While you might resist the thought that your pet, usually a dog, needs to wear a muzzle, it is a legitimate question, regardless of the temperament of your beloved companion.
It is important to note that muzzles do not harm your pet in any way, and you have a large selection of types of muzzles from which you can choose to make your pet, as well as yourself, more comfortable with it all.
Why do we need muzzles?
In a perfect world, of course, we wouldn’t need to think about muzzles, but it is not a perfect world. It isn’t even a bad world to have to think about muzzles. Actually, it is simply a matter of canine nature in a world brimming with humans, especially unpredictable humans that might elicit a negative response from an otherwise sweet natured dog.
For example, if you are out with your dog at an event that will culminate in a fireworks display that might rouse excitement and fear from your dog, you want to make sure you can control the situation so your dog doesn’t feel frightened and, in a panic, bite someone nearby.
By fitting your dog with a muzzle, you prevent an unnecessarily unpleasant situation for many people and especially for your dear dog.
Staying ahead of bite laws
So, if you have any fear that your dog might bite someone, whether out of fear or otherwise, you need to take every precaution to protect your pet and anyone with whom you come into contact.
Muzzle your dog when you go to the veterinarian, if the two are on shaky ground.
Anywhere you go, it is better to err on the side of caution if your dog has any history of biting or nipping when provoked due to fear or any other reason. Realizing it is in his or her nature and that your dog is perfectly docile and gentle at home, it should make it easier to realize you are doing more to protect your pet than inflicting some type of cruel inhibition upon him or her.
Other times when you might need to incorporate a muzzle into life with your dog
It might help you to get used to the idea of using a muzzle (since it can be challenging for those with dogs to use this tool) when you are first training your dog, making it an integral part of the training for both of you.
You can choose either a basket muzzle or a snug-fitting nylon muzzle, depending on which one feels more comfortable for your pet.
If you live in a warmer region, or during summer months, you might choose the basket-style muzzle since the nylon style fits so snugly that breathing can become somewhat inhibited.
The basket-style is generally more comfortable for your dog, but it does conjure images of Hannibal Lecter, which might make you feel concerned about strangers’ reactions to your dog, so it is up to you. But remember that your dog’s comfort is most important since either muzzle is already well in compliance with your goals.
When taking trips to coffee shops and on public transportation, a muzzle is particularly useful. If you live in a metropolitan city and love to go out and about with your dog, the muzzle will make your life, as well as your dog’s life, much easier.
With larger crowds, things become less predictable and, even if everything seems fine, all you need is one moment that startles your dog, such as a car’s backfire, to cause a stir and perhaps further cause your dog to panic and nip.
If you do not have children and they are foreign to your pet, put the muzzle on your dog when any little ones come to call. Dogs may not understand that a slap from a toddler was meant as a loving stroke and respond with a snap. Protect everyone in such a delicate situation by placing a muzzle on your pet.
When not to muzzle
You don’t have to muzzle your dog all the time, of course. When you are home and everyone is familiar to your dog, leave the muzzle on its hook and let your dog enjoy full freedom.
The absolute top reason that EVERY dog owner should have a well fitting muzzle is for emergencies. EVERY canine first aid kit should have at least one muzzle for each dog in it. An injured dog is a scared dog. Our beloved pets could even bite us, their owners, when under the stress of a painful injury or in a frightening situation. When they are in enough pain or are scared enough, they can lash out. It doesn’t mean it is a bad dog any more than it means someone is a bad person for lashing out in a similar… Read more »