The Best Muzzles for Exercising Dogs

Muzzles address the biting symptom of a dog's larger behavioral issue, such as aggression toward other dogs, aggression toward people or eating dangerous items on the ground. Service-based uses for muzzles include police work and guarding exercises. Not all muzzles are created equal, and the type of muzzle your dog wears while exercising can make the difference between life and death. The ASPCA and the Calgary Humane Society agree that the only safe muzzle for your dog to wear while exercising is a basket muzzle. Protect yourself and your dog and consult with your veterinarian before applying any type of muzzle.

  1. Basket Muzzle Overview

    • A basket muzzle resembles a small, rounded basket that fits over your dog̵7;s snout and attaches behind his head with a strap. This type of muzzle comes in several materials and shapes to ensure a secure fit regardless of your dog̵7;s snout size and head shape. Perhaps most importantly, basket muzzles let your dog pant and drink. The ability to pant is paramount for a dog because instead of sweating, dogs lower their core body temperature by panting. According to the ASPCA, only basket muzzles let your dog drink water and cool himself by panting. Preventing your dog from panting while exercising by forcing him to wear anything besides a basket type of muzzle can quickly cause heat stroke and even death.

    Shape Advantage

    • Unlike muzzles that secure your dog̵7;s mouth shut, such as grooming muzzles and nylon muzzles, a properly fitted basket muzzle lets your dog freely pant while exercising. Make sure your dog̵7;s muzzle allows heavy panting by choosing an appropriate basket shape for his snout. For example, a basket muzzle that encompasses the entire mouth and nose of an English bulldog must be wide and round.

    Size Advantage

    • Watch any dog on a hot day and you̵7;ll notice his tongue hangs lower as he becomes warmer. Large basket sizes let your dog cool himself more effectively by allowing more room to pant. A large basket muzzle should fit comfortably over his entire snout with empty space below the jaw for his tongue to hang low. Speak with your veterinarian if you̵7;re unsure about the best size of basket muzzle for your dog.

    Basket Muzzle Materials

    • Basket muzzles come in plastic, wire and leather. Leather feels softer on your dog̵7;s skin and its natural stretch lets your dog enjoy more flexibility than a muzzle made from a rigid material. Keep in mind that cleaning the dirt, debris and slobber off a leather basket muzzle takes longer because you can̵7;t rinse it under the faucet as you can a plastic or metal muzzle. Wire, metal and plastic basket muzzles are easier to clean, but can also break or crack faster than leather. Broken plastic or metal can puncture your dog̵7;s snout or even let him escape from the muzzle. Inspect any type of muzzle regularly for wear and damage.