A dog recovery suit puts the dreaded cone of shame to shame. That plastic Elizabethan cone that has been traditionally used to stop dogs from licking, biting, or scratching at wounds, surgical stitches, and skin irritations works, but it’s not comfortable. Dogs crash into chairs and corners and even other dogs and humans, just trying to walk through the house to get a drink of water! A dog recovery suit after a neutering or after a spay is not only less cumbersome for your dog, it is also more effective option than a cone. The downside? Cost. But our dogs are worth it.
A Dog Recovery Suit Is a Medical Garment
A dog recovery suit, sometimes referred to as dog surgical recovery suits, are form-fitting bodysuits designed to cover various parts of a dog’s body, like a onesie for humans. “These medical garments are typically made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that protect surgical sites, wounds, or skin conditions while allowing the dog to move naturally,” says Joanne Fernandez-Lopez, DVM, director of veterinary affairs at ABCs Puppy Zs, a breeder in Coppell, Texas.
Fernadez-Lopez says recovery suits provide several benefits over traditional collars and cones. “Unlike cones that can bump into furniture and doorways, recovery suits allow dogs to navigate their environment more easily. Many dogs find bodysuits less distressing than cones, as they maintain normal peripheral vision and movement.”
Why a Dog Recovery Suit
Dog recovery suits are not only more fashionable than those bulky collars, they also serve as almost a second skin and offer these benefits:
- Fewer infections. By preventing dogs from licking or biting at wounds, recovery suits significantly reduce the risk of infections. This is especially important for surgical incisions and skin irritations.
- Better wound protection. A clean and well-protected environment created by a recovery suit can facilitate faster healing. It prevents dirt and other irritants from reaching the wound. Using a dog recovery suit after neutering or spaying is particularly common.
- Canine comfort. Recovery suits can help alleviate discomfort and anxiety for dogs recovering from procedures or injuries. The protective layer can provide a sense of security.
- Protects sutures. For surgical procedures that involve stitches or staples, a recovery suit can help prevent them from being pulled or dislodged.
- Wider coverage. Dogs can develop allergies and skin conditions such as dermatitis, and just as with humans, they can bring itchy, irritated skin. A recovery suit can help prevent them from scratching and further aggravating the condition.
- Better healing. A dog recovery suit can also keep your dog away from hot spots, those circular areas of inflamed skin that can become infected, and allow them time to heal.
Suited for More Than Surgical Recovery
Beyond post-surgery and other medical conditions, recovery suits serve multiple purposes, according to Dr. Fernandez-Lopez.
- Easing anxiety: “The gentle pressure can have a calming effect, like anxiety wraps useful during thunderstorms or fireworks,” she said, “They can also help reduce excessive barking and nervous behaviors.”
- Alternative to diapers: Recovery suits can also help older dogs suffering from bladder control issues and offer protection for female dogs during heat cycles.
- Regulating temperature: Dog recovery suits also offer protection from sun exposure, provide warmth for short-haired breeds, and offer post-grooming protection, according to Dr. Fernandez-Lopez.
Choosing the Right Recovery Suit
The best recovery suit for your dog will depend on their size, the nature of their injury or medical condition, and your pet’s comfort level. A variety of styles are available, including full-body suits, body wraps, sleeves protect one particular leg, and undershirts. (Be sure you purchase two surgery recovery suits for your dog, because you will need one for her to wear while the other is being washed and dried.)
When choosing a recovery suit, consider these options:
- Pick a size that allows the suit to fit snugly but comfortably, without restricting his movement.
- Look for a breathable, washable lightweight material to prevent your dog from getting too hot or experiencing any discomfort.
- Ease of pottying. Choose a suit designed to provide adequate coverage for the affected area while allowing for your dog’s needs, such as eating, drinking, and openings for bathroom breaks.
Note: Those with smaller dogs may be able to do a makeshift surgery recovery suit made out of a child’s onesie or even a makeshift T-shirt wrap for coverage. But, by and large, these improvised coverages will fail your dog’s teeth and persistent testing. With surgery suits for dogs starting at around $25, they’re truly the better bargain with far fewer accidents.
Dog Surgery Recovery Suits at a Glance
Note: Prices and sizes may vary.
Suitical Recovery Suit
Notable features: Its unique design allows for full mobility and comfort.
Benefits: Protects wounds, prevents licking, and allows for normal activities like eating and drinking.
Price: $28 and up
Shed Defender Recovery Onesie
Notable features: Its lightweight, breathable fabric and calming design.
Benefits: Protects wounds, reduces anxiety, and promotes healing.
Price: $30 and up
Calm Paws Calming Recovery Vest
Notable features: Its calming design and gentle pressure points.
Benefits: Protects wounds, reduces anxiety, and promotes relaxation.
Price: $30 and up
AmazonBasics Recovery Suit
Notable features: Its affordability and basic functionality.
Benefits: Provides basic protection for wounds and prevents licking.
Price: $25 and up
Surgi Snuggly
Notable features: Their wide size range and comfortable, stretchy fabric.
Benefits: Protects wounds, prevents licking and chewing, lightweight and breathable, allows for full body coverage in various sizes.
Price: $30 and up
BellyGuard – After Surgery Dog Recovery Onesie
Notable features: Its unique design that features a built-in sanitary pouch for female dogs.
Benefits: Protects wounds, prevents licking and scratching, built-in sanitary pouch for female dogs, comfortable and breathable fabric.
Price: $40 and up
VetMedWear Recovery Suit
Notable features: Its focus on veterinarian-recommended features and durability.
Benefits: Protects wounds, prevents licking and scratching, veterinarian-approved design, durable and washable fabric.
Price: $48 and up
ZenPet ZenDog Anxiety Vest & Recovery Suit
Notable features: Dual-purpose design; soft, flexible fabric and easy step-in design.
Benefits: Effective for both recovery and anxiety
Price: $39 and up
Medical Pet Shirt
Notable features: Cotton-based fabric; strong seam construction
Benefits: Available in multiple styles for different recovery and other needs.
Price: $28 and up
Medipaw Dog Surgery Suit
Notable features: Two-piece design for bathroom breaks. Removable bottoms can be left off if this area does not require protection.
Benefits Protects wounds, prevents licking/scratching
