Basket Muzzles for Dogs
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Basket Muzzles for Dogs
Seeing a dog wearing a muzzle often sets off alarm bells for people. Maybe the dog is aggressive and you should stay away! Why else would a dog wear a muzzle? Actually, there are other reasons why dogs wear muzzles. And, there are different kinds of muzzles for different purposes. For example, basket muzzles for dogs can be used to help dogs with lots of issues that don’t involve biting.
Learn more about basket muzzles and find some of our best picks below.
Why use a muzzle?
Seeing a dog wearing a muzzle can be upsetting for some people, especially if the dog is also upset. However, there are sometimes good reasons for using some muzzles. Not every muzzle is appropriate for every dog. Choosing a muzzle also depends on the situation and the dog’s behavior.
Muzzles are generally used for safety purposes. For example, during an emergency, when a dog is injured, it is not uncommon for a dog to try to bite when someone touches them or tries to move them. This is an instinctive reaction. Many owners and veterinary personnel will muzzle a dog in these circumstances to prevent biting.
Dogs that have a history of biting other dogs or humans may need to wear a muzzle at times for safety reasons. Wearing a muzzle won’t solve the problem, however. You will need to work on your dog’s issues, perhaps with a trainer https://argostraining.com/whywhen-should-my-dog-wear-a-muzzle/ or canine behaviorist.
Some dogs have to be muzzled when they visit the grooming salon if they are very uncooperative about having their nails cut or getting a bath. Training your dog to allow grooming from the time he’s a puppy can help avoid these situations. Most dogs enjoy grooming if they are accustomed to it.
No matter why your dog is using a muzzle, it shouldn’t be a substitute for training. If your dog has some behavioral problems such as biting, chewing or licking himself, eating rocks or poop, and so on, try to work with a good trainer or canine behaviorist to address the problem.
Why use a basket muzzle?
Fabric muzzles
Many muzzles are made from a soft fabric such as nylon or mesh. They wrap around the dog’s mouth and hold it closed. These muzzles are effective but they prevent a dog from panting and releasing heat from his body. Even in cool weather, these muzzles should only be used for a short time.
Fabric muzzles (also called occlusion muzzles https://www.chicagotribune.com/consumer-reviews/sns-bestreviews-pets-the-best-dog-muzzle-20200502-6z7x2ymk7fgdnerptnfulih6ga-story.html) also keep your dog from barking, drinking, and eating. This means that your dog can’t accept treats if you want to train with your dog wearing a muzzle.
These muzzles do have some uses. They can be a good choice at the vet’s office of if your dog is being groomed. But your dog should only wear them for a short time because of their restrictions.
Basket muzzles
Basket muzzles, on the other hand, are what they sound like. There are straps that fit over your dog’s head with a small basket over his muzzle. They can be made of various materials such as plastic, wire, rubber, or leather https://www.clickertraining.com/muzzles.
Basket muzzles sometimes look cruel because they have bars over the dog’s muzzle but they actually allow your dog to be much more comfortable than a fabric muzzle. The dog’s mouth isn’t being held closed. With most basket muzzles the dog can pant, drink, and eat. With some basket muzzles there are even openings on the side so you can slip in larger treats when you are training.
Basket muzzles are often an excellent choice if your dog eats rocks or other dangerous objects in the yard. (A surprising number of dogs do eat rocks and end up in surgery. Some dogs are also prone to eating poop in the yard if you don’t clean it up quickly.) Your dog can wear the muzzle but still run and play in the yard in safety.
Things to look for in a basket muzzle
There are several things to look for when you choose a basket muzzle for your dog. One of the most important things is that the muzzle fits your dog well. Anything your dog wears, especially around his head and face, needs to fit safely and comfortably.
Muzzles come in different sizes so it’s a good idea to measure your dog for a muzzle to make sure it fits properly. For an adult dog you should measure:
- Length: This is the distance from the tip of the nose to your dog’s eyeline.
- Circumference: This is the distance around your dog’s muzzle one inch below the eye line.
- Eye line: This is the distance from the eye line to just behind the ears.
- Neck circumference: This is the distance around the neck behind the ears.
- Width: This is the widest part of the muzzle.
- Height: This is the height of the muzzle. It should be measured with your dog’s mouth slighly open.
In order to get a good fit, you should add some length to the circumference measurements. For a small dog, add one-fourth inch to one-half inch to the measurement. For a large dog, add one-half inch to one full inch to the measurement.
Keep in mind that if your dog is not an adult, he will continue to grow. That means these measurements will change. Check to make sure the muzzle fits properly on a regular basis. Make sure it’s not too tight. Replace it with a larger muzzle when necessary.
- For dogs that are aggressive or untrained, a basket muzzle with heavy duty wire could be a suitable choice.
- Leather basket muzzles are strong and look good but they are more expensive.
- Plastic basket muzles are a good choice for well-behaved dogs. They are also affordable.
If the muzzle is too tight, it will chafe your dog’s skin. It will also interfere with his ability to breathe, pant, and drink. If it’s too loose, your dog will likely be able to slip it off.
You should generally be able to fit one finger between your dog’s head and the strap of the muzzle.
Top basket muzzle picks
As you can imagine, there are lots of basket muzzles available in a range of sizes for all kinds of dogs. Remember to measure your dog before buying one. You can also find basket muzzles in some local pet stores.
Baskerville Basket Dog Muzzle
The Baskerville Basket Dog Muzzle is consistently rated as one of the best basket muzzles made today. It comes in multiple sizes so you can get a good fit for your dog. It has a lightweight, classic box design. It’s comforable and safe for your dog in a traditional style.
This basket muzzle is perfect to stop your dog from scavenging for food and eating rocks in the yard. It’s made from a soft, plastic mesh. It allows your dog to pant and drink through the muzzle. It’s also washable.
Birdwell Enterprises – Plastic Dog Muzzle with Adjustable Plastic Coated Nylon Headstall https://www.amazon.com/Birdwell-Enterprises-Plastic-Adjustable-Headstall/dp/B076VP3L6W/ref=sr_1_10?crid=28SA67AE519DV&keywords=basket+muzzle&qid=1644814924&rnid=2661617011&sprefix=basket+muzzle%2Caps%2C278&sr=8-10
The Birdwell Enterprises Plastic Dog Muzzle with Adjustable Plastic Coated Nylon Headstall is available in medium and large. It comes in assorted colors. It’s also modestly priced. These muzzles have been handmade by the same family-owned company in the United States since 1995.
The medium muzzle fits most dogs that weigh 40-60 pounds with a nose that is 2.5 inches long or more. The large muzzle fits most dogs that weigh 56 pounds and up with a nose that is 2.5 inches or more. These muzles do not fit dogs with short, wide noses such as Pugs and Pit Bulls.
The basket muzzles are made from heavy-duty plastic that won’t bend or warp under hard use. The buckle and hardware is all metal. Machine and dishwasher safe. The plastic basket muzzle is tough and lightweight.
The muzzle allows dogs to eat dry food and receive treats. This is a full basket.
BronzeDog Dog Muzzle Wire Basket Rottweiler Adjustable Leather Straps https://www.amazon.com/BronzeDog-Muzzle-Rottweiler-Adjustable-Leather/dp/B075ZSL4JL/ref=sr_1_19?crid=28SA67AE519DV&keywords=basket+muzzle&qid=1644815302&rnid=2661617011&sprefix=basket+muzzle%2Caps%2C278&sr=8-19
The highly-rated BronzeDog Dog Muzzle Wire Basket Rottweiler Adjustable Leather Strap muzzle is a good choice for Rottweilers, Bullmastiffs, and dogs with similar muzzles. This is a size large muzzle.
This BronzeDog wire basket muzzle is made from durable lightweight steele. It has four genuine leather straps and comfortable padding. The leather straps allow you to adjust the fit to make it perfect for your dog.
BronzeDog makes similar wire basket muzzles for bigger and smaller dogs.
Italian Basket Muzzle made by OmniPet https://www.amazon.com/OmniPet-Leather-Brothers-Italian-Basket/dp/B005GWV8CQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AY1KTK4EZZLN&keywords=OmniPet%2BItalian%2BBasket%2BMuzzle&qid=1644815862&sprefix=omnipet%2Bitalian%2Bbasket%2Bmuzzle%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1&th=1
This popular basket muzzle comes it multiple sizes. It’s available in black or tan. Made in Italy. Moderatet priced.
This basket muzzle is made of flexible polyethylene. It features adjustable leather straps and removable front grills so it’s more comfortable for your dog.
The muzzle is made to withstand extreme temperature changes without breaking.
Comfortable, breathable, easy to use, and made from non-toxic materials.
JYHY Short Snout Dog Muzzles- Adjustable Breathable Mesh https://www.amazon.com/JYHY-Muzzles-Adjustable-Breathable-Training/dp/B07FBDFJ95/ref=sr_1_28?crid=1JE8IZHHIW7JK&keywords=basket+muzzles+for+short-nosed+dogs&qid=1644816976&sprefix=basket+muzzles+for+short-nosed+do%2Caps%2C402&sr=8-28
Designed for dogs with short muzzles, this JYHY Short Snout Dog Muzzles is made of breathable mesh and durable nylon so it’s comfortable for your dog. It has an adjustable nylon strap with a quick release buckle.
The mesh cloth has a soft edge that prevents it from rubbing on your dog’s eyes and nose. Easy to clean and skin-friendly.
Appropriatae for brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs.
Conclusion
A basket muzzle can be a good choice for many dogs. They are not scary and they don’t hurt your dog. If you measure your dog and choose carefully, a basket muzzle should fit your dog comfortable. The muzzle should allow your dog to pant and drink water without any problems. While a basket muzzle cannot be left on a dog indefinitely, they are safe for your dog to wear them outside while playing. Check some of the basket muzzles we recommend and see if one of them would work for your dog.
