8 Best Inflatable Dog Collars

Traditional recovery e-collars have earned a bad reputation among pet owners, and most dogs dislike wearing them. The next best alternative is inflatable dog collars, which are more comfortable, do not scratch the furniture, and are easy on the eyes.

When shopping for one, note the size of your dog – it will determine the size of the inflatable collar you pick.

Your dog should not be able to lick or paw at the area you need to be protected. Ideally, choose an inflatable dog collar that is easily washable, durable enough if the dog bumps into things, and, of course, comfortable for your pet.

How to use inflatable dog collars:

1. Open the package and inflate the collar until it feels full but not too hard.
2. Place the collar around a dog’s neck and tighten the Velcro strip until the collar is securely in place. Make sure there's a two-finger space between the collar and neck.
3. Slide the collar around in a position where the collar's opening is at the back of your dog's head. This is to prevent the dog from biting at the Velcro strip.
4. You should monitor your pet when using an inflatable collar, especially during the first use, to ensure they cannot reach their wound or surgery site. Some inflatable dog collars may not work for all dogs or conditions.

 

Pay attention to the manufacturer's sizing chart. Most dog inflatable collars use a similar design, and the sizes will also be nearly the same.

How to pick the right size inflatable dog collar for your pet:

Extra-Small: Neck circumference from 3 to 5 inches
Small: Neck circumference from 5 to 7 inches
Medium: Neck circumferences from 7 to 11 inches
Large: Neck circumferences from 11 to 18 inches
Extra-Large: Neck circumferences from 18 to 26 inches

Alternatives to Traditional Recovery Collars for Dogs

Traditional e-collars (recovery cones, Elizabethan collars, etc.) have been referred to by many names, including “cone of shame,” “lampshade,” and even “dog radar dish.”

Those old-school collars have gained a bad reputation all around, but they serve a necessary function for dogs' recovery from surgery or with specific conditions.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to the dreaded recovery cones. Other than some of the best inflatable dog collars listed below, you can also choose from:

• Cloth cones. Made from cloth, they will be more comfortable for your pet, easily store, and generally look good. The downside is that they are likely to collapse way too easily, meaning your pet will end up getting at their wound.
• Padded collars. Also better than e-collars, they allow for a better field of vision for the dog, are much more comfortable to wear, and look good. Generally, they're better for large breeds, and due to their design, it's essential to monitor the dog always when they are wearing one of these.
• Pillow collars. Inflatable collars (what we're discussing here) are sometimes referred to as pillow collars, and on the list of alternatives, they're likely the best option. They look better. They're comfortable and simple to use, all while serving the primary function of not allowing the dog to get at their wounds to lick.

Finally, you can also make your own DIY homemade recovery dog cone or collar. You can make it feel just as comfortable, look good, and spend little to nothing on it.

Here's a guide on how to make your own recovery collar in a few simple steps.

This is what it would look like:

If the “do it yourself” is not something you're interested in, and your pooch refuses to wear traditional recovery cones, then one of the inflatable dog collars below will be your best bet.

While they're ranked according to how we liked them, they all generally use the same design and materials and look similar. Prices vary only slightly.

8 Best Inflatable Dog Collars

1 Inflatable Dog Collar
by Pet Link

Available in five sizes (from 3 to 26 inches), the Pet Link inflatable dog collar is as durable as comfortable.

The first thing you'll notice is how it's made from very soft plush material, compared to many others. Your pet’s neck won’t get irritated (a somewhat common issue), and they will still be able to eat and drink easily.

You can adjust the Velcro strap located at the front of the collar for added security or for dogs whose neck size is in between the suggested circumferences.

Finally, the durable air valve easily pops up for inflation or deflation (when not in use).

» PROS: Affordable, durable, adjustable, soft and comfortable, available in five sizes, easy to clean, economical.

« CONS: Read the manufacturer’s guidelines because this collar will not be suitable for many breeds.

 

2 Cloud E-Collar
by KONG

The KONG company has designed one of the best inflatable dog collars for an affordable price. It is available in five sizes (x-small to x-large) and is made from durable yet easily washable material.

Like the above collar, this one was also soft and comfortable enough for our dog to wear all day.

It scratches neither the dog's neck nor our furniture like most traditional recovery e-collars. This one also includes collar loops on the inner part of the product for added security.

» PROS: Budget-friendly, three collar loops, uses a soft, washable outer fabric, durable inflatable bladder, won't scratch the dog's neck or furniture, comfortable.

« CONS: May not be suitable for some conditions (front paws, facial), as the dog may still be able to reach those spots.

 

3 Inflatable Recovery Collar
by ZenPet

One of the great features of the ZenPet recovery collar is its washable and comfy cotton fleece cover. Unzip it, remove the inflatable “bladder,” and machine wash.

This unit not only comes with an adjustable Velcro piece, but you can also slip your pet’s collar through the three inner rings for added security.

The bladder itself is designed with heavy-duty PVC material, which is durable and waterproof, and the inflation valve can be used by mouth or with a balloon pump.

» PROS: Available in four sizes, removable and comfortable cover, easy to inflate and deflate, adjustable Velcro and inner rings for the collar, comes with a hand pump for inflating, durable PVC material.

« CONS: May not be suitable for very small or active dogs.

 

4 Protective Inflatable Collar for Dogs
by BENCMATE

The BENCMATE inflatable dog collars are all made with a soft yet durable zippered cover that you can easily remove for machine washing.

It's available in five sizes to fit most pets, and ours came with handy collar loops and an adjustable strap for added security.

This recovery dog collar is mostly designed to keep your pup from licking the “affected” area but will allow it to see, eat, drink, and sleep without issues.

There's even a loop to attach your dog's leash to. Although this unit is available in x-small, the sizing for some tiny dog breeds (and cats) may still be tricky.

» PROS: Durable collar and leash attachments, machine-washable, soft material, tough inner bladder, easy-to-inflate valve, comfortable.

« CONS: May was unsuitable for all injuries or affected areas and may not work on smaller breeds (and cats).

 

5 Dog Cone After Surgery
by E-KOMG

Here is another very durable e-collar for dogs with a soft protective cover that can easily unzip for washing.

These inflatable dog collars are available in four sizes (from small to x-large) to fit most breeds, but we recommend going up in size for those dogs that fall in between the stated sizing chart.

The E-KOMG inflatable pet collar also has three inner collar loops and an adjustable strap for a secure hold.

It will be more comfortable for post-op dogs than most traditional e-cones.

» PROS: Economical, three inner collar loops, adjustable strap, removable and washable cover, soft and comfortable.

« CONS: May was not suitable for all injuries. Collar sizing varies.

 

6

Calm Paws Behavior Support Protective Inflatable Collar XSmall w/Dog Calming Disc by Calm Paws

Made from comfy, breathable, “non-stick” cotton, Calm Paws top-rated inflatable dog collars are generally a better alternative to the “cone of shame.”

Our unit was made to fit snugly around our dog’s neck with three inner collar loops and an adjustable metal buckle.

The inner bladder is made from durable PVC and is available in five sizes to suit most breeds’ necks.

This recovery collar is large enough to keep a dog from licking its wounds but is not so bulky that it obstructs your pet's line of sight.

» PROS: Adjustable buckle-strap and inner collar loops for added security, soft, washable fabric, inner bladder made from PVC material, comes in five sizes

« CONS: Sizing may be off. Some dogs may be able to slide out of it.

 

7 Comfortable Recovery E-Collar for Dogs
by GoodBoy

This economical post-surgery collar for dogs is durable and can be easily folded when not in use.

The inflation tube is simple to use – pinch and blow – and the collar is available in four sizes.

The GoodBoy comfort dog collar came already equipped with a quick-release buckle that missed our dog’s fur, unlike a few others, and its soft outer cover is easily washable.

This company also offers a full refund if your pet manages to chew through or puncture a hole in this collar.

» PROS: Affordable, available in four sizes, comes with a quick-release buckle that won’t snag the fur, puncture, and chew-resistant, collar loops and an adjustable strap, removable, washable cover, soft and comfortable, dog and vet-approved.

« CONS: Only available in pink with grey.

 

8 Protective Inflatable Recovery Collar for Dogs
by ProCollar

Made from high-quality, water-resistant nylon fabric, the durability and quality of ProCollar inflatable dog collars are just one of the many features you'll notice quickly.

It’s available in six sizes – from x-small to xx-large – with three strong inner collar loops and Velcro to secure it into place.

This unit also features a heavy-duty zipper that keeps the outer cover in place, and the pinch-and-blow valve is easy to use. Plus, it’s lightweight and comfortable for most breeds to wear.

» PROS: Made from quality nylon, water-resistant, six sizes, heavy-duty zipper, Velcro, and three inner loops for added security, the pinch-and-blow valve is easy to inflate and deflate.

« CONS: May not work for all affected areas.

Inflatable Dog Collars: Before You Go…

If your dog has been spayed, neutered, or injured, one of these best inflatable dog collars may be a more comfortable alternative to a traditional recovery e-collar for dogs (e.g., Elizabethian, cone-style).

All of these are designed to be comfortable for the dog and not scratch the furniture. They are easily washable and can be stored away when not in use.

Before buying, measure your dog’s neck and pay attention to the manufacturer's sizing chart to ensure a proper fit.

Monitor your pet while the collar is in use, especially during the first few times, to ensure the dog cannot reach the affected area or the Velcro straps and feels comfortable wearing the collar.

READ NEXT: 

• 5 Best Dog Recovery Cones to Prevent Dogs from Licking Wounds
• How to Make a Dog Cone

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