Perhaps you have a dog that is aggressive towards other dogs or maybe even towards strangers. It’s difficult to know what to do in such situations.
You love your dog and don’t want to cause him any suffering, but sometimes you have to take the hard approach and that means investing in a muzzle.
Hi, my name’s Irena and I have five dogs. The youngest, Sherlock, could be aggressive when he was younger. His problems were solved with medication, but if they hadn’t I would have thought about getting him a muzzle.
When you decide to get a muzzle for your dog, you worry about a lot of things, like can he drink and pant.
If he has to wear the muzzle for any length of time, you will want him to be able to do these things. I’m here to tell you about muzzles which do allow your dog to drink.
It’ll be all the more comfortable for him if he can.
Types of Dog Muzzles
The best choice is a basket muzzle as these do allow your dog to drink and pant.
A wire basket muzzle is best for preventing bites and for larger dogs, while a plastic basket muzzle is suitable for smaller dogs.
Soft muzzles, such as you get at the vet, are fine for a short while, but they do prohibit your dog from drinking so they are best avoided if your dog has to wear a muzzle for any length of time.
They can also cause your dog to overheat.
Leather muzzles are another option and most of these allow your dog to drink and to pant.
A middle road between wearing a muzzle and not wearing one is the head halter. Most of these allow your dog to drink so are better than the soft muzzles.
How to Train Your Dog to Wear a Muzzle
It can be quite daunting thinking about how you are going to get your dog to wear a muzzle. I think that the best way to do it is with treats. There aren’t many dogs that wouldn’t do just about anything for a snack.
First let your dog sniff the muzzle and then give him a treat. Do this a few times and then touch his nose with the muzzle. Give him another treat.
Then put the treat in the muzzle so he has to get his nose inside it. When you get the muzzle on, give him another treat and take off the muzzle. Do this a few times.
Every time you put on the muzzle increase the time he has it on for. He should then associate the muzzle with treats and shouldn’t resent it.
Now that we’ve taken a quick look at muzzles, I’m going to give you my top eight muzzles which allow your dogs to drink.
1. JeonbiuPet Dog Muzzl – Silicone Adjustable Basket Muzzle
It is made of silicone and premium rubber.
It is very secure as the head strap connects with the rear strap and the chances of it falling off or your dog getting it off are minimal.
Its design is a basket shape which covers all of the dog’s mouth.
It stops him from biting and barking, but it still allows him to drink and pant which will make him more comfortable.
The muzzle has a reflective nylon belt which is very handy if you walk your dog at night. It also has a collar which can be used with a leash.
2. Birdwell Enterprises Plastic Dog Muzzle – Prevents Nipping and Biting
It’s not suitable for short and wide nose breeds like pit bulls and pugs.
The muzzle is made from heavy duty plastic which is extra strong and won’t bend or warp.
It helps to prevent your dog from biting, but there is still enough room for your dog to be able to drink and pant.
Your dog can also eat dry food and take treats with this muzzle on.
It’s really easy to clean. Just put it into the dishwasher or washing machine and it’ll come out looking like new.
Another advantage of having a full basket muzzle is that it stops self-chewing which some dogs are prone to do. My Sherlock was guilty of this when he was younger, but luckily he’s grown out of this.
3. Onson Dog Muzzle – Adjustable Comfortable Nylon
The material used is soft and comfortable which will make your dog keener to wear it.
It’s easy to put on as well which causes fewer problems for you.
There is a D-ring which allows you to lead your dog by the head. This will give you more control over him.
This muzzle is suitable for dogs the size of German Shepherds and Rottweilers.
4. Petsidea Adjustable Leather Dog Muzzle Secure Anti-Biting & Anti-Chewing
It has holes punched in so your dog will get plenty of ventilation.
He will be able to drink, but he won’t be able to bark, bite, chew, or eat any rubbish he finds on his walks.
The muzzle has an adjustable strap so you don’t have to worry if it’s going to be too tight or too loose.
This muzzle will suit most dogs as it comes in sizes from small to extra extra large.
5. Lmlly Dog Muzzle, Adjustable Metal Mask for Anti-Bite
It allows for both panting and drinking which makes life better for your dog.
The leather is flexible, while the chrome is heavy-duty.
It would be very difficult for your dog to get this muzzle off himself, especially as it has adjustable safety strapping.
This tough muzzle would be great for training or even just walking your dog in the park.
He won’t be able to bite or bark, eat rubbish from the ground, or lick any wounds he might have.
The muzzle is suitable for medium to large breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds.
6. Pettycart Dog Muzzle, Soft Basket Muzzle for Medium Large Dogs
They won’t fit dogs like pugs or bulldogs however.
This basket design is made from eco-friendly and non-toxic plastic rubber and a great touch is that it can be widened or narrowed to fit your dog’s snout.
It gives all-round mouth protection and stops your dog from biting or barking, but it still allows him to drink and to pant.
It would be very difficult for your dog to get this muzzle off as it has an over-head safety strap and an attachment to your dog’s collar.
7. Vealbashor Silicone Dog Muzzle
This silicone muzzle comes in a variety of sizes from small to large.
Always remember to measure your dog’s snout as you want it to fit.
It it’s too tight it will be very uncomfortable for your dog.
If it’s too long it will get in the way of your dog’s eyesight.
The muzzle is made of BPA-free silicone so is safe and non-toxic.
It’s also very light so is comfortable for your dog to wear and it’s suggested that you use it with his collar.
It has a reflective nylon belt which is good news for those of you who enjoy an evening stroll with your dog.
This muzzle stops barking and biting, but it still allows your dog to drink and to pant.
8. Gaity Pet Nylon Dog Muzzle Adjustable Loop Soft Padding
It has extra padding and is soft and flexible, all the more comfortable for your dog.
It prevents him from biting and barking, but allows him to drink and to pant. He can even have a treat.
Both the neck strap and the strap around the snout are adjustable so you can make it a comfortable fit for your dog.
It has a D-ring which means that you can lead your dog by the head. This gives you better control over him and stops him from jumping or lunging.
Final Thoughts
Perhaps you are reluctant to buy a muzzle because you think your dog will hate it, but sometimes it is necessary.
Always reward with treats so that he will associate the muzzle with snacks, something most dogs can’t resist.
You will get to know the situations when your dog needs to wear a muzzle. Perhaps he is scared of the vet or doesn’t like to be groomed.
Maybe he’s aggressive towards other dogs or doesn’t like strangers. These are the times you will need to put a muzzle on him.
I have shown you some of the best muzzles out there which allow your dog to drink, as well as to pant. It doesn’t matter if they can’t eat a meal with it on, as muzzles shouldn’t be left on for any length of time, maybe for a walk or a visit to the vet.
I hope that this helps you to choose the right muzzle for your pooch.