Recovering from a surgical procedure is a physically and mentally strenuous process. This can be especially challenging for dogs, who may experience confusion during surgery and recovery. Proper post-surgery care is essential to ensure your pup will heal properly and avoid infections. The recovery suits below protect healing skin and are guaranteed to make your furry friend’s recovery more comfortable. Keep reading to discover our top picks for recovery suits in 2024.
Why Not Use a Cone?
Countless pet owners use cones, but these render many dogs confused, panicked, or depressed. Cones often cause discomfort and make it difficult for your pup to eat, drink, or sleep. In addition, cones are bulky and impede vision. This can create issues such as dogs running into furniture or getting stuck in small places.
Even though this is only a temporary situation, many veterinarians recommend steering clear of dog cones. A dog’s mental state plays a significant role in its recovery speed, so a dog that is distressed or depressed from wearing a cone may take longer to heal. Additionally, healthcare providers warn that cones can have health consequences. Cones cause stress on a dog’s spine and may distort the vision of senior dogs or pups with pre-existing conditions.
What is a Recovery Suit?
A recovery suit is a newer option for protecting animal’s incisions while they heal from surgery. These suits are sold in a variety of brands and models, including full-body, half-body, and vest suits. Recovery suits combine the best of both worlds; they effectively prevent licking and chewing while keeping your pup’s stress low and comfort levels high. The security of a recovery suit provides your furry friend with a calm recovery environment. Additionally, a recovery suit’s gentle compression can speed up healing by reducing swelling and inflammation. These suits also keep the affected area clean and dry, which aids in preventing infection.
Full Body Suits
Full-body recovery suits cover a canine’s entire body, from its neck and torso to its ankles. This is a maximum coverage option that is perfect for dogs with widespread surgical wounds, skin conditions, or hot spots. These suits will completely prevent any licking, scratching, or biting. These types of recovery suits are made in a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and spandex. Full-body suits also come in many sizes to fit dogs of all dimensions.
Cover Me Recovery Suit by Tui
One option for a full-body recovery suit is the Cover Me recovery suit by Tui. This suit is made of 100% cotton, meaning it’s soft and breathable enough to support a pup healing from surgery. This suit is also plenty durable thanks to its quality design and construction. The Cover Me suit is zipper-free, so you won’t have to worry about a zipper snagging on your pup’s fur and hurting their already sensitive skin. In addition, this suit is created with a step-in design that snaps in the side and back. This model is ideal for dogs who don’t like clothing going over their head or who are in pain following a surgical procedure.
Shed Defender Sport
Another full-body suit option is the Shed Defender Sport. This lightweight suit is made from a polyester and Lycra spandex blend that combines comfort with durability. The Shed Defender Sport suit has a 7-inch zipper that rests on the upper part of the dog’s stomach. This zipper is easy to open and close and ends at the mid-belly, meaning that you don’t need to unzip your pup before it goes to the bathroom. The Shed Defender Sport is also lined with elastic banding to keep the suit from moving around.
Sleeveless Options
Sleeveless recovery suits securely cover your pup’s torso and lower neck while freeing their legs and head. This option is ideal for pups who only have wounds in a specific area. Sleeveless options give dogs a wider range of motion when moving around. These options come in multiple materials and sizes and are easier to get your pup in than a full-body suit.
Medipaw Protective Suit
One sleeveless suit option is the Medipaw Protective Suit. This option is plenty sturdy thanks to its thick material, but it is comfortable enough for a recovering pup. This is a two-piece suit with a sleeveless top and pants. If your dog’s injury is only around the top half of their body, the top of the vest can be worn by itself. When both pieces are worn together, they connect with sturdy Velcro strips. Additionally, this suit offers maximum neck coverage. Depending on your furry friend’s needs, the neck can be worn normally or folded down like a turtleneck. The best part of this suit is its internal pocket, which holds absorbent pads or ice packs near your pup.
Suitical Recovery Suit
Another sleeveless option for your furry friend is the Suitical Recovery Suit. This suit has a high neck with loops that securely fit a dog collar. The leg holes are crafted with soft material that won’t restrict your dog’s legs or cause them any discomfort. The Suitical Recovery Suit goes over a dog’s head and through their front paws. The back of the suit attaches separately and snaps near the tail. This design allows the rear fabric to be easily rolled up and secured by a tab during your pup’s bathroom breaks.
Sleeves Only
Sleeve-only suits are perfect for pups whose area of concern is only on one leg. This is ideal for dogs who dislike wearing a full suit or would overheat in a full-body or sleeveless suit.
Lick Sleeve
Our top pick for a sleeves-only suit is sold by Lick Sleeve. The Lick Sleeve is designed to cover only one hind leg. This option is perfect for pups whose area of concern is only on one leg and who dislike wearing a full suit. The sleeve can also be flipped inside out so that it fits the right and left leg. This sleeve is lightweight and full coverage, which is perfect for a healing incision.
These recovery suits will keep your pup’s skin and wounds safe while they heal. After checking out these options, you should be prepared to choose the right kind for your furry friend. Now, your pup won’t have to endure a cone again; instead, they can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing recovery.