
Not only will your dog feel comfortable wearing this collar, but it’s also available in a broad spread of sizes to suit just about any breed.
What We Liked
- Great choice of sizes and colors
- Metal buckle for adjustment
- Polyester outside and PVC inside
What We Didn’t Like
- Some leaking reported
4. Best Fun Design: BINGPET Inflatable Recovery Collar (4.5 Out Of 5 Stars)
Features
- Neck size: 7 to 11 inches
- Weight: 5.29oz
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 7.17 x 2.76 inches
Shaped like a donut, this funky inflatable collar from BINGPET is well worth popping on your shortlist if your dog has had surgery or picked up an injury.
This is the small collar intended for breeds with necks from 7 to 11 inches, but there are also four larger options at your disposal if you have a beefier pup at home.
Made from a rugged polyester that’s bite-resistant while still soft and comfortable enough for all-day use, this is one of the best inflatable recovery collars out there.
What We Liked
- Cute donut shape
- Adjustable buckle and safety buckle
- Soft and bite-resistant fabric
What We Didn’t Like
- Not great for bigger breeds
5. Best For Medium Dogs: Wondertail Inflatable Dog Cone (4.5 Out Of 5 Stars)
Features
- Neck size: 8 to 14 inches
- Weight: 4.27oz
- Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.94 x 2.24 inches
wondertail offers one of best inflatable collars for medium dogs with this bright yellow cone. If this sizing doesn’t suit, there are plenty of other options in this line, both larger and smaller.
The adjustable buckle lets you get a customized fit for Rover, ensuring that he doesn’t access his wound while he is recovering from surgery or an injury.
If you find the collar is slightly too big and seems to fall off easily, you can attach it over the top of your dog’s existing collar, taking advantage of the three straps baked in to hold it in place.
What We Liked
- Multiple sizes to suit
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Doesn’t take up much storage space
What We Didn’t Like
- Some customer service issues
6. Best For Girl Dog: KittyStar Soft Inflatable Dog Collar (4 Out Of 5 Stars)
Features
- Neck size: 14 to 18 inches
- Weight: 8.15oz
- Dimensions: 8.54 x 7.05 x 2.68 inches
This bright pink collar from KittyStar is ideal for any girl dogs recovering from surgery or injury.
Much more comfortable than a hard plastic cone, this soft yet long-lasting fabric collar keeps your dog from licking her wound while keeping her comfort uppermost.
Like all the best inflatable collars, Fido will still enjoy full peripheral vision, something that can’t be said for the traditional plastic cone of shame.
What We Liked
- Comes in pink or blue
- Doesn’t block peripheral vision
- Comfy and padded
What We Didn’t Like
- Some snags with sizing
7. Best For Small Dogs: Dunhuang Protective Dog Collar (4 Out Of 5 Stars)
Features
- Neck size: 7 to 8 inches
- Weight: 2.4oz
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.2 x 1.14 inches
As we near the end of our collection of the best inflatable dog collars, we have a great options for small breeds from Dunhuang.
Choose from several sizes to suit most small breeds, from the tiniest teacups to the larger end of the small breed stable.
Easy to use and easy to keep clean, as well as remarkably effective, treat your dinky dog next time they need a wound protected from constant licking.
What We Liked
- Wide array of colors to suit
- Multiple sizes for small breeds
- Easy to use and keep clean
What We Didn’t Like
- Could be wider to prevent wound licking
8. Best For Big Dogs: SCENEREAL Inflatable Recovery Collar (4 Out Of 5 Stars)
Features
- Neck size: 14 to 17.5 inches
- Weight: 9.14oz
- Dimensions: 9.25 x 8.78 x 2.13 inches
SCENEREAL serves up an inflatable collar styled like a car tire that makes a great fit for any bigger breeds with an injury or wound from surgery that needs protecting.
If you allow your dog to lick at a wound, he may well rip out the sutures, and the wound or injury will ultimately take longer to heal.
Constructed from a soft and dog-friendly fabric, there’s no excuse for using a cone of shame when there are inflatable collars that work this well.
What We Liked
- Eye-catching car tire design
- Continuously inflatable
- Soft and fun to wear
What We Didn’t Like
- Not the most protective of collars
9. Best Solid Colors: Katoggy Inflatable Dog Cone (4 Out Of 5 Stars)
Features
- Neck size: 12 to 17 inches
- Weight: 8.15oz
- Dimensions: 7.72 x 4.92 x 2.17 inches
Katoggy offers a great take on an inflatable dog cone in a choice of solid colors to suit all tastes and temperaments.
Available in several sizes to suit most breeds, this large collar is ideal for bigger breeds with necks to 17 inches.
Like all the best inflatable collars, this one can be easily stored in limited spaces when not in use. Then, if Fido ever runs into trouble again, you can whip the collar straight into action from the cupboard.
What We Liked
- Adjustable Velcro strap
- Choose from 3 vibrant colors
- Soft and dog-friendly fabric
What We Didn’t Like
- Easy for dogs to remove
10. Elephant Theme: Petotw Recovery Collar (3.5 Out Of 5 Stars)
Features
- Neck size: 9.8 to 14 inches
- Weight: 4.59oz
- Dimensions: 7.32 x 5.59 x 2.48 inches
Last but not least in our search for the best inflatable dog collars comes from Petotw.
This elephant-themed collar makes a real conversation piece rather than eliciting pity like a plastic cone of shame.
By keeping your dog from licking his wound, you’ll promote quicker recovery and have him cone-less in no time. This collar will help you achieve that without resorting to hard brittle plastic, obscuring your dog’s peripheral vision.
What We Liked
- Stylish elephant design
- Ideal for preventing wound licking
- Soft and easily inflatable
What We Didn’t Like
- Quality control concerns
