For the chewers, vet gave me a suggestion - Open for discussion

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Spoke to our vet this morning. Was concerned about Nina, our newest doodle in the Matzkin home, and her rippies and possibly swallowing the squeakers. (We only have unstuffed plush toys but they do have squeakers. Yes, we will take them out but I worry about the what if's - I miss one or she finds something else to chew on that she shouldn't. She is close to a year old, dumped in a kill shelter and saved by the DRC!! She does need work on a some puppy manner issues but she is one heck of a doodle!!) He suggested this type of muzzle. They can eat, drink and vomit, if unnecessary  in one of these muzzles. They are designed to keep our dogs safe from themselves. They cannot be put on any dog left outside for any reason because they cannot defend themselves.  

http://www.dogmuzzle.com/itbaspoldogm1.html

The humane Italian basket dog muzzles are used by Veterinarians, animal behaviorist and dog trainers will help keep your dog from biting, nipping or eating unhealthy objects. This muzzle helps to prevent biting and chewing on dogs that have lick granuloma or stitches that need to heal.

What do you think? 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I do like the idea of this rather than a collar though for surgical stuff. Luca was frozen in place when he knocked the collar into a wall several times and really I couldn't use it on him.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I had to laugh when I saw that a dog could still vomit in one of these.  lol

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well, that is pretty vital so they won't aspirate.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I know, but it just wasn't the first thing that came to mind when I saw the muzzle.  I thought about if they could drink and pant, but never would have thought about whether it would allow a dog to vomit.  It wasn't until I saw it in writing that I actually thought about it.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

I feel that as a dog owner it is my responsibility to make sure nothing that could harm my dog is in within his reach so therefore I wouldn't ever have the need for a muzzle.  Stan is only a year and yes, he gets into trouble so if there is no one at the house to supervise him he is in a kennel.  Your dog has a natural desire/need to chew so make sure things available are "chew friendly".  I may get yelled at BUT remember, this is only my opinion so please don't take offence.  

 

I wish you luck with this issue and hope you find the right solution for you and the dog both.

 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I totally agree and no offense taken at all!!
Nina was pulled from kill shelter by the DRC. Her former family dumped her there for reasons s unknown. She is one delicious doodle with very few 'faults' so I ready to t understand why they dumped her.
She is the 4th doodle currently living here in my home. We have crawled on our hands and knees trying to find objects that she might think are too good to resist chewing. So far the only thing that we didn't foresee was the 1 squeaker that was I side Samantha' s favorite toy, Moo. She was also on a diet of lots of raw green veggies that which is what the vet thinks he saw in the fray. She had the fray because she was vomiting for over 24 hours. He believes that I stead of her having diarrhea from the change in her food she vomited. TG that is over and she is 100%perfect!

I posted this discussion not because we are even close to having to put a muzzle on her for chewing, I did it to ask how fellow DKers feel about this muzzle when faced with a doodle that chews things that could hurt them. You can't always see what they are they doing because it is just humanly impossible not to look away - even for a second and that's all it takes for an emergency to occur.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I am relatively new to DK, but I often see comments and advise that is meant to be helpful, reassuring and just plain nice that when put into print come off as a tad judgmental. Its not unusual to see some reaction to this, and it is a good thing.  But I would also keep in mind that one thing I have taken from all the wonderful doodler moms and dads commenting on this site and adding "their two cents" is that everyone means well.  We are all expressing ourselves in the written word, a skill that is not honed these days.  It is not easy to express in written form the nuances and comfort that t'he spoken word can often bring.  I guess, too, when you ask for comments or advise, you, and everyone else on this forum, will get a whole range.  Meantime, good for you for wanting to do what is best for your doodle love!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Lori - What's so funny is that I just wanted to share something the vet told me that I never heard of. I thought that it might be helpful to those that have doodles that chews and swallow dangerous items but since I never had to use a product like this just wanted feedback to find out what others thought of this as a last resort to help with those who might need it.

We don't need a muzzle for Nina and never will! We are learning about this little girl, who is close to a year old and well passed the stage of puppy chewing. We just have to pay attention more to what she p'll says with since our other 3 doodles are older and know what they are allowed to chew and what they aren't.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

I agree Lori, and thank you for your kind words.  It IS sometimes difficult to get across the fact that comments aren't meant to be rude or judgemental.  Every dog is different and every DK member here has the best of intent when leaving a comment - at least I do.  I have never had to use a muzzle in the past but I'll be perfectly honest, if this is what is needed to keep my dog safe and healthy I'm the first in line to buy one!  I'm a HUGE fan of pronge collars and know for a fact that many owners would never consider this option but as an arthritis sufferer for almost 35 years, this is what's needed to keep Stanlee and I safe and sound when out and about town.

 

And thanks Adrianne for your reassurance.  I know that you have your dog's best interest in mind and will do what's needed to keep all of your dogs safe.  Sounds like Nina is a very lucky girl!

[Lynette Main]

I agree,only  hard balls ,Kongs that hold treats and marrow bones.Tooo many things in those toys that should not be eaten. I  tried putting a muzzle on one of my old dogs when we went to the old vet. What a mistake. It scared Cujo more than the vet did.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I have considered this for Bella for just going out back to go potty so she would not be able to eat her poop. Then figured she'd still smash into her poop with it on and lick it off or at the very least make a big mess for me to clean up.
But I would certainly consider it to keep a doodle safe if I was worried about that. Of course I agree with it being limited use and as comfortable a fit as possible.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

ewww... poop on a muzzle...not a good thought.