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Inflatable Dog Collars | Do They Work? (The Truth)

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If your furry friend has ever had to undergo a procedure, you’ll be familiar with the cone of shame; a plastic cone that prevents them from licking and scratching their injuries or stitches. 

Now, cones made from plastic aren’t exactly the most comfortable thing for your dog to wear, but what else is there to do?

Luckily, the ever-evolving world of pet accessories has created multiple, comfier, alternatives to a cone — including the inflatable dog collar. But how effective is this type of collar? Are they all what they’re cracked up to be?

Are Inflatable Dog Collars Effective:

While inflatable dog collars are much more comfortable than a traditional plastic cone, they also give a dog more range of movement to lick or bite at their wound. The effectiveness of an inflatable dog collar largely depends on the location of your dog’s wound.

Throughout this post we’ll be discussing whether an inflatable dog collar is actually effective, whether they’re a good alternative to a plastic cone, and other facts that you should consider before getting one for your dog.

Let’s jump right in!

Do Inflatable Dog Collars Work?

Inflatable dog collars sure look comfier than plastic cones, but do they actually work? We’ve tried and tested this type of collar, and will discuss all you need to know below. 

Will An Inflatable Dog Collar Prevent My Dog From Licking/Biting Their Wound?

Inflatable dog collars are comfy alternatives to plastic cones, but also smaller in diameter than the traditional plastic cone. 

This means that your dog will have more range to reach and possibly lick their wound.

Whether an inflatable dog collar will prevent your dog from licking their wound, therefore, depends on the location of your dog’s wound. As well as how easily your dog can reach spots on their body in general. 

Which Areas Become Difficult For a Dog To Reach?

Generally, the areas that are closest to the inflatable collar become virtually impossible for your dog to lick or nibble at.

Places like their neck, shoulders, and higher up on their legs for example. Because the inflatable cone makes it as though they have a chubbier neck, they aren’t able to reach places that are super close to the collar.

Which Areas Are Still Accessible When Wearing An Inflatable Dog Collar?

Since inflatable dog collars are best at preventing a dog from messing with wounds closest to the collar, if they have a wound that’s not close to their neck this type of collar won’t be super effective.

Despite wearing an inflatable dog collar a dog will still likely be able to reach their paws, some spots on their legs and back, and some dogs are still able to reach their bums. Your dog being able to access certain areas will also depend on their size, flexibility and reach of their tongue.

Dog owners should, therefore, consider buying a different cone, such as the plastic cone, when their dog has an injury in these locations.

Are Inflatable Dog Collars Comfortable?

One of the main reasons that dog owners buy inflatable collars instead of plastic cones, is because they are much more comfortable. 

Think of the inflatable dog collar as the comfy neck pillow you would wear on a long flight. Many people find that their dogs didn’t have much trouble getting used to an inflatable dog collar.

They were able to move easily, eat their food with comfort, and even still enjoy some good ol’ fetch.

Some people also find that their dog sleeps more comfortably while wearing the inflatable collars, as it doubles as a comfy, portable pillow. 

Who knows? You might just want to buy one for yourself! 

Do Inflatable Dog Collars Work Better Than A Cone?

The Pros

An inflatable dog is certainly more comfortable than a plastic cone, and allows your dog to continue with their usual routine of sleeping, eating and playing, without added discomfort. 

The U-shape of the collar is also easy to place on your dog, and unlike with a plastic cone, they will likely not even notice they’re wearing something to stop them from tampering with their wound (or grow used to it very quickly).

If their wound is close to their neck then an inflatable dog collar would be a great alternative to a plastic cone.

Something that will get the job done while still being comfortable for your dog to wear.

Not to mention a little more flattering.

The Cons 

The fact that an inflatable dog collar is smaller in diameter, means it doesn’t prevent access to all parts of your dog’s body. Dogs will still likely be able to lick their paws, some places on their back as well as their rear ends. 

Also, as an inflatable dog collar is filled with air, there’s the possibility that it deflates or pops and becomes useless.

Are Inflatable Dog Collars Safe?

So long as it’s not too tight around their neck, yes, an inflatable dog collar is absolutely safe.

The same general rule applies to inflatable dog collars as with regular collars. You don’t ever want it to be too tight around their neck where it could make it difficult for them to breathe.

Too loose isn’t good either as they could slip out of it and run off somewhere putting themselves in danger.

As long as it’s snug, without being too tight, it’s safe for your pup.

Also, the collar could pop while your dog is wearing it and give them a good spook. While this wouldn’t likely cause a long-term negative effect, it could startle the daylight out of them!

Related Reading: Do Dog Collars Cause Tracheal Collapse? (The Truth)

When Should a Dog Wear An Inflatable Collar?

Sure, inflatable cones are comfortable, but when should your dog be wearing one?

When They’ve Recently Had Surgery Or Have a Wound In General

As mentioned earlier in this post, inflatable dog collars are not perfect for all wounds. Especially with ones that are somewhat far away from their neck. 

If, however, your dog has a wound below their neck, high on their legs, or directly behind them on their neck or shoulders, an inflatable dog collar should work perfectly fine. 

Until Their Wound Is Healed

It’s usually recommended that dogs wear their cones or collars until their wound is completely healed. This way, the wound doesn’t need to be covered (which will allow the wound to heal faster).

However, it’s still recommended that you discuss how long your dog should wear an inflatable collar with your vet. 

If They Have Allergies

Inflatable dog collars aren’t just for when your dog has a physical wound. These collars can also be used if they have allergies and prevent them from licking a certain spot on their body. If they were to lick the area too often it could create a sore which any dog mom or dad would like to avoid.

Can My Dog Sleep While Wearing An Inflatable Collar?

Yes! You won’t have to worry about your dog losing sleep while wearing an inflatable collar.

Many people find that their dog sleeps even more comfortably while wearing inflatable collars as it doubles as a comfy, portable pillow.

How Tight Should An Inflatable Collar Be?

Any type of collar should always fit snugly around your dog’s neck. The general rule of thumb is that two fingers should be able to fit between the collar and your dog’s neck. If not, you know that the collar is too tight. If you can fit more, it’s too loose and should be tightened.

Final Thoughts

If your dog has a wound that you want to prevent them from licking, inflatable dog collars can be a wonderful solution.

However, not all wound locations become inaccessible when a dog wears an inflatable collar. As long as the wound is in close proximity to their neck, an inflatable dog collar can be super effective.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Can a Collar Make a Dog Itchy? (Simply Explained!)

What’s a Weighted Collar For? (6 Interesting Facts!)

Do Dog Collars Cause Tracheal Collapse? (The Truth)