Find answers about BellyGuard sizing, product use, washing, wholesale ordering, shipping, and samples. Contact the Valley Pets team if you need additional help.
What is BellyGuard made of?
BellyGuard is made from 95% breathable cotton and 5% spandex for a soft, flexible fit that stays comfortable on patients during recovery.
How many sizes is BellyGuard available in?
BellyGuard Dog and Cat recovery garments are each available in 7 sizes to support pets of all breeds and ages.
Is there a cat version?
Yes. The BellyGuard Cat recovery garment is escape resistant, breathable, and allows normal litter box use.
What does BellyGuard cover?
BellyGuard is designed to cover abdominal and torso surgical sites, sutures, rashes, and hot spots. As with any recovery garment, pets should be monitored during use and clients should follow the practice’s discharge instructions.
Why choose BellyGuard over an e-collar?
Cone compliance is a real problem: in a 2020 study (Shenoda et al.), 89% of owners reported removing their pet’s e-collar at some point during recovery, leaving the surgical site unprotected. A garment pets actually tolerate stays on, which means realized protection for the incision rather than theoretical protection. BellyGuard gives practices a recovery option that supports better healing outcomes and fewer post-op complications from licking and chewing, along with happier clients.
Is BellyGuard chew proof?
No. BellyGuard is made from soft fabric and is not chew proof. For patients likely to bite or pull at the garment, advise clients to supervise closely.
Will every patient tolerate BellyGuard?
Many dogs tolerate a soft recovery garment better than a rigid cone, but every pet responds differently. Clients should monitor their pet when first introducing BellyGuard.
How should staff select the right size for a patient?
Measure body length and chest, then compare both measurements with the size chart. Weight is a general guide only. If a patient falls between sizes, choose the larger size to avoid pressure on the recovery area. The adjustable snaps provide a closer fit.
How is BellyGuard put on?
Place BellyGuard with the longer side underneath the dog, guide the head through the neck opening, insert both front legs, pull the garment over the body, place the tail through the opening, and fasten the rear snaps. Most clients can do this at home in under a minute; a printable instruction sheet is available for discharge packets.
Can patients go to the bathroom while wearing BellyGuard?
Yes. The rear flap unclips, pulls forward, and secures at the chest using the Clip Up system, then returns to its normal position after the bathroom break. This is easy for clients to manage at home with no need to remove the garment.
Can BellyGuard be worn all day?
BellyGuard is soft and breathable enough for extended wear. Duration should follow the prescribing veterinarian’s instructions, and clients should be advised to check fit regularly and watch for irritation or attempts to damage the garment.
Can BellyGuard be worn outdoors?
Yes, during short supervised walks and bathroom breaks. Clients should keep the garment clean and dry and inspect it after outdoor use.
Is BellyGuard washable?
Yes. Fasten the snaps, machine wash with similar colors in cold or warm water with mild detergent, and tumble dry on low or air dry. The fabric is prewashed to reduce shrinkage, and garments can be dispensed without washing first.
Where can veterinary practices purchase BellyGuard?
Practices can order directly through the Valley Pets website or through Vetcove.
What are the benefits of ordering directly through the Valley Pets website?
Ordering direct gets you our best pricing and free expedited shipping on all orders. The minimum order is just 12 units total, with no per-SKU minimum, so you can build your order exactly how you want. Mix any combination of sizes, colors, and dog or cat garments, even 12 different SKUs if that fits your caseload.
How do wholesale orders work?
Veterinary practices select dog or cat garments in the sizes and colors they need and place an order directly through the Valley Pets website. A simple minimum order applies, and wholesale orders ship free.
Do you offer free samples?
Yes. Veterinary practices can request a free sample to evaluate BellyGuard before placing a wholesale order.
What sizes and colors should we stock?
Dog and cat garments are available in multiple colors across all 7 sizes. Most practices start with a spread of the mid-range sizes that match their typical surgical caseload; all available options are shown on the ordering page.
What is the Pawsitive Care Program?
Pawsitive Care is Valley Pets’ donation program. We donate BellyGuard recovery suits to animal shelters, humane societies, rescue organizations, spay and neuter clinics, and nonprofit veterinary programs, with more than 2,500 suits donated to 72 nonprofits nationwide. Donations are based on available inventory, and eligible organizations can apply through our Pawsitive Care page.
What is the return policy?
For wholesale orders placed directly with Valley Pets, refer to the current Shipping and Return page or contact our team. Products purchased through a retailer or marketplace must be returned through that seller.