Why You Should Use A Muzzle During Pet Grooming

Home pet grooming can be an experience for both animal and owner. The activity stresses out some dogs and cats and they behave differently when they are getting a bath or having their nails clipped. They may snip or bite at the pet groomer even if they are the ones they love. A loving, docile pet can become all teeth and nails if they do not want to be there. The best, most humane way to protect both human and animal during pet grooming is to use a muzzle. Though some people think that a muzzle is cruel, it can keep the animal restrained and stop them from possible doing harm.

A muzzle fits around the dog's mouth and is secured around the back of the head with ties or straps. Pet grooming experts agree that the animal feels no discomfort when wearing the muzzle. It leaves enough room for the pet to breather and at the same time restricts the animal from biting. Muzzles are made in all different sizes. Even small dogs with tiny mouths can inflict a nasty wound. There are no muzzles for cats but there is a head bag that fits over the entire head that restricts biting. Pet grooming experts say that the bag is thin enough for the cat to breathe, but will restrict the movement of the head and keep the animal from biting the groomer.

There are many styles of muzzles the home pet groomer or pet grooming expert can use. The most popular one is called the softie. The softie is made of a pliable, soft, but resistant material that gives your dog the ultimate comfort as they are being groomed. The DuPont fabric is known not to tear or wear during the pet grooming experience. It is stain resistant and can be machine washed. If you are grooming several dogs in succession, it is wise to wash the softie between dogs or to use another muzzle so diseases or bacteria will not be passed.

There are several sizes of softies even for little breeds like Yorkies or Chihuahuas. Pet grooming experts do emphasize to not keep the muzzle on for an extended period of time. The muzzle could interfere with the animal's natural cooling system.

The softie should not be used with overly aggressive dogs. When pet grooming an animal known to bite or attack, a leather muzzle is best. The leather will have enough strength to retrain the dog's jaws and keep the groomer from getting bit. The leather muzzles have adequate space for the dog to pant and to cool down. Besides pet grooming, these muzzles can be used during walks. They will warn passer bys that the dog is not friendly and they will avoid contact. The fall back of the muzzle is that if your animal is attacked by another, it will have no way to defend their selves.

Whether you are pet grooming or just worried about the disposition of your animal, the muzzle will protect you and your pet. Without such a device, your pet grooming experience can be a bad one.