Small Basket Muzzle for Chihuahua Dogs in 2020
When it comes to chihuahuas, we definitely know they’re loyal dogs to their owners and families, and not always so loyal to strangers. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re dangerous either. Muzzling your dog is a controversial topic, but that’s because many people just simply don’t understand the safety and importance of it all.
One of the most common reasons that you may want to put a muzzle on your little Chi or teacup is because of safety for both dog or person, or even just for one or the other. When used correctly, these are perfectly humane and can help to allow your dog to breathe just fine and they won’t be in any pain at all. In this guide, we are going to give you a guide for the best chihuahua muzzles out there.
Top 5 Muzzles for Chihuahua Dogs
When Should You Muzzle a Dog?
If your dog is injured or in a large amount of pain or has too much fear (if they’re cornered or trapped), you may want to muzzle your dog. This will ensure not only their safety, but also the safety of the person trying to help them (a veterinarian, you, or even someone else). Also, when you start taking your beloved pup to the groomers. As mentioned, chihuahuas don’t like strangers very well, and while they may be skittish of a newcomer at first, they’ll eventually warm up to the groomer and the procedures involved. Therefore, until they get used to it, you can use a muzzle for safety. Other states have specific legislation against certain breeds, so they may want you to have a muzzle on your dog. Some cities even have these legislations in effect.
When NOT to Muzzle Your Dog?
Just because your dog is in a situation where they may need a muzzle, you don’t want to have it on there for a long period of time. Most muzzles keep the dog from drinking, eating, or panting, so you don’t want to leave it on very long. At the same time, your chihuahua is a dog, therefore it still has an instinctual job to bark and chew. Don’t ever use a muzzle as a punishment or for behavioral training purposes. You need to realize that these common issues can usually be treated with proper corrective training, and if they’re doing something by instinct, there’s always a reason why they’re biting, chewing, or barking, so try to get to the underlying cause first.
Types of Muzzles
There are different types of muzzles, so you need to know what types you’re going to need to put on your Chi depending on the situation you’re in.
Basket Style Muzzles
This type of muzzle has a little bit of freedom when it comes to your dog needing to wear a muzzle. These are usually made of plastic and are a little firmer, but they can be worn for longer periods (like grooming sessions) than most other muzzles.
Mesh Muzzles
Mesh muzzles don’t have the same flexibility and you shouldn’t use a mesh muzzle for as long as you would basket style muzzles. They’re more typical for transporting your dog and they’re pretty lightweight. Most are made with nylon mesh, so they don’t cause nasal irritation to your dog.
Soft Muzzles
Soft muzzles are used not only by most owners, but also by most trainers because it can give your dog the best of both worlds – the comfort of mesh while letting your chihuahua have the freedom of a basket muzzle. You do need to know that aggressive or feisty Chi’s can actually bit through the sides, so you may want to ensure your pup is pretty well-tempered. If you’re wanting to use a muzzle for your dog to ensure not only their safety, but yours, and other people’s, using a muzzle of this type may be your best option, just make sure that you follow a sizing charge as much as possible to ensure that it fits your dog’s body and head.
Best Muzzles for Chihuahuas List
In this section, we’re going to cover the best 6 muzzles we’ve found that are perfect for your little Chihuahua, for whatever reason that you need to muzzle them are.
① CoolZero’s Dog Muzzles Suit
CoolZero’s got an awesome dog muzzle that is a 7pc muzzle for all dogs. Not bad for the price that you pay for it. Made of high-quality durable nylon, this sleeve-style muzzle is perfect but still comfortable for your pup to wear frequently. The design is completely adjustable and the muzzles are all made from a waterproof oxford cloth that is light and breathable like mesh, as well as eco-friendly. Not only that, but CoolZero has a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
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② Weebo Pets Breathable Nylon Cloth Muzzle
Weebo’s breathable nylon muzzle is meant for dogs of many different types. For your chihuahua, you can order both extra-small or even extra small for pups and toy Chi’s. It’s a sheath style muzzle that has extra padding around the end of the muzzle to protect your dog’s snout as well. This muzzle allows your dog to breathe well, as well as the fact that it has an adjustable neck strap and a quick-release plastic buckle makes it pretty quick and convenient.
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③ Four Flags Cozy Quick Muzzle X-Small
Four Flags has a basic nylon muzzle which is more of a strap style harness muzzle. This product is made of high-quality nylon similar to that of a regular collar and offers the ability to adjust it to fit your dog. It’s also specially designed specifically for small breeds like chihuahuas.
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④ Alfie Pet Paxton Adjustable Quick Fit Plastic Muzzle
Alfie Pet has a harder plastic muzzle which is specifically designed to help keep your dog’s mouth shut, but as a basket muzzle, it does offer a little more flexibility than some other mesh style muzzles. The basket design allows maximum ability for your dog to breath and there’s a convenient comfort strip liner in the basket for your dog’s snout.
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⑤ ViMall’s Quick Fit Breathable Silicone Safety Dog Muzzle
This adorable dog muzzle is shaped like a duckbill, so it’s perfect for your fun-loving pooch. With maximum ability to breathe, it covers the side of your dog’s mouth as well, and it is made of high-quality silicone that is nontoxic yet completely comfortable for them to wear. Not only that, but it’s completely adorable while still being completely durable according to the company. It also comes in numerous sizes of small as well. Do note that they can’t eat or drink water with this on. Pros Cons
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Conclusion & What is the Best Chihuahua Muzzle
By using this top 5 list that we’ve provided, we decided to go ahead and give CoolZero (CHECK BEST PRICE HERE) our five stars. The fact that they have a completely adjustable multi-piece kit that can help you fit your dog no matter how big it is a huge plus, since it’s just a little more than the average muzzle cost, and they offer a full satisfaction money back or replacement guarantee.
Remember that not only every muzzle but also that every dog is significantly different from one another. That being said, it’s crucial that you find the proper muzzle that will not only match your dog’s style but also their personality. Don’t forget to take the extra time needed to help your dog get comfortable and you’ll be fine.
How to Get Your Dog Used to Muzzle
You can help your chihuahua warm up to wearing a muzzle quicker just my personal experience. As mentioned before, a dog pretty much can’t eat and drink. They’re going to be uncomfortable at least psychologically when wearing a muzzle, and sometimes you may need some help being comfortable with a muzzle since it hinders them in their endeavors to attempt such things. One way to train them to use a muzzle though is to use dog treats just like you would anything else, and give them rewards for when they wear it. Eventually, you won’t have to.
Extra Tips for Muzzling
Here are some extra tips to consider when it comes to getting the right management and using a muzzle properly for a chihuahua. You have to remember that chihuahuas are sensitive breeds, so they may not be as easy to train as other breeds of dogs (they’re also more stubborn). Here are some good tips to start muzzling your chihuahua(s).
- You need to know the most important thing is getting our dog to be comfortable with wearing a muzzle. This is crucial and this is why picking the right muzzle is the most important. If you’re going to travel, and you have to put a muzzle on your dog for longer periods of time, be sure to use a basket muzzle that allows them to eat and drink some and at least pant (they still may not bark).
- Sometimes sight can help your puppy get a lot more comfortable with wearing a muzzle. Having the muzzle in view and keeping it around while even petting your dog may make it more comfortable to wear it. Try using it during treat time and feeding times, as well as playtime to make it so your dog may actually want to wear it and be comfortable. You can even reward them for making contact with the muzzle, or when they start trusting it.
- If they start wanting to wear it, you can start treating them when they try to wear it (once they’re comfortable enough, they’ll do this just like a bigger dog will sometimes put its head into a choker collar to go outside as a reward). After you get your dog used to it enough, you can start to gradually increase the time that they wear the muzzle. Just be sure to not leave it on for such a long time that they’re uncomfortable as most muzzles other than basket styles won’t allow your dog to eat or drink.
- Be sure you measure the chihuahua by using the measuring chart and measuring their head so you can get the right muzzle for your pup. You don’t want the muzzle to be too tight or can keep your dog from breathing the right way, or it could be too loose and not be worth it.
