Is it cruel to leave a dog with the muzzle on?
Nathaniel O'Kon
2025-07-04 21:13:49
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I'm training my dog with separation anxiety. I worry she'll hurt herself trying to remove it. Is it safe to use a muzzle on my dog while I'm away. I'm still trying. Even though the Thundershirt didn't work with her, she never tried to take it off so I'm not sure if she'll react the same way with a muzzle. Does anyone here have success or problems with muzzles.
Sigrid Schiller
2025-06-21 10:39:59
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You CAN leave a dog muzzled alone IF you do the proper muzzle conditioning so the dog is completely comfortable wearing it. Dogs can still get into a lot of trouble while muzzled, to me it’s just not worth the risk of damage to my stuff. If they got the muzzle hung up on something, used it as a battering ram to knock items off the counters or walls or figured out how to get the muzzle off, you would have a much bigger problem to deal with when you got home. Dogs chew because they are bored and anxious and a muzzle will not change that, it will only get better with time and training. A muzzle will not solve the problem of your dogs chewing, it will only prevent them from doing it while wearing it.
Barbara Gutmann
2025-06-21 08:47:11
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Muzzles are not designed to be ‘prisons’ for dogs and shouldn’t restrict your dog’s ability to drink water, pant freely and take treats. A dog muzzle should be comfortable, well-fitting and offer plenty of room for your dog. You should also make sure that it doesn’t irritate your dog’s skin and allows excellent airflow, so they don’t overheat while wearing it. When wearing a muzzle, your dog should be confident and happy – not feeling like they are being punished. It’s always key for pet owners to slowly introduce a muzzle in a positive way, to help their dog become confident and happy wearing it. Muzzle training should be done at your dog’s pace and shouldn’t be rushed. Muzzles have their uses for walks or when your dog is in a public setting, but they shouldn’t be worn constantly.
Eldon Conn
2025-06-21 06:37:49
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When used properly, a well-fitting muzzle should never cause your dog any pain or discomfort. While your pup may not love the first time they wear a muzzle, basic positive reinforcement training can help them get used to their fancy new head gear. Dogs are able to pant, drink water, and even take treats with ease once they’re used to their properly fitting basket muzzle. Muzzles can be especially helpful for dogs who like to eat non-food items. Muzzles are also a top choice for dog parents whose furry friends have an even less desirable habit: eating the droppings of other animals. A muzzle worn at the vet — especially if your pooch is already sick or in pain — ensures the safety of your dedicated vet staff during blood draws, nail trims, and other procedures. Basket muzzles are ideal for walks, outings to the dog park, or recovering from surgery. They can be worn for longer periods of time and allow your pupper to pant, drink water, and even accept small treats. A soft muzzle is more limiting and should only be worn for short periods of time. Animal Humane Society recommends basket muzzles over soft muzzles for this reason.