Are dog muzzles humane?
On One Hand: Dog Muzzles Are InhumaneMuzzling a dog seems inhumane. The dog looks uncomfortable and can sometimes get agitated by having to wear something over its mouth. Most muzzles don’t allow a dog to pant, which is how they cool their bodies off in hot weather. This can be potentially dangerous and even life-threatening to a dog.On the Other: Muzzling a Dog Can Be NecessaryMany dogs have been abused and traumatized. They may tend to act out and harm others. So muzzling them, especially while they are being rehabilitated, is one option that dog trainers and therapists use. In addition, it signals to others that they shouldn’t rush up and try to pet or play with the dog.Bottom LineIf your dog is at risk of biting others, muzzling it is a safe and humane thing to do when it’s around people. However, if you are just annoyed that your dog chews on things or is eating things it shouldn’t, then this is a training issue and a muzzle shouldn’t be used.
