The Best Inflatable Dog E-Collars in 2024
Dogs have a bad habit of biting or licking their wounds, which can make it difficult for injured areas to heal. Until recently, the classic dog cone was usually used to help dogs recover from surgeries and injuries. While the dog cone may work in theory, it’s very uncomfortable for dogs and can easily be broken.
Inflatable E-collars offer a much more comfortable and effective solution to post-surgery biting. These collars are soft, snug and durable, and dogs seem to like them a lot more than the “cone of shame.” If you’re in the market for an E-collar for your dog, there are a lot of choices out there. To help you find the best one, we’ve narrowed down your choices to the top five.
Our Top 5 List
Last update on 2024-11-11 at 20:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Remzchu Cone E-Collar
Is your dog healing from a surgical procedure or flying in a first class jet? It will be hard to tell with this E-collar that looks like an expensive neck pillow. This collar features a soft plush-like cover that is totally bite and scratch resistant. The cover is also removable and washable so that you can keep the collar clean.
A big part of comfort is a good fit, and this E-collar is designed to fit snugly by attaching to your dog’s normal collar. Just insert your dog’s everyday collar through the inner ring loops of the E-collar and then attach it to your dog’s neck. After the E-collar is on, further adjustments can be made using the front strap.
Takeaways
- Removable cover made of soft material.
- Attaches to dog’s normal collar.
- Deflates for easy storage.
- Bite and scratch resistant material.
- Doesn’t block dog’s vision.
2. Midog Pet Collar
Are you worried about finding the perfect size E-collar for your dog? MIDOG makes a premium-quality E-collar in five different sizes so everyone from a teacup Chihuahua to a St. Bernard can recover from surgery in style. This collar is made of soft, breathable jersey cotton and features an adjustable buckle.
The removable cover on this E-collar is made from fabric especially designed for easy cleaning. Pet hair doesn’t stick to it, and the cotton jersey can be machine-washed. The inside of the E-collar is PVC, which is also easy to clean. Three adjustable straps can be attached to your dog’s normal collar so that the E-collar fits snugly.
Takeaways
- Removable cotton cover.
- Available in five sizes.
- Connects to dog’s normal collar.
- Allows dogs to eat, drink and play like usual.
3. PetAZ Pet Recovery Collar
This E-collar is another great choice for helping your dog recover from an injury. The soft outer lining is comfortable for your dog, and it can be removed for washing. Fit this E-collar to your pet’s neck by inserting their normal collar into the attached straps and using the front adjustment.
There are a couple of features that make this collar different from the other E-collar options. The first feature is the extra secure buckle closure that is very similar to the buckles you might see on a life jacket. The second feature is the air pipe that makes inflation a little more convenient.
Takeaways
- Soft, removable fabric cover.
- Inner air pipe.
- Secure buckle closure.
- Available in three different sizes.
4. GoodBoy Comfortable E-Collar
There’s no reason why an injured doggy should have to wear a boring gray collar. The GoodBoy E-collar is unapologetically pink and gives me serious donut vibes when I look at it. This bright, fun recovery collar has a removable soft lining, a hidden air valve and collar loops for a snug fit.
Unlike the old cone, your dog may actually enjoy wearing this comfortable E-collar and find it makes a cozy pillow at naptime. If too much doggy drool gets on the collar, just remove the lining and clean it in the washing machine. This collar comes in three sizes for different dog breads. If you are unsure what size to get, remember that the larger a collar is on your dog, the more restrictive it will be.
Takeaways
- Fun pink and gray design.
- Soft, removable fabric lining.
- Attaches to dog’s normal collar.
- Available in three sizes.
5. Bencmate Protective Collar
Preventing your dog from reaching injured areas is helpful, but not if it interferes with your dog’s daily routine. This E-collar allows your dog enough range of motion to continue eating, drinking, sleeping and playing as usual. The soft outer material can be washed, and the whole collar can be deflated for easy storage when it’s not in use.
For the perfect fit, just string your dog’s collar through the attached loops and then adjust the outer strap. The outer strap can also be positioned on your dog’s back so that there is no temptation to chew on it. Available in five different sizes, this E-collar can help dogs with neck circumferences up to 25 inches.
Takeaways
- Soft, removable lining.
- Deflates for easy storage.
- Available in five sizes.
- Fits onto dog’s collar.
There are so many inflatable E-collars to choose from, but I’ve found that the Renzchu E-collar is the best on the market. This collar has everything that I’m looking for in a good E-collar, plus it’s available at a great price. I like that this collar is comfortable, adjustable, washable and easy to store.
One of things I like best about the Renzchu collar is that the outside fabric is so soft and comfortable. When a dog is injured or recovering after surgery, I want to give them a collar that can double as a pillow. The Renzchu collar also comes in an attractive bright blue color that looks great on all dogs.
Buying Guide
Inflatable E-collars have become very popular with dog owners because they have replaced a product that nobody liked. The plastic dog cone of yesteryear was an uncomfortable, unsightly annoyance for dogs that were already dealing with an injury. The nickname “cone of shame” was given to the device because dogs tended to turn their faces down and become depressed when they wore it.
The inflatable collar is a much better alternative to the cone because it is more durable and comfortable for dogs. Instead of turning their faces down in embarrassment, dogs seem to enjoy wearing the soft collar and some even use it as a pillow. The E-collar is also much harder to break or remove than the cone, so it really does its job of preventing biting and licking.
When to Use an E-collar
Dogs need E-collars for a lot of different reasons, but they are most commonly used for surgery recovery. If your animal hospital sends your dog home in a standard cone, I would recommend replacing it with an E-collar right away. The soft cushion will give your dog a comfortable place to lay his head in the following days as he rests and recovers. When your dog becomes more alert, the E-collar will stop him from investigating his fresh surgical wound.
E-collars are also commonly used for dogs that have normal everyday scratches, cuts, sores or rashes on their bodies. When dogs are uncomfortable or have an annoying wound, they might injure it further if they are left to their own devices. Elderly dogs that don’t do a lot of running around can be especially prone to excessive biting and licking of wounds. Fitting a dog with an E-collar for a few days can give small wounds time to heal.
What features to look for
Durable
You should choose an E-Collar that is made of durable, bite-resistant material that will last. Choosing a collar with sturdy construction is also important. The seams and buckles should be strong so that your dog can’t get the collar off or rip a hole in it while playing.
Soft and Comfortable
Just like people, dogs need a lot of TLC when they are recovering from surgery. Choosing an E-collar that can double as a pillow can help your dog get the valuable rest she needs while her body heals. I would always recommend selecting an E-collar that comes with a soft cover.
Attaches to Collar
Your dog is already accustomed to wearing a collar, so it’s best to buy an E-collar that can attach to his normal collar. This can help your dog to adjust to wearing the E-collar because it won’t feel so weird on his neck. Most E-collars come with straps that the everyday dog collar can fit into, so in my opinion, collar attachment is a must-have feature.
Machine Washable
When dogs have unhealed wounds, keeping them clean is very important. Inflatable E-collars usually come with a removable fabric cover that can be cleaned in the washing machine. I would not recommend purchasing an E-collar that is hard to clean because your dog needs to stay as healthy as possible after surgery.
Choosing the Correct Size For Your Dog
Most of the top brands of inflatable E-collars offer several sizes for different breeds of dogs. The right size to choose for your dog will depend on your dog’s size, neck circumference and its chewing habits.
E-collar sizing may be listed based on dog breed, dog size or neck circumference measurements. I would look for neck circumference measurements when deciding on the correct size because this is usually the most accurate. If your dog is between sizes, most dog owners say to go with the larger collar, as it will be the most restrictive.
You may decide to select an inflatable E-collar that is made for a slightly larger dog breed as a way to prevent your dog from biting its legs. Some dogs with longer snouts and longer legs are able to reach their legs when wearing a normal sized E-collar.
We are the Pet Dog Pals, a group of avid pet owners, bloggers, product testers, and writers for all your canine needs! We own a collective 16 dogs and 21 cats to help us test and review pet products. Our top lists and tips come from experience to help you be the best dog owner you can be!