A muzzle is useful for walking a dog in a public place to prevent it from biting. Whether made of fabric, nylon, wire mesh, or basket type, this accessory is required by law, particularly for breeds considered dangerous.
Nylon or fabric muzzles are common today:
- they are appreciated for their aesthetic appeal (many colors available) and their price;
- they are suited for occasional use;
- their flexibility and compactness allow for easy storage in a bag or the glove compartment in anticipation of a tense encounter;
- they completely close the dog's mouth.
Leather muzzle models with cutouts offer some advantages worth knowing:
- they are ventilated, allowing the animal to breathe and open its mouth to avoid overheating;
- they are suitable for all climates;
- they are appropriate for non-aggressive dogs.
Wire mesh models also have many enthusiasts:
- they are suitable for daily use;
- they are made of plastic or metal;
- they allow the animal to bark if necessary or to pant to regulate its body temperature when it's hot;
- they enable the dog to drink and eat while preventing it from biting;
- they are appreciated for their durability.
Strike equipment is intended for professional use:
- they are commonly used with police dogs;
- they allow attack dogs to spring into action by delivering blows;
- they are durable;
- they allow dogs to breathe normally and to pant.
Whatever the chosen muzzle, it must be adapted to the dog:
- it may be necessary to measure the animal's neck circumference, as well as the length and height of its snout;
- it is advisable to check if the equipment does not cause the dog any pain;
- wearing this accessory must not bother the animal;
- it must be strong enough to prevent the dog from freeing itself.
Thus, the choice of a muzzle depends on its use, but also on the breed and behavior of the dog. For optimal comfort, the selected equipment must allow the animal to breathe normally, to drink, and to pant to prevent it from suffering from hyperthermia. Lastly, it is strongly advised against using this accessory to punish or to treat separation anxiety.