Usually made of fabric, leather, or mesh. Soft or “sleeve” muzzles: Best for temporary use, such as nail trims.

The hard material forms a cage or basket that fits around the dog’s snout, with the straps wrapping behind the dog’s head to hold it in place.ĭogs can pant normally in a basket muzzle, drink water, and eat treats. Usually hard plastic or metal with leather or nylon straps. This is an important step in making sure that your dog doesn’t associate it with only scary experiences. Purchase a muzzle now and then practice having the dog wear it at varying non-stressful times.

And so on, until the muzzle is another accessory like a harness or coat.” Then, start to leave the muzzle on for up to three seconds and then remove it. Over time, clip the muzzle in place and then immediately remove. “Putting the muzzle on and taking it off immediately several times throughout the day for one week or so is a great way to start. Immediately after the muzzle is removed, give the pet a treat and praise. “The key to getting a dog to accept a muzzle is to get them acclimated slowly, in a stress-free environment, with positive reinforcement for wearing and tolerating the muzzle,” says Kaplan. It is far less stressful for a dog to be muzzled if they have already been trained to wear one in a calm setting. If they ever get hurt, your dog could bite out of pain. Teach your dog to wear a muzzle now, even if they are the sweetest dog in the world. She says, “Some dogs who tend to eat inedible objects (rocks, peach pits, balls, etc.) and end up needing foreign body surgeries often wear basket muzzles for years whenever they are outside or on walks to prevent them from eating indiscriminately.” Kaplan has another situation in which muzzles prove useful. That person is trying to avoid a situation where your dog could get in trouble. But also don’t be offended if a veterinary practitioner or groomer asks to put a muzzle on your dog (even though you don’t think it is necessary). You know your dog better than anyone else, so don’t hesitate to speak up if your dog is sending signals that they are really upset, or if they are in a situation where they have tried to bite before. Signs that your dog is uncomfortable and may escalate to biting include: “Any dog who has actually bitten in the past will also be muzzled as a precaution for everyone’s safety.” “If a dog is giving us overt signs of fear and warning us that they will snap or bite, we will use a muzzle for the safety of the owners, staff and patients,” says Kaplan.

Pay attention to your dog’s body language. And any dog may bite out of pain in an emergency situation, such as during an event that causes physical injury. Some get stressed in specific situations, like getting their nails trimmed. Other dogs charge people and dogs that walk past their house. Some dogs get overstimulated when running and playing in a group of dogs and will try to grab. Muzzles are not painful and do not inhibit dogs from breathing.”Ī muzzle can be used any time you are concerned about your dog trying to bite a person or animal. We use muzzles when necessary and without hesitation. “Our veterinary team strives to provide a safe, comfortable, low-stress environment for our patients, including providing positive reinforcement and employing low-stress restraint and handling techniques during veterinary visits. Leni Kaplan '91, senior lecturer of clinical sciences at Cornell's Small Animal Community Practice. “Most of the time, we do not need to use muzzles,” says Dr. Training your dog to accept a muzzle now can make a big difference during the times when a dog must do something that they do not want to tolerate.

While few dogs are truly aggressive, many will bite out of fear or excitement. We all like to believe that our dogs are perfectly well-behaved and well-intentioned, but the reality is that dogs are still dogs, and things happen.

Metal dog muzzle