10 best muzzles

Does a dog need a muzzle?

Most often, only owners of large breed dogs answer this question in the affirmative. Owners of small four-legged pets believe that it is completely unnecessary for small dogs to wear a muzzle. After all, their pet is simply “not able to bite.”

But people do not always understand that a miniature Spitz, Japanese Chin or Italian Greyhound looks harmless to an adult. But for a 2-3 year old child this is an impressive size dog.

There are several reasons to teach a dog of any size to calmly wear a muzzle. Let's look at the most important ones:

Safety of others. Even a miniature pet can, if not bite, then scare a person;
Dog safety. Using a muzzle during a walk eliminates the possibility of picking up food from the ground. It’s no secret that “dog hunters” operate in populated areas, poisoning dogs by scattering food with poison;
Comfort of working as a veterinarian. Most dogs react extremely negatively to nail correction, haircuts, and other medical procedures (intramuscular or intravenous injections, cleaning of the anal glands or ears, etc.). Using a muzzle allows a specialist to work calmly without fear of being bitten;
The ability to travel with your pet on public transport without conflicts with other passengers.

This is important: The sooner the owner accustoms his dog to a muzzle, the easier it is for the adult animal to bear the need to wear it.

When is a muzzle necessary?

The use of a muzzle is necessary:

for transporting dogs by public transport;
passing through a crowd of people;
passage near children's and medical institutions;
for walking aggressive dogs of any breed;
for walking guard and service dogs.

Rules for the safe use of muzzles

It’s not enough to know how to choose a muzzle for a dog. It is necessary to know and follow the rules for their use to maintain the health of your pet and minimize negative consequences for society. The dog should breathe freely - without whistling or wheezing (an exception for those who constantly snore - French bulldogs, for example). The muzzle should hang loosely, without sticking to the muzzle, but not fall off or dangle. It must have at least three securing straps, two for toy and small dogs.

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Types of muzzles for dogs

On the shelves of stores and veterinary pharmacies there is a huge selection of muzzles of domestic or imported production. All models can be divided into several categories. Let's look at each of them to get the most complete understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Leather muzzle

Leather muzzles are more popular for all types of dogs. The model is a mesh of individual strips of leather or leatherette. They have a number of undeniable advantages:

Light weight;
Neat appearance;
Reliability;
Does not interfere with a good level of ventilation.

Despite the large number of positive qualities, experts recommend taking into account the disadvantages of such products:

Unscrupulous manufacturers use leatherette, as well as low-quality dyes and impregnations. Your pet increases the risk of developing an allergic reaction when constantly wearing such products;

Poorly holds its shape, creases may form;
Fragility. Leather straps often dry out if not stored properly.

Such models have a relatively high price. They can be decorated with rivets or other decorative elements. Widely used for traveling in public transport and on walks.

Plastic muzzle

This product is a lightweight analogue of the metal model. The rods are made not of metal, but of plastic. Dog handlers advise taking into account that this product has a number of advantages:

It eliminates the possibility of picking something up from the ground;
Allows you to give your pet something to drink;
Maintains the required level of ventilation;
It is light in weight;
Eliminates the risk of frostbite of the lips and nose in frosty weather.

There is an opinion that this model is ideal for large breeds of dogs. But experts remind that the plastic muzzle has a number of disadvantages:

Low level of reliability;
If exposed to low temperatures for a long time, the plastic may crack.

Dog handlers advise using a plastic muzzle in the warm season and only for dogs with a calm and balanced character.

Nylon muzzle

One of the most practical options for the safety of the animal and others. It is a wide strip of fabric that is attached with a fastener. Many manufacturers use a plastic latch because these muzzles are designed for animals with a minimal level of aggression.

The positive qualities of these models include:

Ease. The product is practically weightless and can be used for pets of miniature or decorative breeds of dogs;
Practicality. The muzzle washes well and dries quickly;
Comfort for the dog. The model is made of lightweight but durable nylon; Affordable price.

The nylon muzzle also has some disadvantages that should be taken into account when purchasing the product:

A low level of ventilation leads to impaired breathing in hot weather and overheating of the pet;
Low reliability indicators. Dog handlers do not recommend such models for large and aggressive animals;
Not used for long-term wear;
Does not exclude the possibility for the dog to pick up food from the ground.

This is important: if the dog is aggressive or inadequate, then you should refuse to purchase such a model. The risk of an animal tearing such a product is too great.

Metal mesh muzzle

A very popular model among owners of medium and large animals. It consists of metal rods intertwined like a basket. Found its application in the southern regions and the middle zone.

Its advantages include:

Good ventilation, which is of paramount importance in hot climates;
Reliable fixation of the dog’s muzzle, which ensures maximum safety for others;
Inability to pick something up from the ground;
Possibility to drink water;
Long service life.

We should not forget about the disadvantages of this model:

In the winter season, there is a high risk of injuring your pet’s lips and nose on the cold mesh;
Impressive weight compared to other models. It is achieved through the use of metal rods;
Metal models are used for medium and large dogs. Sometimes there are products on the shelves for representatives of smaller breeds, but they are not widely used.

Loop muzzle (halter)

This model can only be used for short-term fixation of an animal. Experts note that a prerequisite is the presence of the owner in close proximity to the pet.

An unreliable product that the dog can remove at any time. The advantages include light weight, affordable price and compact size.

You may also be interested in our articles: Dog leash. What are they and which one should you choose? and Choosing a collar for the dog. Tips for owners

Features of application and types: how to choose a muzzle for a dog

What is this important accessory for? It turns out that it is simply necessary for:

Transporting an animal in transport - not all passengers are ready to travel in a full bus with a dog, even if it is relatively peaceful;

Training an adult dog (provided that you adopted the dog at a conscious age and he can resist during commands);

Protecting your pet from poisoning - very often four-legged friends pull everything from the ground that catches their eye. The muzzle prevents you from picking up the “tidbit” morsel, which can turn out to be deadly.

A visit to the veterinarian - if an animal is hurt, even unintentionally, it will immediately react and try to take revenge on the offender. So, keeping the doctor safe during the examination is the task of every caring owner.

photo from the site: uk.shopotam.ru

In addition, a muzzle is a guarantee of good relations with neighbors, which will never harm, but will only improve the owner’s reputation and allow the dog to live peacefully in the house. It is much more pleasant to be sure of understanding on the part of the residents than to expect the worst from them, encountering sidelong glances and undisguised anger during every walk. So purchasing this harmless accessory is not a whim or a whim, but a real necessity for most owners.

So, we were about to go to the pet store and choose a muzzle. What should it be, and what should you pay attention to first?

When selecting, you should remember the breed of the pet and its size. Models that are ideal for Boxers and Shepherds will be absolutely unsuitable for Spitz and Welsh Corgis and vice versa.

The cost of the product depends on the brand, country of origin and the material from which the accessory is made. If you want to save money, don’t forget: the main thing is comfortable wear and structural strength.

The muzzle should not put pressure on the pet's nose and area around the eyes. Try on the accessory and see if the animal can lick, breathe deeply, open its mouth? This factor is especially important when walking in the heat, when mastiffs, lapdogs and pit bulls succumb to the heat.

This is interesting

How many fastenings should there be? For calm dogs, one is enough - as a rule, it is located behind the ears. If your four-legged fidget can easily pull off a leather or fabric protective “mask,” look for a more reliable option.

Which muzzle to choose

Experts recommend purchasing several models of muzzles. Using this item of ammunition allows you to:

Accustom your pet to wearing a muzzle. Products made of nylon and plastic cope well with this task;
Walk with your pet in public places or travel in public transport. It is unacceptable for an animal to be in crowded places without a muzzle. Therefore, a nylon or plastic option is suitable for a calm pet. And for more aggressive individuals, a leather or metal muzzle will be indispensable;
A metal or leather product is also suitable for ensuring the safety of others. Thus, a trip to the veterinarian, involving painful medical procedures, is best done with the dog in a muzzle;
For a safe walk. Many pets have a bad habit of picking up leftover food or other less edible items from the ground. A metal mesh, leather or plastic muzzle eliminates the possibility of developing this unpleasant habit;
For regular walks without conflicts with others, the risk of your pet picking up something from the ground, etc. in this case, a leather or metal muzzle will become indispensable. If you don’t have the habit of “vacuuming” the ground in search of food, you can use a nylon analogue.

This is important: if the owner cannot independently determine which version of the muzzle for his pet will be universal, then he should seek help from specialists. You can visit a club, a dog show, or consult with a veterinarian. They will certainly help you choose the right model for each dog.

Typical mistakes when training a dog to wear a muzzle

Moving too quickly to the next stage (before the previous one is fully completed).
Removing the muzzle at the moment when the dog tries to free itself from it.
Putting on a muzzle right before an unpleasant procedure (in this case, the dog will expect a dirty trick from the muzzle).
The wrong size or uncomfortable model.

In the following articles we will tell you how you can stop your dog from picking up food on the street.

How to choose the muzzle size

To purchase the ideal muzzle, dog experts recommend measuring:

Muzzle circumference;
Muzzle length;
The distance from the tip of the nose to the fastening point of the product.

Use the help of store staff to choose the most suitable model. It is also worth agreeing on the possibility of replacing the muzzle if it turns out at home that it did not suit the animal.

This is important: in order not to make a mistake with the size and choose the most comfortable option for your own dog, dog handlers recommend taking your dog with you. This will give you the opportunity to try on several types of products and choose the one. Which causes minimal inconvenience.

How to choose the right muzzle size

Remember: the dog should be as comfortable as possible in the model you purchased. That is why you should take measurements before going to the store:

length – (from the eyes to the nose and from the back of the head to the eyes);
girth – (to measure, you need to move the tape just below the eye line);
muzzle width.

Size charts of different brands may vary, so it is simply necessary to take measurements - this way you can find the ideal option without wasting money and time buying a “pig in a poke.”

How to train a dog to wear a muzzle without encountering resistance

Training should be done at home or in an environment that does not cause the dog to experience stress.

To begin with, you can put a treat in the “basket” of the product and feed it to a puppy or adult animal. Then praise your pet and repeat the exercise.

After a few days, try placing the strap or strap over your head while at the same time pushing food through the holes in the “basket.” Once your dog has eaten all the pieces offered to him, remove the muzzle.

In our country, walking dogs taller than 40 cm at the withers and weighing over 5 kg without special “protection” can lead to a fine (from 1 to 5 thousand rubles). Don’t tempt fate: even the calmest dogs can show aggression at the most inopportune moment, and curiosity during a walk often becomes the cause of serious poisoning. Take care of the peace and health of your animal and the people around you. Believe me, it’s not that difficult, and most importantly, it’s very important!