After an operation the wound has to be left alone for ten days or more, and a pet will lick and chew at stitches the moment it can reach them. The hard plastic cone stops that, but it also blocks side vision, bangs into door frames and makes eating and sleeping awkward, which is why so many owners take it off too soon.

This is a gentler design. An inflatable ring covered in soft grey fabric sits around the neck like a travel pillow and stops the head turning far enough to reach the body. For wounds further forward, a clear plastic shield zips onto the ring and extends past the nose; because it is see-through, the animal can still see where it is going. An adjustable hook and loop strap closes it, and loops on the inside take your pet's ordinary collar so the ring cannot be pushed off. It deflates flat for storage.

• Inflatable ring with a soft cotton cover
• Clear shield that zips on and off
• Adjustable hook and loop strap
• Inner loops to thread a normal collar through
• Three sizes: 26cm, 38cm and 46cm across
• Deflates flat

On choosing a size and its limits: The maker gives the outer width of each size, 26cm, 38cm and 46cm, with a neck opening of roughly 9cm, 13cm and 15cm across. Measure your pet's neck and when in doubt go up a size. A donut collar does not protect everything: a long-nosed or flexible animal can still reach its paws, tail and lower legs, so for wounds there keep the shield on and check with your vet. Always follow your vet's advice on how long it stays on.

Who it's for: dogs and cats recovering from neutering or abdominal surgery, pets that panic or stop eating in a plastic cone, and hot spots or skin problems on the body that need to be left alone.