Dog Health Questions, Dog Muzzle
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
When and how to muzzle a dog is a dog health questions many caregivers want to know. Even the sweetest dog can bite when frightened or injured. Yes, even the hand that feeds them. To check an injury or to move your dog you may need to apply a muzzle. Calmly approach your dog and speak to him in a soft, calm voice while you lower yourself to his level. Avoid direct eye contact this is seen as a challenge in the animal world and you will be more threatening by looking your dog in the eye.
A muzzle can be made from almost any strong material that is about 2-4 feet long (less for a small dog). Material I would use is a neck tie, a sock (longer knee high type), gauze bandage, ace bandage, soft rope, or a strip of cloth. To make a muzzle, tie a single, loose knot in the canter of the length of material and slip the loop over his closed jaws. Snug the knot on top of his muzzle as far back as possible (keeping the nasal area clear), put the ends of the material beneath his lower jaw, and tie another single knot. Tie the material tight enough that your dog cannot wiggle it off, but not so tight that you cut off his circulation. Then take the ends of the cord behind his ears and tie it snugly. Keep a pair of scissors handy for quick removal in case your dog vomits or has difficulty breathing.
Hopefully you will never have to muzzle your dog, but if you do it is a good skill to know. I suggest practicing the technique when both of you are calm. You will be more comfortable in case of an emergency. You are not hurting your dog by muzzling, just keeping you both safer if the procedure is necessary.
