The 5 Best Dog Muzzle Alternatives for Your Playful Pooch

Although you might balk at muzzling your dog, muzzle alternatives are a safe and comfortable way to discourage your dog from eating things she’s not supposed to or nipping at your fingers while you trim her nails. Combined with proper training, they’re an excellent tool to keep you and your pup safe. While traditional basket muzzles are effective, soft muzzle alternatives are a less aggressive-looking way to keep your dog from nibbling grass or biting at other dogs if she gets overstimulated during playtime. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight mesh option or a heavier-duty model that’ll stand up to outdoor play, we’ve got you covered.

Best Dog Muzzle Alternatives to Consider

When selecting a muzzle alternative for your dog, comfort is key. The main thing you’ll want to look at is the design. A muzzle should allow your dog to eat, drink, and pant while she’s wearing it. This is important because you’ll be able to train and treat your dog while she’s wearing her muzzle, she can drink water from her favorite dog bowl, and she won’t overheat from having to keep her tongue in her mouth.

You’ll also want to look at the muzzle’s fit. Most models are designed for dogs with medium and long snouts, so if you have a short-nosed breed like a Boston terrier you’ll need to opt for a muzzle alternative that will fit her broad, flat face without coming off. Plus, if you plan on taking your pooch on walks while she’s wearing a muzzle, you need to make sure that there’s plenty of room on her neck to fit her cute collar and leash comfortably.

Finally, think about what material is best for your and your dog’s needs. If she eats questionable things while she’s out in the yard, a lightweight mesh muzzle alternative should be enough to discourage her from illicit snacking. On the other hand, if your dog gets aggressive or bitey in some situations, you’ll want to opt for a heftier material like nylon to keep her from nipping.

Heele Soft Nylon Muzzle

Comfortable and durable, Heele’s nylon muzzle is a pet-safe alternative to more traditional muzzle designs. It’s made with soft fabric so that it won’t cause chafing, and a breathable mesh layer makes it less likely that your dog will overheat. Additionally, the inside is padded for your pup’s comfort.

It attaches behind your dog’s head with an adjustable buckled strap, and the piece that goes around your pooch’s muzzle adjusts with a velcro band. This makes it simple to adjust the fit so that your pup is able to drink, pant, and take treats without being able to gnaw or otherwise get into trouble.

Pros:

• Comes in a wide range of available sizes
• Highly adjustable
• Lined with soft padding for extra comfort
• Machine washable

Cons:

• Some dogs may be able to remove it easily
• The clip can be a bit hard to open

Crazy Felix Nylon Dog Muzzle

It can be difficult to put a muzzle on a nervous dog, but Crazy Felix’s nylon muzzle has a unique design that’s easy to slip over your dog’s jaw. It’s made as a single piece that buckles around your dog’s neck, so all you need to do is slide it on and snap the straps together — no fiddly adjustments necessary.

The fully-mesh design is super breathable, so it’s an excellent choice for long-haired breeds like golden retrievers or collies. Plus, the open end means that your pup has plenty of space to pant and sip water. Still, it effectively keeps your dog from biting or chewing furniture while they have it on.

Pros:

• Very easy to put on your dog
• The long design makes it difficult for your pup to take off
• Lightweight and breathable material
• Available in several fun colors

Cons:

• The mesh doesn’t hold up well to strong chewers
• Some dogs might figure out that they can scoop up bark and other non-food items through the treat hole

GoodBoy Gentle Muzzle Guard for Dogs

Some muzzles can be hard on your dog’s skin, especially if you have a shorthair breed like a pitbull or a breed that tends to have skin problems, like blue Dobermans. Goodboy’s padded muzzle is a great alternative to a plastic or metal muzzle because it’s made from soft nylon and padded with a cushy layer of neoprene on the inside.

Two adjustable straps make it simple to get the perfect fit, and the durable hardware can withstand walks and trips to the backyard for ages. The open design is less restrictive than typical muzzles, but it curbs biting and chewing without limiting your dog’s ability to drink or take treats. It’s also comfortable to wear with a leash and collar, but since it looks more like a head harness than a muzzle you may want to consider a bright “do not pet” harness for your dog to wear out on walks if she tends to get aggressive.

Pros:

• An optional head strap prevents dogs from backing out of the muzzle
• Comfortable neoprene prevents chafing
• Durable sliders prevent the straps from loosening while the muzzle is on
• Easily allows your dog to pant, breathe, and drink water

Cons:

• Can be a bit tricky to adjust
• Best for dogs with long snouts

Tandd Short Snout Dog Muzzle

Your snuffly little Boston terrier or French bulldog may be adorable, but her short snout means that typical muzzles are a no-go. Fortunately, Tandd’s breathable muzzle is designed specifically with your round-faced pup in mind. Instead of fitting around her snout, it wraps around her head and secures with a T-strap to ensure it won’t fall off when she’s tearing it up in the yard.

The full mesh design is breathable, and there’s room for your dog to pant. This is especially important for brachycephalic breeds since they overheat easily and rely on panting to cool off. The open mouth also means that you can treat your good girl, and the eye holes ensure that she has a clear view even with her mask on.

Pros:

• Three-hole design lets your dog see easily
• Easy to put on
• The reinforced mesh holds up well
• Prevents chewing, biting, and some barking

Cons:

• Doesn’t come in sizes for very small dogs
• Runs a little large, so consider sizing down if your dog is in between sizes

CollarDirect Nylon Dog Mouth Guard

Many people associate muzzles with aggressive dogs, even if many pups’ problem is barking or chewing. CollarDirect’s soft muzzle is a cute but effective option to stymy these behaviors, and it comes in several fun, colorful patterns. They not only look less scary than traditional muzzles, but they’re pretty stylish in their own right.

The nylon fabric is soft but durable, and it’s lined with mesh for additional breathability. It attaches around your dog’s snout with a velcro strap, so it’s a comfortable and adjustable choice. The nose strap is wider on the bottom than the top, so it also helps keep your dog’s mouth closed without impeding his view or chafing the bridge of his nose.

Pros:

• It doesn’t have the aggressive look that some muzzles do
• Curbs biting, chewing, and barking
• Equipped with velcro straps for a comfortable fit
• Made with soft, durable nylon

Cons:

• Best for dogs with medium and long snouts
• Since the mouth is open, it’s not ideal if your dog is very determined to eat things she’s not supposed to

About the Author

Growing up around big dogs, like Collies and Dobermans, Madeleine developed a big appreciation for the care that canines require. These days, she volunteers at a local shelter, where she walks dogs of all sizes. She hopes to share her expertise with dog owners new and old to help them give their canines the quality care they deserve.

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