❓ WHY DOES A DOG EVEN NEED
A MUZZLE?
There are numerous reasons why a dog should wear a muzzle. It is important to break the stigma that muzzles are only necessary for "dangerous" dogs. A well-fitting muzzle is an important tool that not only prevents bites, but can also be useful in many everyday situations.
We should normalize again that almost every dog can use a well-fitting muzzle, for a variety of reasons. The stereotypical thinking that only "bad and dangerous" dogs wear muzzles is simply not correct.
🛡 Protection and security
Muzzles offer protection - both for the dog and for its environment. The use of a muzzle is essential, especially for dogs that are intolerant of other animals or people. The muzzle prevents biting incidents and ensures that the dog can be walked safely in public without endangering others.
🏖 Everyday life / vacation
In some countries and also in certain regions or public areas, wearing a muzzle is required by law. Even the friendliest dog must wear a muzzle in order to comply with local regulations. A muzzle therefore offers legal certainty even in harmless everyday situations
🚆 Public transport
In many cities and countries, dogs are required to wear a muzzle on public transport. Regardless of the dog's behavior, a muzzle may be necessary in order to use buses, trains or ferries.
🏥 Visit to the vet
Even the most peaceful dog can react unpredictably in a stressful situation or when in acute pain. In such cases, a muzzle protects both the veterinary staff and the dog itself, which could snap out of reflex. It is therefore a good idea to get the dog used to wearing a muzzle at an early stage in order to handle such situations safely and stress-free.
🐕🦺 Socialization of dogs
When new dogs meet each other, especially in an uncontrolled environment, it may be advisable to muzzle them initially. This will minimize the risk of injury and ensure safe interaction until the dogs become accustomed to each other.
🐕🦺 Poison bait
Unfortunately, poison baits are becoming more and more common. Not every dog can withstand everything outside or is still in training. Therefore, a well-fitting muzzle is very important here too.
🦴 THE RIGHT MATERIAL FOR A MUZZLE
Muzzles come in different designs, materials and types. Choosing the right muzzle should be based on both the dog's needs and the specific area of use. A well-fitting and functional muzzle ensures the safety of everyone involved without compromising the dog's comfort. Below you will find an overview of the most common muzzle materials and their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantage : These muzzles are inexpensive, lightweight and waterproof, making them particularly practical for occasional use or wet environments.
Disadvantage : Unfortunately, plastic muzzles often do not fit well and can develop unpleasant odors over time. In addition, they do not always offer sufficient stability if your dog has serious intentions of biting.
Advantage : Leather muzzles are soft and, if well cared for, adapt well to your dog's snout. They are also durable and offer a certain level of comfort due to their natural flexibility.
Disadvantage : Leather can have a strong smell, which could bother sensitive dogs or owners. Leather is also not as stable as other materials, so the muzzle can be damaged under strong pressure. For dogs that could seriously bite, leather muzzles are therefore only suitable to a limited extent.
Advantage : Wire muzzles are robust and extremely stable. They offer the best protection against bites and are therefore the safest choice for dogs at risk of a biting incident. Modern wire muzzles are also available in many sizes and shapes so that they can be individually adapted to different dog breeds. With a powder-coated surface and Biothane straps, these muzzles appear less "hard" visually and contribute to the positive overall impression.
Disadvantage : Wire muzzles can seem daunting at first glance. However, the advantages in terms of safety and stability far outweigh this, making them the best choice in most cases.
MEASURING CORRECTLY & WHY A WELL-FITTING MUZZLE IS SO IMPORTANT
A well-fitting muzzle not only ensures your dog's safety but also their comfort. It is essential to take your dog's exact measurements to ensure an optimal fit. A poorly fitting muzzle can lead to discomfort and even cause health problems.
We'd be happy to help you find the right model for you. In a free initial consultation, it's important and beneficial if you send us photos of your measurements, so we can see if you've measured correctly :)
Please send your request with the photos directly to the following email address: muzzle@nature-bark.de
Here you will find step by step instructions on how to measure correctly.
1. Snout length
Measure your dog's muzzle from the tip of the nose to the point where the muzzle meets the forehead. This point is usually about 1 cm in front of the eyes.
Hold the tape measure close to the snout, but without pressure – don’t pull too tight.
👉 Important: For dogs with an underbite or a special head shape (e.g. if the nose is shorter than the snout itself), measure to the longest point of the snout .
To ensure the muzzle fits comfortably, it should be 0.5 cm to a maximum of 2 cm longer than your measurement result:
- For small dogs, it is best to have 0.5–1.5 cm longer
- For large dogs with longer snouts it may be up to 2 cm
This is only the norm. Of course, there are always exceptions, and these should be examined individually.
2. Scope
To ensure your dog can pant comfortably in the muzzle, you should measure the circumference of his snout while he is panting .
The easiest way: Play or train with him briefly until he starts panting – then measure his circumference. This is the most reliable measurement.
👉 Alternatively, you can measure the snout when it is closed and then add 30-40% .
However, we clearly recommend the first method as it provides the most accurate results .
3. Width
Look at your dog's muzzle from above and gently hold it. Now measure the circumference from left to right at the widest point . This measurement will help you adjust the muzzle to your dog's head shape.
👉 Good to know: A wire muzzle can be bent a little further in width if necessary, if it does not fit perfectly straight away.
4. Optional The throat strap
A throat latch prevents the dog from attempting to pull off the muzzle. (In extreme cases, an additional safety latch can help.) A throat latch can also help ensure a better fit.
Measure along your dog's throat, just below the ears, from side to side. Let us know this measurement so we can make the throat strap adjustable for your individual needs.