BiteNot Collar

A padded neck brace, not a cone: it limits how far the neck can bend, so the dog cannot turn to lick or chew the body, while its view stays clear.

Who it suits

Dogs with a clear neck whose wound or stitches are on the body, back, flanks or base of the tail, where the vet agrees a neck brace can replace a cone, and dogs that panic when a cone blocks their view.

Key facts

• Cervical-style collar that stops the neck bending far enough to reach the body (KVP)
• Sized by depth: measure from the base of the ear to the top of the shoulder blade, then check neck circumference (KVP)
• Seven dog sizes, 3.5 to 8 inches deep, plus two cat sizes (KVP)

What reviewers say

Whole Dog Journal (2017): Barbara Dobbins tried it on her own dog in a June 2017 test of recovery collars the magazine bought itself. It did not block side vision or eating and drinking, was easy to put on, well padded and hard for the dog to remove, but it must be sized correctly or it can hurt the shoulders or ears, heat and moisture can build up under it, and its edges are hard. Her dog became noticeably subdued in it.

Whole Dog Journal (2010): Nancy Kerns, testing on a Sheltie after surgery in July 2010, rated it her top choice for a dog who has escaped everything else, as long as the dog has a clear neck; she would not pick it for nearly neckless breeds such as Pugs.

We did not test it ourselves.

Pros

• Clear side vision; eating and drinking unaffected
• Hard for most dogs to remove

Cons

• Must fit the neck length exactly
• Not for wounds on the face, ears or lower legs; may not suit very short necks

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 dog while it is worn, especially at first.