BENCMATE Recovery Collar for Dogs & Cats — Heart Shape

Yes, for most dogs. An inflatable collar like BENCMATE keeps your dog's peripheral vision fully intact, lets them eat and drink from their bowl at a normal angle, and allows comfortable sleep in any position. Hard plastic cones restrict all of these things. Vets recommend inflatable collars as the preferred alternative for post-surgical recovery, hot spots, skin allergies, and wound protection.

Measure your dog's neck circumference snugly at the base, where the collar will sit. Compare that measurement to the neck range shown on each size in the size selector on this page, and choose the size your pet's neck falls within. If your dog is between two sizes, always size up. The adjustable velcro strap fine-tunes the fit within each size.

Yes. The inflatable collar sits at the base of the neck and does not extend past the chin or in front of the face, so your dog can lower their head to eat and drink from a standard bowl without any obstruction. This is one of the key advantages over hard plastic cones, which often prevent dogs from reaching floor-level bowls.

Yes. Dogs can curl up, rest their head on the collar like a neck pillow, and sleep in any of their usual positions. The soft inflatable material doesn't press into the floor or force the head up the way a hard cone does. Most dogs settle into their normal sleep routine within 1–2 nights of wearing the BENCMATE collar.

Most vets recommend keeping a recovery collar on for 10–14 days after routine surgery (spay, neuter, laceration repair), and up to 21 days for orthopedic procedures. Follow your vet's specific instructions — the rule of thumb is to keep the collar on until the incision is fully closed and your vet has confirmed healing at a recheck appointment.

Yes. BENCMATE collars are designed and vet-approved for both dogs and cats. For cats, use the XS size (neck up to 5") or Small size (neck 4"–7"). The soft, inflatable design is especially well-suited for cats after spay or neuter surgery — it doesn't block vision and allows normal grooming of the face and front paws.

1. Thread your pet's everyday collar through the inner ring loops of the BENCMATE collar. 2. Use the included inflation straw to inflate the collar through the air valve until it is firm and fully rounded. 3. Place the collar around your pet's neck and fasten the velcro strap. The collar should sit snugly — you should be able to slide two fingers underneath it. Re-inflate via the valve as needed; it typically holds air for 24–48 hours.

Remove the inflatable inner chamber and machine-wash the outer fabric cover in cold water on a gentle cycle. Air-dry only — do not tumble-dry or heat-dry, as heat may damage the PVC inner chamber. Wipe the inflatable inner chamber with a damp cloth; do not submerge it or put it in the washing machine. The valve seal should be kept dry.

Yes. BENCMATE inflatable recovery collars, including the Heart Shape variant, are veterinarian-approved for use after surgery, for skin allergies, hot spots, and wound protection in both dogs and cats. The inflatable design has been endorsed by vets as a more comfortable and practical alternative to traditional hard plastic e-collars.

Both sizes fit a neck measuring 16"–18". Large fits necks from 14"–18" at standard depth, while Large+ (16"–18") is the Extra Coverage option — its ring extends deeper, making it much harder for your pet to bend around the collar and reach a wound on the belly, legs, or tail. If your pet's neck measures 14"–16", choose Large. If it measures 16"–18", choose Large for head or ear wounds and Large+ for body wounds or determined lickers.

XX-Large is our largest size and fits necks up to 23". We don't recommend sizing down — a collar that can't close properly won't stay on or protect the wound. If your pet's neck measures over 23", contact us through our contact page before ordering and we'll help you find a solution.