

To come up with our selections for this guide to the best dog muzzles, we consulted experts in the field and researched the options available.ĭesigned for long-term comfort, Company of Animals Baskerville Ultra Muzzle is ideal for protection, training, and grooming. For flat-faced dogs like pugs and French bulldogs, the best option is a custom short-snout version that covers a larger portion of the face. A sleeve soft muzzle works well for short-term needs, such as a vet or grooming visit. While wearing one of these, a dog can easily pant, drink water, and take treats. A basket muzzle is ideal for outdoor activities like walks, dog park socialization, and training. There are three main types of dog muzzles: basket, soft sleeve, and short-snout. While muzzles are a helpful tool for providing security around dogs that bite, they can also help prevent a dog from eating nasty street treats on walks, discourage mouthiness during play, and protect a dog and their handlers in stressful situations like vet visits, grooming, nail trimming, and emergencies. Simon said.Not every dog that needs a muzzle is a snarling, chomping monster. “They can potentially be used for several hours at a time, assuming the dog has been muzzle trained, is comfortable and is frequently being offered water,” Dr. “While working on their training and a strict ‘leave it’ command, they may consider using a basket muzzle while outside.”īut just because your dog has somewhat more freedom in a basket muzzle, that still doesn’t mean you can leave it on him for an extended period of time (like more than a few hours). “If a dog has been admitted for surgery to remove chicken bones, corn cobs or other things they find when out on a walk, their owner may be eager to prevent this sort of thing from happening again,” Dr. Bonk said.Ī basket muzzle can come in pretty handy if your dog has a tendency to eat anything and everything when he’s out on a walk, since it will keep him from getting into things he definitely shouldn’t. “They can be worn for longer periods and work better if your dog needs a muzzle for outings or walks to prevent indiscriminate eating,” Dr.

While basket muzzles keep your dog from biting, they still allow him to open his mouth a little bit.Ī lot of basket muzzles are designed to allow your dog to pant, drink and eat, which is why your pup can keep them on a little bit longer than a muzzle that keeps his mouth fully closed. There are two main types of dog muzzles: basket muzzles and soft muzzles.īasket muzzles are made of plastic, rubber or metal, and look almost like a cage around your dog’s mouth.

But that’s such an unfair stereotype, because dogs typically snap out of extreme fear or stress. Since muzzles are designed to prevent dogs from biting, some people may assume that a dog wearing a muzzle is aggressive or violent. The same can be said for groomers.”īeyond the concern that dog muzzles are cruel or uncomfortable, there’s also a stigma surrounding dogs who wear muzzles. “They are used on a daily basis so vets can safely carry out their work. “Amongst veterinarians, dog muzzles are not controversial at all,” Dr. In fact, a lot of animal professionals don’t consider dog muzzles to be controversial, because in certain situations, they might not be able to get their work done without them. “When fitted and used properly, muzzles don’t cause any pain or discomfort to a dog,” Dr. However, that’s not at all the case if you’re using your dog’s muzzle correctly and appropriately. Some pet parents are concerned that dog muzzles are an inhumane manner of restricting a dog, assuming it’s uncomfortable or cruel. There’s a lot of controversy around dog muzzles.
