DIY Comfy Dog Cone | How to Make a Homemade Dog Cone Alternative

If your dog hates wearing a plastic cone (Elizabethan collar), give this DIY comfy dog cone a try. Watch the video above to learn how to make a dog cone alternative at home.
This DIY comfy dog cone is made out of a towel and duct tape. To put it on your dog, you'll need a helper and a peanut butter-smeared plate. The peanut butter-smeared plate keeps your dog still while you wrap the towel dog cone around his neck.
As with anything related to dogs, always partner with your veterinarian for any and all medical issues.
Have you tried this DIY comfy dog cone? Let us know in the comments below!
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[@gloriarauch8963]

Thank you sooo much for this!! Our girl was spayed a week ago, since then she has escaped several t-shirt set ups and the cone of shame. She didn't fight this at all and hasn't even attempted to scratch it off; much more comfortable for her. The peanut butter was genius:)

[@JustPeachyVibeyVibes]

I just want to say thank you so much! Neither I or my dogs were getting any sleep with those cones but the moment I wrapped the towels on their necks they calmed down and finally went to sleep. Thank you thank you!!!

[@jennifermcneil4897]

me too 5am fix!

[@SCOTTMEISTER007]

Thanks very helpful....I wish I could upload a pic of my pooch, he looks like a university student wearing his scarf!

[@sarahrocha1194]

Thank You so much for this video. My pup got neutered yesterday and has been crying, shaking and just standing one position with his e-collar on. After I saw your video and put your collar on him, he’s much better.

[@suzannemontagne4170]

I have a big German Shepherd. This slowed him down but didn't stop him. I cut pieces of cardboard and taped them to the outside of the towel to make it more rigid. He was still able to drink and eat but he was no longer able to turn his head enough to lick.

[@atennyson4143]

Love how you keep your PUP in his position for the demo!

[@debbiebeymer525]

This worked great on my bit mix after he was neutered. Thank you so much, if it was not for this he would have tore out his stitches. Bless you.

[@joeygmc07]

Beautiful big boy !! I just wanna hug him. Thanks for the vid. Gonna attempt this with my little dog

[@Didi_long_legs_official]

Thank you. My baby got spayed on the 8th of March and she's been licking her incision. Today is the 12th and her wound is looking odd😢 so I needed this.

[@ryanmyers8297]

Wonderful! My golden doodle can no longer reach the stitches on her hind leg, and she hasn't yet even tried to get the towel off. The traditional cone of shame completely demoralized her and kept her (and us!) up all night crying. But the towel is a game changer. Thank you!

[@mayasayonara9169]

Demoralized?...how?

[@silentj624]

I'm trying this. Just hope it stays on overnight. During the day I can watch her.

[@ohoyohummered]

My dog kept ramming his cone into the furniture until the furniture was scared and his neck was raw... I will definitely try this.. Thank you

[@PhoenixB4U]

Glad to have found this. I remember I made an Elizabethan collar a long time ago out of cardboard and it worked great, but I don't have any cardboard now so I was hoping to find a method online with something I have around the house. Thanks!

[@kimmysheface5638]

Tried this method for my 3 year old Lhasa Apso twice with two different sized towels and he still found a way to get out of it!

[@jesseobrien5864]

Did ya finally find a method that worked for you Lhasa Apso?

[@staceyb6933]

Thanks from the bottom of my heart. I have an extemely fearful anxious Doberman and this worked a treat and kept her off her stitches without scaring her to death like the cone nearly did when I tried to put one on.

[@olgaarjona7750]

Thanks for sharing your alternative, two of our american bull dogs are being neutered next week & plastic cones look TOO uncomfortable to wear around in a household of 4 dogs!!! The peanut butter trick too, GREAT idea, beats putting it in my hand & let them lick it 😝 You are GENIUS!!!😘

[@AnimalBehaviorCollege]

We're so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@herekitty77]

Oh my gosh - this is amazing!! Thank you so much!! My big girl despises the Elizabethan Collar but tolerates your homemade alternative. It actually works plus she can get in and out of the dog door and sleep comfortably. Total win!

[@sbc0422]

Thank you my dog was bite in his ear by another dog today during our walk and I really needed this help!

[@EricCiolina]

I’ve been trying to think of a different way to make one of these when I found your post. An EXCELLENT way to go. Thank you for making this video.

[@kennethgreen-jl4dd]

I LOVE YOUUUU!!!! I WAS GETTING SO TIRED OF LOOKING AT MY DOGS WITH THE CONE 😂😂😂

[@AnimalBehaviorCollege]

Happy to help!!

[@kristenbrunson5329]

Thank you so much! This helped her not lick, saving us a vet bill!

[@sissyparker2525]

Thank you so much!! I have a 13 year old small dog. She has developed small tumors on her feet and body and she chews on them. Going to do this trick now.

[@davethemagnificent2576]

Just got my boxer spayed and he will not move with the cone on. He just stands there lol. He won't walk, lay down, eat, drink or nothing. And they want him to wear it 14 days. Gonna try this method. Thanks for the video.

[@Magicstar1337]

Its late at night and my dog will not leave the wound care alone i can not get to a pet store for a cone and the fact that I just had a hysterectomy im not supported to be out and about this will definitely help thank you so much

[@TheChillje]

Bless your adorable sweet hearts! You have no idea the hell we have been going through with those cheap plastic cones. I am in DIY mode as we speak👍🏻 Y’all jam harder than smuckers! Thank you

[@RealLifeDropOut]

Thanks for this! My dog has really dry patches of skin right now and hes been gnawing so hard that hes bleeding, almost looked like he got into a dog fight! And i don't have the money to buy the medicine right now so this is very helpful!

[@neonlights3977]

Mix tea tree oil olive.oil and vaseline together .. Mix well heat up the mixture for like 10 secs in mircrowabe and let cool then apply

[@r.mitchell8616]

I am like you Summer. After years of having dogs I now know not to give him can food dog treats human food. He only gets dry food. I love him so much so I cannot spoil him for treatment I could not afford. So far 8 years and he has no issues. When I got him from the pound he had Parkinson's like symptoms the shakes. I still chose him. It's funny because it wasn't until 3 yrs in that the family and I noticed he no longer was shaking. I am very particular about anyone else feeding him food he should not have. It saves me money because his teeth are clean and his bowel movements solid which makes it easy to retrieve....even accidents in the house.ill take the nuggets on the floor in lieu of splatter ewwww. Soft food and treats make them have runny bowel movements. If given in excess which most people do.anyways um rambling but that is what has been good for me.

[@dianavp9054]

R. Mitchell what dry kibble do you feed him? My little min-pin frequently has runny poops (I suspect peanut butter) and needs frequent anal expression. Because she is nearly toothless, I need to moisten her expensive kibble. If she eats it dry, and doesn't drink enough water, she gets gut issues.

[@mhelseth1]

Thank you for this video! My dog is licking at her spay incision and we're out of town and didn't bring her cone with us. (She hates it anyway) This towel method is much softer, she won't hate it and it will help her still fit in her kennel at night, which the cone did not. Thank you for posting it!

[@WISSPORTS16]

Why do people keep dogs in kennels at night at home?

[@mhelseth1]

@@WISSPORTS16 Because we were at our cabin with another family dog and we don't want her roaming around at night getting into the other dogs food, etc. And she's used to the kennel and very comfortable in it. She lays in it freely without the gate being shut.

[@julierochforte7174]

This is great but what tape did you use to stick fast to the toweling and I would have loved to see it working in a practical demonstration. As in tying something on that he'd want to take off so we can see how it limits him. My dog has a wound on his back leg and if he has to wear this bucket thing for another day I don't think the house will be standing by mid day.

[@JenLester]

I enjoyed watching your pup eat PB more than the tutorial! Lol. Thank you!!

[@Dawn82]

I'm doing that now. Doggie got attacked by something and wont stop licking of ointment or wrapping. This will help me out, big time. Thanks!!!👍🙆‍♀️

[@tabathanewhouse7672]

Thank you for this video. I would never of thought of this. It works PERFECTLY, so THANK YOU!!!! ❤❤

[@cowboycowboy149]

Thank you I hope it’s gonna work on my super large central asian Shepherd

[@poconnell1490]

Brilliant. Will try this trick for upcoming surgery. She's pretty complacent so it just might work. Thanks

[@carmencrespo5799]

Thanks so much for posting this video I was breaking my head on how to make one and I found your video what a blessing thanks again!!!!!!!

[@enyxio2553]

This looks like a great alternative to a cone

[@meko5622]

thankyou much love coming from me and my 3 pitties!!!!

[@elvacobbmartin2020]

Good job! Maybe I'll use a hand towel or wash cloth? for my chiweenie at 6 lbs. Elva

[@reneeward9138]

You’re BRILLIANT!! Thank you so very much. I needed to find a way to stop our Blue Heeler from licking a wound. The big plastic collar from the vet makes her afraid...this is an excellent idea. Thank you again. Oh and your Rottweiler is totally GORGEOUS!!

[@reina619]

Thank you for sharing! Medical tape works too.

[@Jiminsgf246]

This is so helpful tysm my dog seems so much more happier now:)

[@justinlibbey8579]

It’s just “happier” or “more happy”…. “More happier” is the clingiest thing I have ever read in a KZbin comment section.. and people say some messed up crap in the comments

[@kathygraham4167]

I'll try this on my dog tomorrow who's getting neutered. When he wore the traditional cone before, he was a total bulldozer. He plowed through our legs and other dogs. Of course, they're not comfortable, either. I hope it works as good as it looks!

[@ohoyohummered]

My dog kept ramming his cone into the furniture until the furniture was scared and his neck was raw..

[@tiffanyscholl6608]

I will try this my German shepherd has been so hard with attaching his wound on his tail .

[@kmdavis6698]

Bless your heart this is brilliant. Thank you so much

[@HariKrishnaDara]

Tried this on my 8m old puppy of a medium size breed and realized that this technique can be made to work if I used multiple rolls of towels on her. That would however made it so heavy that I would feel bad. What I am going to try next is to use bubble wrap or foam sheets which can be made as thick as needed without adding any weight.

[@IrishSetter01]

Hey that sounds like it might work and keep my dog that does not like heat, cool. Did you try?

[@HariKrishnaDara]

@@IrishSetter01 Don't remember why, but I didn't finally need to.

[@patriciamorgan2501]

Foam is bad idea. Think about "Forever chemicals"

[@joanna6588]

Thank you. I will try velco tabs at the end of wide material ties instead of using tape.

[@ocean4152]

I used a 22x13 inch size towel for my 13 lb shih-tzu after surgery, worked great!

[@alicekoehn6449]

Awesome. Just tried this on my grand fur baby. Also a Rotti! Hope it works he needs to stay out of his ear.

[@joeymarie72]

Update: CCL surgery went very well. I used a soft blanket instead of a towel (she's pretty big and it was alot more comfortable for her). First two nights she used it all through the night with no complaints. Day 3, after her anesthesia and the strong meds were pretty much worn off, she didn't want it. It worked exactly how I hoped it would. She hasn't tried to lick her incision too much and when she does I show her the blanket. Lol. Thanks again for the upload 🙂

[@patriciamorgan2501]

...I show her the blanket" ❤ totally funny 😊

[@Reyalta1988]

What a beautiful pup! Hi from an ABC alumni!

[@claire2088]

Thank you! I've just noticed a hot spot on my dog and I want to stop him licking asap, but the vet is closed except for out of hours emergencies (and it's a teeny hot spot so I felt like I'd be overreacting to make them see him now) this and antiseptic liquid and cream will hopefully help it clear up on it's own, or if not he'll be seeing the vet on monday

[@spasianpersuasion129]

Thanks for helping us make this comfy comfortable our Labradoodle Skye, she has bed razor rash from her latest clipping. This is just perfect 🙏💕🙂

[@eddiep2936]

Everyone giggles when I say comfy cone...when we stop, I will try this out 🙂

[@scmcdougal8917]

Thanks I’m going to try this my corso won’t stop licking her belly

[@kathleennorton6108]

I wish someone would show the dog in action, trying to get at itself.

[@Jessica-dv2rc]

Thanks to you my dog feels better. I'm just sorry I didn't saw your video earlier and wasted 15 bucks on a cone. But nevertheless my doggie is sound a sleep and feels more comfortable. Gb

[@luizgarza7]

Thanks for the video I'm going to try this on Bully so that I can go to work with a piece of mind. I hope it works 🙏

[@laceydenton5202]

Thank you for this great idea! I just bought an expensive cone and it wasn't long enough. He could still totally lick his hot spot. Thanks again!

[@amyeleniewski7858]

just brought my Rottweiler home with that nasty cone of shame and it was miserable..Thank you for the video. hes snoring away in comfort now!!

[@MrSerinamedrano]

This worked pretty good for my pup who keeps irritating her neutered soar she keeos licking it and it won't heal thx and also I was cracking up the whole time cuz she's little

[@Realme-jk7fj]

Thank you so much for this I think it will work 🐕❤️

[@LauraJSelby]

Will this help with a dog recovering from rear leg CCL (ACL) surgery?? I've got a 30-lb labdoodle who has a very difficult time with cones, and her surgery is in a week or so. Thanks!

[@darinacammay1]

Man, how did I not see this yesterday before spending $20 at vet for wcollar she took off in 10 minutes

[@sandierussell6530]

Super idea and especially the peanut butter

[@chrissyusa9765]

Praying this works on our golden!! He’s absolutely terrified of the cone! Literally refuses to move while wearing it. Just sits still and softly cries. It’s breaking my heart 😫

[@gconyers]

Chrissy USA Same with our Golden. He just got neutered today and doesn’t like the cone. Did this work for you??

[@chrissyusa9765]

gconyers sadly, it didn’t work on our Golden. He’s in way to much pain so he’s highly medicated now to keep him from licking. He has a severe hot spot that’s coving his entire groin area and inner thighs. He is intact (being a show and stud dog). I’ve been a golden breeder for over 20 years and I’ve never seen a hot spot this angry and big. We’ve seen the vet 4 times this week! I tried different towel sizes and tried folding several different ways. It might still work on your boy boy though. Neutering usually isn’t as painful as it is annoying for them. Golden’s recover quickly from being neutered so hang in there. I sincerely hope you have better luck 🙏🏼

[@gconyers]

@@chrissyusa9765 Thanks, Chrissy. Dexter doesn't seem to be in any pain and not really bothered by the stitches. We take the cone off under strict supervision only and he's only tried to lick once so we put the cone back on. We did try the towel thing and it also seemed to work, but I wouldn't leave him unsupervised. Hope your boy gets better soon!

[@chrissyusa9765]

gconyers thank you. Great to hear Dexter is doing so well. They usually bounce back quickly after spay and neuter procedures.

[@timothysooknanan3990]

I'm trying this so far because I couldn't pick up an e collar since the pet stores were closed

[@joeymarie72]

Thank you!! My husky is having surgery on the 10th for a ruptured CCL and she will not do the traditional cones. Who would?? Lol. I try this out tonight just to be sure she'll actually keep it on. Thanks for sharing this!

[@amymonteagudo5516]

Thank you so much I’m trying it today I hate that come they put on him is looks so uncomfortable for him .thank again

[@RenSayLess]

Trying this today. Thank you!!!

[@sherrellelawrence408]

I'm gonna try this.

[@aleahmartin7985]

This is such a helpful tip. Thank you so much. I will use this forever. :-)

[@lisahinton9682]

The dog isn't "hyper". The dog has a normal energy level for a healthy dog. I love your idea about the peanut butter plate distraction - truly a fantastic idea.

[@ZoeAlleyne]

My little maltese made short work of this even when I folded it thinner for her.

[@mitzimcewan9124]

This stayed on my lab/Shepard mix for about a minute. I’m an Occupational Therapist, so I know a thing or two about wrapping. Walked out of the kitchen. It was history.

[@reallyabilbo2096]

Tried this on my pup, 45 lb mix breed, he has a hot spot on his haunch. Unfortunately he can still reach it, not sure what I need to change to make it work for him.

[@tayja-aguilar]

Works like a charm!!! Thank you!

[@nicksnider1727]

It’s working for my pup!!

[@ezemic13]

Thank you so much you just saved me $60 for a e-collar frombthe vet .

[@Tigger1405]

Our vet charged 17.00

[@onesmartchick50]

My vet just charged me $5.50 CAD for a cone for my dog who had eye surgery.

[@nikiiniks3666]

Loved it.. an excellent & innovative idea.. 🙌🙌🙏

[@jsephhd]

Will this prevent it from scratching its head? Mine has a scab on the head and it uses its front and back paws to scratch it off

[@margueritedowns5472]

Thank you very much for sharing this! Great clear direction!

[@AnimalBehaviorCollege]

You're very welcome :)

[@jd2981]

That dog is getting bamboozled

[@marlahopper4412]

Unfortunately this would be too hot in the summer months. Otherwise it is a good solution!!

[@arwenphoenix1]

THANK YOU!!!!! My Chihuahua has an anal gland access that he will NOT leave alone even with the "lamp shade". The one the vet tech gave me is too short and he managed to get at his ass and tear open the access! I'm writing this at 1:30 in the am after repeated attempts of cone adjustment, pep talks, voodoo, hoodoo, witchcraft, smudging, threats, prayers, bribes....🤣

[@anyascelticcreations]

But how would you keep the dog from getting it off. I just got home from the vet after surgery. She had cancer removed from her inner knee and she got spayed. I had a plush e-collar ready for her that I thought she would be at least somewhat more comfortable in. She got it off in about 30 seconds. I attached her collar to the plush e-collar with zip ties so she couldn't pull it off. She tried so hard to pull it off that she was choking herself. I am 100% positive that she would get a towel like this off in seconds. And I've already stopped her from licking her incisions several times while I've been trying to come up with something that will work. She is a Boxer. And I am alone, so I can't send someone to the store for while I stay with my dog. Help!

[@WendyWahman]

Does this work for a just neutered, very determined dog with a very, very long muzzle?

[@latondro6099]

Brilliant! Thank you

[@fadouafelemban9384]

thank you so much for this video, it's really useful

[@Xtiansldrs]

He couldn’t have been a better model.

[@faithlikecaleb]

Thank you for sharing!

[@DianaVBV]

Do you guys have any alternative for when the operation involves the head? Trying to prevent my dog from scratching the stitches near her eye :(

[@LoveGuruBlaire]

lol! I'm going to try this. TY

[@dochsgirl]

I have a boxer/pit mix. Tried with a full sized towel to keep him from licking his paws but his legs are too long, didn't help at all. :(

[@Barbra4J]

Awww I love your Rottie

[@hunterabbott2011]

My dawg Unfazed

[@angrygamerkid420]

nice video im about to try it

[@ronaldcombs1452]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@allenjohnson4768]

will this stop him from scratching around his ear and face???

[@TheJoeMB]

What a beautiful dog. I'll give this a try.

[@allisonschwartz3311]

Does this work to keep your dog from scratching at an ear infection?

[@kecake13]

Will this work on a guinea pig... like a smaller towel

[@dochsgirl]

I'd use a washcloth for that.

[@pachiart8838]

Will this help keep my GSD from licking his neuter incision? All vets are closed till tomorrow, but he's already opening his wound. He had the surgery Monday (12/30).

[@lanabanana663]

Did you try it? Did it work? I got my German shepherd neutered today, and he really irritated his incision trying to get to it WITH the cone.