The 7 Best Dog Muzzles

Reviews

Best Overall: Dog Muzzle Baskerville Ultra

• Size: 1 to 6
• Rubber used in construction
• Black or brown in color

Look no further than the Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle for the best overall dog muzzle. It’s a traditional-style dog muzzle made of extremely durable materials with a padded neoprene lining for your pup’s comfort.

It has a snug but breathable fit that allows your dog to eat and drink water while keeping them from biting. There are six different size options to choose from, all in standard sizing ranges, and it is available in two different colors.

With an excellent muzzle, you can not only get the perfect fit for your pup, but you can also make it a little more stylish. The main disadvantage of this muzzle is that it is somewhat pricey, but you are getting a high-quality product, so it is well worth every penny.

Pros

• Construction that is long-lasting
• Various sizes are available.
• There are two color options.
• Lining is padded with neoprene.
• Breathable but snug fit

Cons

• A little pricey

Best Value: Adjustable Nylon Dog Muzzle by CollarDirect

• Size: Three sizes, corresponding to 1-5.
• Nylon
• Color: Black

The CollarDirect Adjustable Nylon Dog Muzzle is the way to go if you’re looking for a good deal. It’s not only a low-cost option, but it’s also extremely soft and comfortable for your dog. CollarDirect has an adjustable nylon dog muzzle that will fit any size dog — it comes in three different sizes that correspond to a traditional range of 1 to 5.

It’s simple to put on and take off your dog, which is important when you need to do so frequently. However, it is still a low-cost dog muzzle, which is evident in two ways. First, regardless of size, it’s difficult to get a truly snug fit.

Second, if your dog is particularly agitated, they can use their strength to pry the muzzle open.

This isn’t usually an issue with small dogs, but it can be an issue if you have a pup with a more muscular build and a lot of tenacity.

Pros

• Affordable
• Various sizes are available.
• Design that is soft and comfortable
• Simple to put on

Cons

• Not the most snug fit
• Large dogs can pry the door open.

Best for Puppies: Best Fit Adjustable Comfort Dog Muzzle by Coastal Pet Products

• Size: Four adjustable sizes ranging from 4.5 to 13 inches around the muzzle.
• Mesh
• Color: Black

If you have a puppy who requires a muzzle, it may appear impossible to find a product that works for them. That’s where the Best Fit Adjustable Comfort Dog Muzzle by Coastal Pet Products comes in. It is small enough to fit a puppy with a 4.5-inch snout, which is appropriate for most puppies.

It’s also very affordable, so you won’t have to spend a fortune on a product that they’ll quickly outgrow. Still, because it has adjustable straps, you can keep a perfect fit even as your dog grows, giving you more time to use this muzzle before purchasing a new one.

While you’ll love the extra size options, your puppy will love the breathable design that keeps them cool. The only real disadvantage of this muzzle is that it isn’t the strongest option available, but for most puppies, this isn’t a big deal.

Pros

• Adjustable straps allow for a custom fit.
• There are smaller size options available.
• Reasonably priced
• Design that is breathable

Cons

• Not the most powerful muzzle

Fabric Mesh Dog Muzzle by Guardian Gear

• Sizes range from 7 to 14.5 inches in circumference.
• Nylon
• Red and black colors

The Guardian Gear Fabric Mesh Dog Muzzle is a low-cost option for your dog. It also has a tear- and puncture-resistant design, which helps to ensure its longevity.

More importantly for your dog, it is made of a highly breathable fabric that will keep them happy and comfortable. If you want a snug fit, this muzzle comes in five different sizes, so you’ll have no trouble finding the right one for your dog.

However, it is not the strongest muzzle, so if you have an energetic dog or one that simply wants to get out of the muzzle, they will be able to escape in no time.

Pros

• Affordable
• Available in a variety of sizes.
• Design that is tear- and puncture-resistant
• Material that breathes

Cons

• Not the most powerful muzzle

Finding the Best Dog Muzzle: A Buyer's Guide

If, after reading the reviews, you’re still unsure about which muzzle is best for your dog, you’re not alone. That’s why we created this comprehensive buyer’s guide to walk you through everything you need to know to get the right muzzle the first time, as well as muzzle training — we cover everything from how long it takes to how much they can wear it.

What to Look for When Buying a Muzzle

Aside from the proper fitment of a muzzle, there are a few other things to look for before purchasing one. The first consideration is the muzzle material. It should not only be comfortable for your dog, but it should also be long-lasting.

The muzzle can be made of almost any material, but the parts that rub against your pet’s face should be padded or made of a soft material. Second, consider how you will put it on. Most muzzles are attached behind your dog’s head with a strap, which should be adjustable.

Finally, make sure your dog can open their mouth to drink water and pant while wearing it. If they cannot, you should only use it on your dog for very short periods of time, and even then, you should not engage them in any physical activity.

Instead, a slightly larger muzzle that allows your dog to open their mouth to pant, drink water, and eat treats is always preferable. This makes them happier and healthier, which is a win-win situation.

How Long Does a Dog Have to Wear a Muzzle?

While there is no reason why your dog shouldn’t be able to wear a muzzle indefinitely, you should only use it when absolutely necessary. We recommend that your pup wear the muzzle for no more than 30 minutes at a time, but we understand that there may be times when they need to wear it for longer.

Just remember to always reward your dog when the muzzle comes off, and to do your best to keep them unmuzzled as much as possible. Even though the right muzzle will not injure your dog no matter how long they wear it, you should do it.

How to Determine Whether a Muzzle Is Appropriate

When you get your new muzzle, one of the first things you should do is make sure it fits properly. A few things must be checked in order to accomplish this.

First, make sure the muzzle isn’t obstructing your dog’s vision in any way. Second, make sure the strap behind the head isn’t too tight: you should be able to insert two fingers — and only two fingers — beneath the strap.

Finally, make sure your dog can’t bite but has free access to drink water, pant, and do other normal activities. If they can’t, the muzzle is too small for them, and you should size it up before letting them wear it.

Is it safe for a dog to sleep with a muzzle on?

While it is technically safe for a dog to wear a muzzle all night if it is one that allows them to drink water, it is not a good idea. Wearing a muzzle for an extended period of time can be stressful for your dog, especially if you are not actively engaging with them.

We strongly advise removing the muzzle before going to bed. In fact, we recommend crate training your dog with the muzzle off at night rather than letting them run free with the muzzle on. It may seem counterintuitive, but crate training your dog at night is far more likely to keep them calm and cause less overall distress.

How long does it take to train with a muzzle?

When muzzle training your dog, you should begin with 5-minute sessions. You should give them a treat as soon as the session is over. Increase the duration of each session until they can wear the muzzle for 30 minutes without becoming anxious.

Your dog is completely muzzle trained and ready to go after 30 minutes. While every dog is different, most dogs can be completely muzzle trained in 1 to 2 months if you complete daily training sessions and keep things positive.

Do Dogs Appreciate Muzzles?

While your dog may not like their new muzzle the first time you put it on them, the truth is that if you properly muzzle train your dog and get the right type, your dog’s muzzle should never cause them any discomfort.

When they’re wearing it, they should be able to pant, drink, and even eat treats. When you’ve successfully muzzle trained your puppy, he or she should not like or dislike their muzzle. It’s not something they’ll look forward to wearing, but it should also not be something they dread!

Of course, getting the right muzzle is essential, so don’t get the wrong one and make your pup uncomfortable. Instead, opt for a well-fitting muzzle, such as the ones on our list, to keep your pup as comfortable as possible while wearing it.

Conclusion

Don’t overthink it if you still haven’t decided which muzzle is best for your dog after reading the reviews and buyer’s guide.

The Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle is our top pick for a reason: it does everything you could want in a muzzle and more.

Of course, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t have a particularly strong dog, the CollarDirect Adjustable Nylon Dog Muzzle will suffice.

What matters is that you order a muzzle so you can begin muzzle training your puppy as soon as possible and be well on your way to putting all of this behind you!

In the end, we appreciate that you selected BestForPets (bestforpets.org) among dozens of other websites to learn about the best dog muzzles.

Hopefully, this article has assisted you in selecting the best product for your pet.