The Best Dog Muzzles That Allow Drinking to Keep Your Pup Hydrated
Make sure your dog is always cool, comfortable, and able to stay hydrated while wearing their muzzle.
Putting a muzzle on your dog may seem like an outdated training technique. But there are modern muzzle designs that discourage your dog from biting while allowing them to stay cool and drink through the mouthpiece. Depending on your dog’s size and needs, there are various styles for the best muzzles that allow drinking available on the market.
Basket-style muzzles are normally made from thin metal or silicone. The large holes in the face covering provide ample space for airflow and accommodate your dog’s drinking needs. There are also muzzles made from a breathable mesh material that is easy to adjust to fit around your pup’s snout. No matter which style you choose, your dog will be comfortable and well on their way to better behavior.
Best Dog Muzzles That Allow Drinking To Consider
When purchasing a bite through the opening.
Silicone and wire muzzles are lightweight, making it more comfortable for your dog to wear them during grooming or vet appointments. The large holes in the basket make this design extra breathable. And there are secure straps to keep the muzzle in place, no matter how active your dog is. But the best part is that your pup can easily take a sip of their water whenever they need to.
If you have a small breed, you may want to consider a fabric muzzle. This design slides over your dog’s snout and is adjustable to find the perfect fit. Your dog’s mouth will be completely exposed for easy access to water. But the muzzle starts at a spot that will prevent them from biting or chewing aggressively. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite dog muzzles that allow your pup to drink and stay cool.
Baskerville Ultra Muzzle for Dogs
This roomy dog muzzle from Baskerville has a basket design that won’t restrict your pup while wearing it. The silicone material is flexible and has huge gaps, so your dog can breathe, pant, and drink water. And if you need to adjust the mask to fit your pup, you can place it in warm water to reshape the muzzle.
There are adjustable straps on the top, bottom, and sides of the muzzle to keep it secure on your dog’s head. And you can even slide their collar through a loop on the bottom to keep everything in place. But the best part is that there is soft neoprene material lining the chin of the muzzle to keep your pup comfortable whenever they wear it.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Durable material
- Holes are large enough to fit treats through
Cons:
- There isn’t any padding on the inside of the muzzle basket for long snouts
Barkless Silicone Basket Dog Muzzle
When your furry friend has to wear a muzzle for their safety or the safety of others, it should look good and make them more confident. This one from Barkless is available in multiple colors and patterns, including bright red and camo. The silicone basket is flexible and soft to prevent damage to your dog’s snout. And it offers plenty of ventilation, even on hot days.
The sturdy head straps have reflective stitching to keep your pup safe when walking at night. Plus, the buckle has a locking option to prevent your dog from escaping their muzzle. You can easily find the correct size for your precious pup with the helpful sizing guide.
Pros:
- The padded straps sit comfortably between and behind your dog’s ears
- Plenty of space for your dog to pant and lap water
- Scratch-resistant material
Cons:
- Not designed for dogs with short snouts
Lepark Adjustable Nylon Dog Muzzle
If you want to try a dog muzzle with a modern twist, you’ll love this one from Lepark. The soft nylon muzzle slides over your dog’s snout and sits about halfway up their mouth to prevent them from fully opening it, discouraging biting. The snout ring and head straps are adjustable to get the perfect fit, but there are also multiple sizes available, from small to extra-extra-large.
You can attach your dog’s leash directly to the metal D-ring on the muzzle’s chin piece. And the single plastic buckle makes it easy to take the muzzle on and off your dog whenever they need to wear it.
Pros:
- Ideal for dogs with long snouts
- Dogs have free movement of their tongues while wearing
- High-quality nylon straps
Cons:
- Not as affordable as other similar options
Mayerzon Soft Mesh Dog Muzzle
It isn’t uncommon for small dogs to get anxious during vet and grooming sessions, which can lead to biting to protect themselves. Mayerzon’s dog muzzle is made from breathable mesh that slides over your dog’s nose and mouth to fit snugly on their face. Even though it covers the majority of your dog’s snout, they’ll still be able to comfortably drink and breathe.
The mesh fabric offers ample airflow when wearing the muzzle indoors or outdoors. And this adjustable muzzle is available in petite sizes to fit your tiny pup as well as possible.
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Padded material to protect your dog’s snout from injury
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- Your dog may loosen the head strap over time if they are very active
Bronzedog Wire Dog Muzzle
The traditional style of this dog muzzle may make it look mean and inhumane, but it is completely safe for your pup to wear for short periods. When selecting a size for your dog, you should pick one that will fit snugly and offer space around their nose and mouth to keep them comfortable. The basket is made from high-quality steel that won’t rust or bend with extended use.
Since it is only meant to prevent biting, your dog will still be able to yawn, bark, drink, and pant while wearing the muzzle. And it won’t force your dog to keep their mouth closed, so you can feel at peace whenever they wear it.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty materials
- Adjustable straps
- Exact measurements to help you size your dog
Cons:
- Not available in small sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I avoid when buying a dog muzzle?
The most important factor when it comes to dog muzzles is the shape. If the muzzle fits tightly around your dog’s snout, to the point where they can’t open their mouth, you shouldn’t use it. Some muzzles partially restrict your dog’s mouth movement, which can be safe when worn for short periods. But they can become dangerous if your dog isn’t able to breathe freely or pant to cool themselves down.
You should also be mindful of the muzzle material. Leather and metal are sturdy but aren’t always the most comfortable. And metal can get hot when worn outdoors, which can cause serious damage to your pup. Instead, we recommend muzzles made from silicone or nylon. Your dog will be cool and comfortable in any situation.
Are dog muzzles inhumane?
In the past, dog muzzles were used to constrict natural behaviors that might come out when a dog is scared, nervous, or anxious. Instead of working with their dog to calm them down in new or unfamiliar situations, owners strapped a muzzle on their pet. When used properly, a muzzle is not inhumane and can even make your dog feel more secure when they aren’t in a familiar environment. But they shouldn’t be used regularly or for long periods. And you, as a dog owner, have the responsibility to teach your pup the correct way to behave when around people and other dogs.
How do I know when to put on my dog’s muzzle?
If you aren’t sure when your dog is on the verge of biting or lashing out, there are a few signs you can watch out for that will help you know when to put on their muzzle. When dogs are anxious, they become tense, start shrinking away from whatever they are afraid of, and you may notice the hair on the back of their neck raises. It is also common for them to growl and lunge if they feel confident enough. If your dog displays any of these signs regularly, we recommend speaking with a dog trainer to see what you can do to retrain your pup.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.