All Four Paws Comfy Cone

A soft, padded cone of foam-backed nylon with removable plastic stays, so you can make it stiffer or softer to suit your pet.

Who it suits

Dogs and cats that need a cone-style barrier after a procedure, where the vet agrees a soft cone can replace the hard plastic one, and pets that get upset bumping a rigid cone into things.

Key facts

• Foam-backed, padded, tight-gauge nylon; removable plastic stays let you adjust how stiff the cone is (All Four Paws)
• Hook-and-loop closures and three sizing strips; elastic loops at the neck to thread your pet’s collar through (All Four Paws)
• Opaque black interior meant to reduce distracting shadows; can be reversed to sit around the shoulders and chest (All Four Paws)
• Water-resistant materials you wipe clean with soapy water and a sponge; reflective edge (All Four Paws)
• The cone should reach from the neck to past the snout; the maker says to supervise your pet while it is worn (All Four Paws)

What reviewers say

Whole Dog Journal (2017): Barbara Dobbins tried it on her own dog in a June 2017 test of recovery collars that the magazine bought itself. She liked that it works as both a soft and a firm cone, felt comfortable, conformed to different shapes and closed securely. Her cautions: the solid fabric blocks side vision, the black interior gets warm and humid, the hook-and-loop is noisy, and because the edges bend, some dogs may chew it or fold it back.

Whole Dog Journal (2010): In Nancy Kerns’ July 2010 test, a Sheltie recovering from surgery wore it and seemed untroubled when it bumped into things, but it gives as little visibility as a plastic cone, and a very determined dog might bend the walls to reach some areas.

We did not test it ourselves.

Pros

• Soft and padded, with stays for extra stiffness
• Reversible to cover shoulders and chest
• Reflective edge

Cons

• Blocks side vision, per Whole Dog Journal
• Can get warm inside; a determined dog may bend it

Good to know

• Use what your vet sends home unless your vet agrees to a swap, and ask them to check the fit.
• Supervise your pet while it is worn, as the maker advises.