muz2.jpg - Caption. [Optional]

A vinyl Jafco muzzle. Image courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA CTP

There are three things to consider when choosing a muzzle for your dog:

• Comfort
• Safety
• Ease of giving treats

Why Use a Muzzle?

Before you pick a muzzle, think about why you need one. You might use a muzzle “just in case” during training, to stop your dog from eating things they should not, for general safety, or because your dog has a known bite risk. The reason you need a muzzle will help you decide which type to get.

muz1.jpg - Caption. [Optional]

A multicolored biothane muzzle called "Trust Your Dog". Image courtesy of Shannon Emmons

What Makes a Good Muzzle?

A good muzzle should be safe and kind. It should let your dog pant to cool off, yawn, eat, drink, and take treats. If a muzzle holds your dog’s mouth closed too tight, your dog could overheat, get too thirsty, or have trouble breathing if they vomit.

Basket muzzles are the best choice for most dogs. They have an open design that lets your dog do all of these things, which is extra important if your dog will be wearing the muzzle for more than a few minutes.  

Types of Muzzles

Baskerville Muzzles are a popular choice. They are not too expensive, easy to find, and sturdy. They have plenty of airflow and a front opening that makes it easy to give treats. For dogs with low bite risk, a Baskerville Ultra is often a good fit.

Wire muzzles are very sturdy and have great air flow. They are more rigid, which makes them a good choice for dogs who are a bite risk. Look for ones with an epoxy coating so they last longer.

Vinyl muzzles are great for dogs who eat things they should not. They have a closed front, which makes it hard for your dog to grab things off the ground. They still have openings on the sides for air flow. Keep in mind that using a muzzle for this is only a short-term fix. Eating things off the ground can be a sign of a medical problem, like a stomach or gut issue. Have your vet check your dog to rule out any health concerns.

Biothane muzzles are made from a flexible but strong material. Many companies offer custom-made biothane muzzles in different colors. They have good air flow but most do not have a front opening for treats.

Leather muzzles are often seen as the safest and sturdiest. They are used for working dogs and dogs in bite sports. The straps are strong, and they work well to prevent biting.

Sleeve, mesh, or cloth muzzles are cheap and easy to find. Many veterinary clinics keep them on hand. But these muzzles do not prevent biting. They also do not let your dog pant, so your dog can overheat fast. Only use these for very short times, such as a few minutes at the veterinary office.

muz3.jpg - Caption. [Optional]

A Baskerville Ultra muzzle. Image courtesy of Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB

Safety Tips

Not all muzzles stop biting. If your dog is a bite risk, choose a sturdy muzzle that truly prevents bites. Look for strong straps. Some muzzles have extra straps that connect to your dog’s collar. This makes it harder for the muzzle to come off by accident.

Never use a muzzle to stop barking. To stop barking, the muzzle would have to fit too tight, which would stop your dog from panting and could be dangerous. Also, barking is communication and often a sign of a much deeper emotional concern that needs to be addressed.

Getting the Right Fit

No matter what type you choose, the right fit is important. A well-fitting muzzle keeps your dog safe and comfortable. Measurements usually include the height, length, distance around, and width of your dog’s face.

• Length: Measure from about half an inch below your dog’s eyes to just in front of the nose. There should be about one inch of space between the tip of their nose and the muzzle.  
• Distance around: This is the most important measurement. Measure around the widest part of your dog’s mouth. Add a few inches so your dog can open their mouth wide to pant.  

Be careful about choosing a size based only on your dog’s breed. Dogs of the same breed can have very different face shapes. Measuring your own dog is always the best choice.

Dogs with Special Face Shapes

Dogs with flat faces (such as Pugs and Bulldogs) or with very long snouts (such as Greyhounds) may need special muzzle designs. Standard muzzles may not fit them well.

Custom Muzzles

A custom muzzle is made to fit your dog’s exact measurements. This can be a great choice if store-bought muzzles do not fit your dog well. Custom muzzles are also helpful if your dog already dislikes muzzles. Since a custom muzzle is brand new and made just for them, your dog may not associate it with past bad experiences. It can feel like a fresh start. While custom muzzles cost more, they may be worth it if you plan to use a muzzle often or need to.

Training Your Dog to Wear a Muzzle

Muzzle training should go at your dog’s pace. Always pair the muzzle with treats and good experiences. Never just strap the muzzle onto your dog’s face without training first. Every time the muzzle appears, good things should happen.

The goal is for your dog to voluntarily and enthusiastically put their nose into the muzzle. This training may take days, weeks, or even months. Go slow and steady.

Giving Treats Through the Muzzle

Think about how easy it will be to give threats through the muzzle. Most muzzles have openings for air flow, and some of these are perfect for feeding treats. But if you are using a muzzle to stop your dog from eating things off the ground, you may want one without a front opening. A muzzle with side openings only will make it harder for your dog to grab unwanted items.

Key Takeaways

A muzzle can be a helpful tool to keep your dog and others safe. The key is to choose the right type for your dog’s needs, make sure it fits well, and take time to train your dog to wear it. With patience and positive experiences, your dog can learn to feel comfortable in a muzzle. If you have questions about which muzzle is best for your dog, talk to your veterinarian, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, or a professional and qualified dog trainer for guidance.