Muzzle suggestions

[Troy]

Does it matter whether a muzzle is nylon, leather, metal basket?

To me if it's secure, and allows the dog to pant it shouldn't matter.

Any suggestions?

Kamen is getting his nails done tomorrow, HE HATES IT...and then he's getting groomed Saturday morning. He's a good natured boy, but things will roll easier for him (and me) if he's securely muzzled.

[jbach]

I suppose you could use any type of muzzle, but it's a much better bonding experience if you trim his nails and other grooming. Any reason you're not working with him on this?

[Troy]

He's never liked his nails done. I've had Kamen almost 10 years, it's his one big deal.

Once for a month straight (every single day) we worked on getting him familiar with the process... He will fight and jerk and move and squirm, so eventually I relented. My error I realize, but at the vet, if I hold him and talk to him we can usually get this knocked out in a few minutes. He will attempt to grab however during the process. So a muzzle is in everyone's best interest.

[JDUCE]

I like the open nylon muzzle. If Duce throws up (which he never has) he will not choke on it. We work with him on nails, brushing, teeth and ears - and we muzzle him for our protection as well as his. He knows when the muzzle goes on it is time to work!

[Denise L.]

I have only had Cyrus to the groomer once when he got skunked and they had muzzles of their own.

They used the basket type...even though he was a perfect gentleman and I stayed with him the entire time.

[jbach]

Originally Posted by Troy

He's never liked his nails done. I've had Kamen almost 10 years, it's his one big deal.

Yep...sometimes you can't teach an old dog new clips.
Claus sees the dremmel and he high tails it to another room. The times I do have to muzzle him at the vet, it's usually the vet provided nylon type.

[fifi]

I prefer the basket type ones, as they can even drink properly with those on. I don't like the nylon type as they seem so restrictive to me.

[TrishB]

In these types of cases, where the muzzle is only going to be on for a short period of time and the dog is NOT being exercised - I like the nylon muzzles. It is what the vast majority of veterinarians will use.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...erid=2536245/]

I don't like the basket muzzles for this particular purpose, because it can get caught on clothes, the dog can get their paws / toes / nails hung up in it. Also, if they're struggling, being hit in the head with a basket muzzle hurts!

However, when exercising but you must have your dog muzzled - the basket muzzles are the only way to go. It allows them free range to pant but still prevents bites.

Different muzzles for different situations.

[Urska]

I don't like nylon muzzle because the dog can still open his mouth and bite. The only muzzle I would consider using is a basket one.

[brandygirl]

From what I understand, if your dog can open his/her mouth while using a nylon muzzle - it is the wrong size. I was told it should be snug but not tight. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

[Urska]

Well, at the vet when the dog is in pin he can bite. I cna tell you this from my own experience. My 15 year old dog got the smallest nylon muzzle that fit and he managed to bite the vet with his front teeth because he was in pain. And he weighed only 12 kg (I can't imagine a nylon muzzle on a 50 kg adult male rott, sorry).

[Paul (Dozer)]

Not really an answer on the muzzle (and I'm sure someone has said this before too) but my boy doesn't really like nail clippings either, he's not to bad, he just pulls his paw away. I find if I move in to cut his nails after a long walk or when he's about to drift off to sleep, he'll be way too tired/lazy to struggle.

[TrishB]

Originally Posted by brandygirl

From what I understand, if your dog can open his/her mouth while using a nylon muzzle - it is the wrong size. I was told it should be snug but not tight. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

No - you're correct. If they got out of it / were able to bite:

1) It didn't fit correctly.
2) They weren't restrained properly.

A fitted muzzle with a properly trained assistant would NEVER have the opportunity to get the muzzle off or bite anyone. Muzzles are called into situations for a reason, but they are only tools. They must be used correctly in order to function properly.