01/19/2026
We only use muzzles, when necessary, so we and your pet stay safe! 😊 🐾
Around 3 PM today, my dog came inside with a ruptured a**l gland. This is one of those situations that cannot wait until tomorrow, so we immediately loaded up and went to the emergency vet.
If you know Snafu, you know he is one of the most social dogs on the planet. He will demand attention, lean on you, pet you, groom you, and crawl straight into your soul. But even the most social, stable dogs can struggle at the vet, especially when they are in pain.
I know my dog. I know pain changes behavior. So as I walked out the door, I grabbed his muzzle. Snafu has not worn a muzzle in over five years and has never needed one at the vet. Today, he wore it calmly, without conflict, and without it being an added stressor.
My dog was in significant pain. I have never seen him hurt like this. When the vet team needed to work on a very sore area, he reacted defensively. Not because he is a bad dog. Not because he is untrained. Because he is a dog in pain.
The muzzle was there to protect the veterinarian and the technicians. It is not their job to get bitten. It is not your groomer’s job. It is not anyone else’s responsibility to take a bite for your dog. Every dog has the potential to bite, especially when they are scared, uncomfortable, or hurting. Teeth are how dogs create space.
This situation could not have been prevented. There were no warning signs. He was running around normally and then suddenly he wasn’t. What could be prevented was risk.
That is why training matters. Owning a dog is a luxury. Training your dog is not optional. Preparing your dog for real life scenarios like vet visits, grooming, emergencies, and handling is part of responsible ownership.
My dog understood the assignment because the foundation was there. The muzzle was not scary. It was not new. It did not add stress. It allowed the vet team to do their job safely and allowed my dog to get the care he needed.
Train for the moments you hope never happen. Because when they do, everyone deserves to walk away safe.
Ps. Let me help you if you need support with preparing for vet visits.
