DIY Emergency Dog Muzzle

When my dog was attacked by a raccoon several months ago, our family had a difficult time tending to his injury. The dog kept snapping at our hands, making it impossible to clean and bandage the wound without getting bit ourselves. We eventually made an emergency muzzle from a piece of flour sacking which safely held the dog's mouth shut, while we cleaned and wrapped the injury.

For those of us who don't own muzzles, an emergency dog restraint can be quickly made from a piece of narrow fabric. Gauze, an old necktie, the leg of a stocking, soft rope, or a long strip of sheeting material will all work. The material must be at least 2 feet long to reach around the dog's muzzle and head, and no wider than a two to four inches.

How to make a muzzle

To make the muzzle, begin by locating the mid point of the fabric strip. Holding the fabric by the ends with both hands, quickly bring it up beneath the middle of the dog's snout, behind the nose area. Gently criss cross the fabric over the top and bring back down beneath the chin.

Criss cross the fabric once again below the chin, then bring the ends up behind the ears. Tie loosely with a bow tie so the muzzle can be removed easily.

Additional tips

When dogs have suffered an injury, they often do not respond well to any type of handling. We discovered it was best to work from behind the dog's head, and move as quickly as possible. One person should hold the dog on a leash and keep him distracted, while the second person applies the muzzle.

Of course, practicing this technique before an injury happens is best. With a little practice, a pet's owner can apply this emergency muzzle within a matter of a few seconds.

Special precautions

Don't wrap the fabric so tightly that the dog isn't able to breathe! A properly wrapped muzzle will allow enough room for the dog to breathe with both his mouth and his nose. If your dog seems to be struggling for air or begins to vomit, quickly release the bow and remove the restraint.