Did you know that almost every dog will have an operation at least once? Whether it’s a standard spay or neuter or something more serious, aftercare is crucial! But it doesn’t have to be stressful.
The days of the dreaded cone of shame are over! Recovery suits are a more comfortable, less stressful alternative that provides just as much protection from licking wounds and scratching at stitches.
And, let’s be honest, they look hella cute! Let’s jump into our list of the best dog recovery suits for after surgery, and for help finding other medical supplies, check out our list of the best online pharmacies for dog meds.
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Best Overall
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Runner-Up
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Best for Small Breeds
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Description: This comfortable, full-coverage recovery suit is designed to protect stitches, hot spots, and sensitive areas after surgery. Made from soft, breathable fabric, it keeps your pup secure without restricting movement. Many pet parents find it a far less stressful alternative to the dreaded plastic cone, offering both comfort and peace of mind during recovery. |
Description: The BellyGuard is one of the most popular vet-recommended alternatives to the cone. Its snug yet breathable design helps protect wounds, bandages, and hotspots while allowing your dog to move freely. With snap closures and a tail opening for easy potty breaks, it’s both practical and comfortable for healing pups. |
Description: A dog-preferred alternative to the dreaded cone of shame, this new approach comes with a host of perks. While traditional cones restrict normal movement and distract their sense of direction, the recovery suit solves all these problems and then some. Acting as a second skin, it allows your dog to go about his normal routine—all the while keeping the wound clean, dry and protected. |
This comfortable, full-coverage recovery suit is designed to protect stitches, hot spots, and sensitive areas after surgery. Made from soft, breathable fabric, it keeps your pup secure without restricting movement. Many pet parents find it a far less stressful alternative to the dreaded plastic cone, offering both comfort and peace of mind during recovery.
The BellyGuard is one of the most popular vet-recommended alternatives to the cone. Its snug yet breathable design helps protect wounds, bandages, and hotspots while allowing your dog to move freely. With snap closures and a tail opening for easy potty breaks, it’s both practical and comfortable for healing pups.
A dog-preferred alternative to the dreaded cone of shame, this new approach comes with a host of perks. While traditional cones restrict normal movement and distract their sense of direction, the recovery suit solves all these problems and then some. Acting as a second skin, it allows your dog to go about his normal routine—all the while keeping the wound clean, dry and protected.
Dog Recovery Suits: What’s Important?
When looking for the best recovery suit for your dog, here’s what’s important:
- Coverage – Full body or just legs?
- Size – Make sure to measure your dog, don’t just guess! Head to tail and around the chest for full coverage suits or leg length and thigh width for leg sleeves
- Adjustable straps also help to get the perfect fit
- Materials that are lightweight and comfortable or suitable for extreme weather
- Simple closures for pain and stress-free on and off
- Surgery site access to check on the wound without taking off the suit
- Built-in potty panel for bathroom breaks
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
- Extra features like anti-anxiety or joint protection
Now let’s get into our fave suits!
Top Picks
- Best Overall – SurgiSnuggly Wonder Suit
- Runner-Up – BellyGuard Recovery Suit for Dogs
- Best for Teensy Toy Breeds – SUITICAL Recovery Suit for Dogs
- Best Calming Recovery Vest – CALM PAWS Calming Recovery Dog Vest
- Best for Cold Weather – Kukaster Pet Store Fleece Onesie
- Best for Hot Weather – Kuoser Dog Cooling Recovery Suit
- Best for Front Legs – LeLePet Dog Recovery Suit for Front Legs
- Best for Back Legs – KISFLY Dog Sleeve
Best Overall: SurgiSnuggly Wonder Suit
The SurgiSnuggly Wonder Suit comes in fifteen different sizes, starting from XXS and going up to 2XL, with a range of variations taking body length, chest girth, and weight into account for the perfect fit. The brand has over 15 years’ experience making quality pet products, and offers top-tier customer service.
Key features:
- Designed and used by vets
- Suitable for all non-leg surgeries
- Spay/neuter safe
- Full torso coverage
- Comes in fifteen sizes
- Range of colors available
- Pull-on design with velcro straps
- Custom-made milled textured fabric
- Breathable with four-way stretch
- Prevents bad smells
- Calms as it heals
- Allows for peeing and wound checking
- Compatible with diaper use
- Machine washable
- Great customer service
What we like:
It’s made from a custom-made fabric with a milled texture that’s spay/neuter safe and ultra-breathable with four-way stretch and Velcro straps for peeing and wound checking. It also prevents bad smells and calms as it heals, with a simple pull-on design that’s machine washable for quick cleaning between uses.
The suit was created by veterinarian Dr. Paul Williams to be suitable for recovery from all surgeries that don’t involve the legs, and it’s commonly used by vets. It also comes in a range of colors, including blue and brown, and it’s compatible with diapers for dogs with incontinence issues.
What to consider:
It’s not hugely adjustable, so make sure to read the size chart carefully and measure your dog properly, down the length of their spine and around the chest. It’s also quite expensive due to the custom-made fabric, especially if you’re looking to buy more than one.
This comfortable, full-coverage recovery suit is designed to protect stitches, hot spots, and sensitive areas after surgery. Made from soft, breathable fabric, it keeps your pup secure without restricting movement. Many pet parents find it a far less stressful alternative to the dreaded plastic cone, offering both comfort and peace of mind during recovery.
Runner-Up: BellyGuard Recovery Suit for Dogs
The BellyGuard Recovery Suit for Dogs is our runner-up pick for its high-quality, comfortable fabric and adjustable, protective design, with a large size range and patented parts.
Key features:
- Designed for spaying/neutering
- Suitable for surgeries around the belly area
- Good for skin irritation, rashes, and hotspots
- Built-in pouch that holds gauze pads
- Patented easy potty system
- Comes in seven sizes
- Three colors available
- Slides over the head and secures at the rear
- High-quality cotton
- Soft, stretchy, breathable
- Sewn for snugness and stress relief
- Adjustable fastening clips
- Machine washable
What we like:
It’s designed for recovery from spaying and neutering, but it’s suitable for any surgeries and injuries around the belly area, as well as skin issues like rashes, hotspots, and more. The soft cotton covers wounds and stitches, with a built-in pouch that holds gauze pads for extra protection.
It’s super comfortable and breathable with an adjustable, stretchy fit and rear fastening clips, just slide it over your pup’s head and snap it shut at the rear. As mentioned above, it also has a patented easy potty system with roll-up flaps and secure buttons to keep it clean and dry during potty breaks.
It comes in seven sizes, ranging from mini to XXL, with a snug fit that’s sewn to hug and comfort your pup’s body in times of stress. It also comes in three colors, maroon, blue, and grey, and it’s machine washable for maximum convenience.
What to consider:
There’s not much to consider with this suit, just remember it’s not for leg surgeries!
The BellyGuard is one of the most popular vet-recommended alternatives to the cone. Its snug yet breathable design helps protect wounds, bandages, and hotspots while allowing your dog to move freely. With snap closures and a tail opening for easy potty breaks, it’s both practical and comfortable for healing pups.
Best for Teensy Toy Breeds: SUITICAL Recovery Suit for Dogs
If you’ve got a toy breed, the SUITICAL Recovery Suit for Dogs is your best bet. It comes in five small sizes, ranging from extra extra extra small to small+, as well as five larger sizes for bigger breeds.
Key features:
- Comes in ten sizes, with five for smaller dogs
- Black, pink camo, or blue camo options
- Natural cotton with four-way stretch
- Hugs your dog like a second skin
- Comfy and breathable
- Built-in pockets for gauze pads
- Fastens at the rear end
- Pulls back for potty breaks
- 100% non-toxic
- Machine washable
What we like:
It’s made from machine-washable natural cotton, which is comfy, non-toxic, and stretchy, hugging your dog like a second skin so they can get on with life as they recover. It’s also super breathable, allowing air to circulate around the wound for faster healing, with built-in pockets for gauze pads.
The suit comes in three colors, plain black, blue camo print, and pink camo print, so your pup can recover in style. It fastens at the rear so they can’t wiggle out, and you can pull the fasteners for potty breaks.
What to consider:
It’s by no means expensive, but it’s a similar price point to most of our other suits, which, given how small it is, seems a bit unfair, but it’s excellent quality and still affordable.
A dog-preferred alternative to the dreaded cone of shame, this new approach comes with a host of perks. While traditional cones restrict normal movement and distract their sense of direction, the recovery suit solves all these problems and then some. Acting as a second skin, it allows your dog to go about his normal routine—all the while keeping the wound clean, dry and protected.
Best Calming Recovery Vest: CALM PAWS Calming Recovery Dog Vest
If you know your dog will be stressed out after spending time away from you, or simply from being uncomfortable, the CALM PAWS Calming Recovery Dog Vest is our top pick.
Key features:
- Doubles as a stress vest
- Comes in five standard sizes
- Premium soft and stretchy fabric
- Three adjustable velcro back straps
- Rear cuff snaps
- Built-in pocket for calming disk
- Comes with a free calming disk
- Calming disk uses natural calming essential oils
- Machine washable
What we like:
It comes in five standard sizes, ranging from extra small to extra large, with three adjustable velcro straps that go across the back, and rear cuff snaps for a snug fit.
It’s also made from premium soft and stretchy fabric and comes with one of the brand’s special calming disks, which are infused with natural essential oils that soothe and calm dogs in times of stress.
The vest has a built-in pocket to hold the disk, and it can easily double up as a comfort vest for other stressful situations, like thunderstorms and fireworks.
What to consider:
Remember to take out the disk before putting it in the washing machine!
ALM PAWS Calming Recovery Dog Vest is the paw-fect option for pets who need to protect a wound or surgery on their lower body. It’s designed with adjustable straps for a comfortable fit and has a pocket that holds a Calm Paws disk. The scented disk is infused with natural essential oils to help soothe and calm your furry friend during stressful situations.
Best for Cold Weather: Kukaster Pet Store Fleece Onesie
If you live in a colder climate or are planning your dog’s op around wintertime, the Kukaster Pet Store Fleece Onesie will keep them warm whilst they recover. It’s unbelievably cute and can double up as a winter coat, with a blue jacket-esque design that covers the legs, as well as the torso.
Key features:
- Comes in six sizes
- Blue winter jacket design
- Full body coverage, including the legs
- Doubles as a coat for winter walks
- Wind-proof exterior
- Lined with polar fleece
- Protects the belly
- Adjustable chest cords
- Elasticated cuffs
- Anti-pinch back zipper
- Cuttable sewing circle for potty
- Leash catch
- Reflective strip
- Machine washable
What we like:
It’s lined with soft and warm polar fleece that protects the belly and delicate areas, with adjustable chest cords, elastic cuffs, and an anti-pinch back zipper for easy on and off.
You can also use it to keep your pup warm on winter walks when they’re done recovering, with a wind-proof exterior that protects skin from harsh weather, a leash catch, and a cuttable sewing circle for going potty.
It also has a reflective strip for nighttime visibility, and it’s lightweight despite its cozy interior. It comes in six sizes, ranging from XS to XXL, and is fully machine washable for easy cleaning.
What to consider:
There’s not much to consider with this product, but it would be great if they offered a range of colors for those of us looking to use it as a regular outdoor coat post-recovery!
This versatile recovery suit doubles as cozy winter wear, keeping your pup warm, protected, and comfortable. Made from soft polar fleece with a reflective strip for nighttime safety, it features a full-coverage design with long sleeves, an adjustable chest, and a convenient back zipper. Perfect for post-surgery healing, preventing licking, or just staying snug on chilly days.
Best for Hot Weather: Kuoser Dog Cooling Recovery Suit
If you’re planning a summertime op or you live in a warm climate, Kuoser Dog Cooling Recovery Suit will keep your pup cool while they recover from surgery.
Key features:
- Comes in six sizes
- Light blue color deflects heat
- Lightweight cooling fabric
- High elasticity and breathability
- Stretchy neck and leg holes
- Adjustable magic sticker for easy on/off and custom fit
- The sticker is also removable for potty breaks
What we like:
It’s made from a lightweight, stretchy nylon-spandex blend that’s super cool and airy for maximum comfort in warm weather. It’s extra stretchy around the neck and leg holes to make sure your dog can carry on as normal without getting hot and bothered, and it comes in a cute light blue color, which doesn’t attract heat.
You can choose from six sizes, ranging from extra small to extra extra large, and the belly is equipped with a magic sticker for easy on and off. The sticker is also adjustable for a more custom fit and removable for bathroom breaks.
What to consider:
It’s not a traditional cooling vest, so it can’t actually lower your dog’s temperature or protect them from the sun.
Made from ultra-soft, cool-touch fabric, this cone alternative keeps wounds covered while allowing your pup to move freely, eat, and even go potty thanks to its smart roll-up design. Ideal for post-surgery care, skin conditions, or shedding control, it’s adjustable, machine-washable, and available in sizes XS–XXL for the perfect fit.
Best for Front Legs: LeLePet Dog Recovery Suit for Front Legs
If you need to protect your dog’s front legs, check out the LeLePet Dog Recovery Suit for Front Legs. Not only is it great for keeping leg wounds clean and dry post surgery, but it also protects the joints and doubles up as a front knee and elbow protector for seniors or dogs with mobility issues.
Key features:
- Comes in six sizes
- Pink and black design
- Soft and stretchy silk material
- Light, comfy, and breathable
- Thickened knee and elbow pads
- Doubles as a joint protector
- Protects against pressure sores
- Back zipper for easy on/off
- Machine washable and quick drying
What we like:
As mentioned above, it can double up as a joint protector, whether your pup’s upcoming surgery surrounds the joint or not, with thickened knee and elbow pads that can also protect against pressure sores on hard floors.
The suit comes in pink and black, and it’s available to buy in six sizes, ranging from small to 3XL, with four sizes for larger breeds. It’s made from a super soft and stretchy silk fabric, which is lightweight, comfy, and ultra airy, with a back zipper for easy on and off. It’s also machine washable and quick drying for hassle-free cleaning and swapsies if you want to alternate between two.
What to consider:
It’s not adjustable, so make sure you measure your dog before ordering.
Perfect for protecting front legs after surgery, this recovery sleeve prevents licking and promotes faster healing with its breathable, quick-drying milk silk fabric. Reinforced elbow pads add joint protection, while the back zipper makes dressing simple. A comfortable cone alternative, it also helps with hair loss prevention and sun protection during recovery.
Best for Back Legs: KISFLY Dog Sleeve
If it’s your dog’s back legs you need to protect, take a look at the KISFLY Dog Sleeve. It comes in four sizes, ranging from extra small to large, and the black design secures with velcro around their neck so they can’t wriggle out.
Key features:
- Comes in four sizes
- Black design with reflective stitching
- Doubles as a joint protector for the hips and back legs
- Secures with a velcro neck strap
- Durable scratch-resistant exterior
- 1mm perforated SBR composite T cloth interior
- Flexible and breathable
- Prevents excessive licking and calluses
- Can be used with bandages
- Hand wash only
What we like:
It doubles up as a joint protector for your dog’s back legs and hips and prevents excessive licking that often comes with the pain and stress of arthritis. It can also help prevent calluses from hard floors, and it can be used alongside bandages.
The exterior is durable and scratch-resistant with reflective stitching for nighttime visibility, and the interior is made from 1mm perforated SBR composite T cloth for maximum elasticity and breathability.
What to consider:
The brand advises hand-washing only, which can be annoying.
Designed to protect your pup’s hind legs, this sleeve prevents licking, scratching, and secondary injuries during recovery. Made with breathable, elastic fabric and reflective accents for nighttime safety, it also helps reduce pressure sores and calluses. A practical, stylish alternative to cones, offering comfort, protection, and peace of mind for healing dogs.
FAQs
How long should my dog wear a recovery suit after surgery?
Your dog should wear a recovery suit after surgery until their wound/stitches have healed. This means being closed and dry with no redness, swelling, blood, or discharge. For most surgeries, this is between 10-14 days, but your vet will tell you your dog’s exact recovery time.
How long should one wear be?
Your dog should be able to wear their recovery suit for 1-2 days before it needs washing, but sooner if it gets soiled. You should check it over a few times a day to make sure it’s clean and comfortable and doesn’t need adjusting on pressure points or around the wound. We also recommend buying two for when one is being washed.
Should my dog wear their recovery suit all day?
You should take it off to let their wound breathe for short periods once or twice a day – with supervision – unless your vet tells you otherwise. You should also check the surgical site to make sure it’s okay.
Can my dog wear a recovery suit overnight?
Yes, in fact, it’s what they are meant for! Preventing your dog from getting at their stitches when you can’t watch over them, like at night, is the point of using a recovery suit.
Final Thoughts
We know your dog having surgery can be a scary time, even if it’s something routine. If you’re worried about an upcoming operation or have other questions about their recovery, drop them in the comments below.
To keep your pup’s mind active during their downtime, check out our list of the best snuffle mats for dogs. We wish your dog a speedy, healthy recovery!
