PET FOOD RECALLS
RECALL OF ‘YEARS’ PET FOOD
Last week ‘Years’ annouced a recall of their dog food due to a suspected link to ‘dry eye’ in dogs. Pet owners, GP vets, and opthalmologists noticed an increase in ‘dry eye’ cases and noticed many of these new case were eating ‘Years’. Improperly processed buckwheat is the possible cause, but investigations continue.
‘Years’ is a fairly recent entrant to the pet food market, selling fresh food on a subscription. Their marketing suggests fresh food is the most healthy option, and will add years to your dog’s life. It rated very highly on dog food comparison websites, so what has gone wrong? And how can you choose a safe food for your pet?
OTHER RECENT PET FOOD RECALLS
It’s not just ‘Years’. In recent years legume rich ‘grain free’ diets have been linked to a form of heart disease, a cat food brand was linked to severe immune suppression in some cats, and recalls for salmonella and ecoli contamination have happened across kibble, fresh, and frozen raw foods. Any manufacturer can suffer from a problem with ingredients, contamination, storage, or processing.
UK PET FOOD
Previously known as the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, UK Pet Food’s aim is to set standards for all pet food. Manufacturers who are members must meet strict standards for quality and safety, and any complete diets must meet the european minimum nutritional guidelines. With new ‘wonder diets’ being launched on a regular basis, my first question is always, “Is this company a UK Pet Food member and does the diet meet FEDIAF nutritional guidelines?” This is not to say that other diets aren’t safe and well balanced, or that member companes can’t run into problems, but it is a good starting point in finding a safe diet.
UK Pet Food don’t just support companies making cans and kibble. They even certify raw food companies!
I don’t usually put links in my posts as I would love you to stay and browse my content, but this time it is too important not to share UK Pet Food’s website. It really has a wealth of information, however you want to feed. https://www.ukpetfood.org/
VETS ARE HERE TO HELP!
Good nutrition is the absolute foundation of good health. If your vet doesn’t remember to ask what your pet is eating, go ahead and tell them! At Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care we support all types of diet from home-made raw to prescription kibble, but if your vet doesn’t you can ask to be referred to someone who can help. Like us…
COMPLAINTS AND CMA COMPLIANCE
COMPLAINTS
As the old saying goes, “If you are happy with our service, please tell others. If you are not happy, please tell us!”
Except, it’s just me. I aim to respond to enquiries within 2 working days. The service I offer is very personalised, but sometimes I understand it just won’t be right for you and your pet. If you have any complaint or concern please email me at health@holisticvetsussex.co.uk
In the unlikely event you want to take things further I suggest the Veterinary Client Mediation Service (vetmediation.co.uk)
The RCVS is your final port of call, but they really only consider professional misconduct.
CMA AND OTHER COMPLIANCE
Prescriptions: We do not sell conventional medications so do not offer prescriptions for conventional medications. Where these are required your primary care vet will supply the medication or prescription. Bespoke herbal tonics are exactly that and are blended for individual pets. We cannot provide a formula for you to have blended elsewhere as we can’t guarantee the quality of alternative herbal suppliers.
Suicide Prevention Plan: The team is me, and my van. Saying ‘no’ when fully booked, asking for communication by email so I have a record, and offering this more relaxed an individualised care is my suicide prevention plan. Ensuring the van is kept serviced is hers.
Ownership: It’s me! At this point the business is basically a hobby business that pays for my dogs to have a nice life. No shareholders. Just a small loan for the van. I do work with Companion Care Vets in Eastbourne, a Joint Venture practiced owned by my husband (Warwick Payne) and The Vet Group, but they have no input into Four Seasons.
Price List: We send a price list to every enquiry, and our prices are listed on the website.
Estimates: I will give a price for herbal tonics if these are required, but an estimate is on the price list. A price list is sent to all enquiries, and an estimate will be given for anything out of the ordinary. But only a HUGE puppy litter will come in over £500 anyway.
GDPR: Client information is held on a password protected cloud database (VetUp). No payment details are held.
HOT DOGS!
HEATSTROKE KILLS DOGS
We know, you are probably bored of hearing this now but it is true. Heatstroke is a common preventable cause of death in dogs. Every dog and owner are different, so try not to be judgy… but here are our top tips.
HEATSTROKE SIGNS
Panting with a long, thick tongue.
Thick drool.
Staggering or lying down.
Not reacting to known cues/ words.
Collapse.
Seizures.
Death.
HEATSTROKE PREVENTION
Walk early/walk late. For some dogs temperatures as low as 16 C carry a heatstroke risk, most dogs are at risk over 22 C.
Risk is higher for old dogs, puppies, hairy dogs, short faced dogs, and dogs with underlying illnesses.
If attending a competition or travelling with your dog use shades, fans, airconditioning, and have plenty of water and ice packs available.
If planning a canine event try to provide shade, water to drink, and water to dunk. If these can’t be offered consider cancelling.
Teach your dog to dunk their head in a bucket of water. This method has been developed and tested on military working dogs!
Heat isn’t the only risk. Hot surfaces can be damaging to paws, and plae dogs can suffer suburn and skin cancer.
HEATSTROKE TREATMENT
Rapid cooling. Wet the dog with cold water from a hose or immersion in cold water (healthy concious dogs).
Use fans or air conditioning to further cool the wet dog.
Offer small amounts of cool, but not ice cold, water to concious dogs.
Contact the closest vet and use the air con (if available) to keep cooling the dog on your journey to the vets.
THINK BEFORE YOU JUDGE
It may look irresponsible to have a dog outside at midday during a heatwave but… it could be cooler outdoors than in the home, the dog may only toilet away from home, the owner may need an excuse to leave the house… there are occasionally valid reasons to have a dog out in the heat for a short period. If your are concerned for the welfare of the dog (or owner!) consider offering some water or helping them find a cooler spot.
Dogs in cars may have the luxury of airconditioning that stays on when the driver leaves! If you see a dog in a vehicle and you are concerned monitor for signs of distress. If you feel the dog needs to be rescued, let the police know what you plan to do before breaking a window.
HOW TO GET REFERRED TO FOUR SEASONS HOLISTIC VETERINARY CARE
STEP 1
Email health@holisticvetsussex.co.uk for a referral form and price list.
It helps if you can include a brief desciption of the problem, and your location.
STEP 2
Ensure health@holisticvetsussex is marked as a safe address so that the reply does not end up in spam!
STEP 3
Fill out the owner section of the referral form, then ask you primary care vet to complete the rest, and email it to health@holisticvetsussex.co.uk with relevant history.
STEP 4
When the referral form and history are recieved you will be contacted with a choice of home visit appointment times by email.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A ONE-PERSON PRACTICE. I AIM TO REPLY WITHIN 48 HOURS, EXCEPT AT WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS. IN AN EMERGENCY CONTACT YOUR PRIMARY CARE VET.
Alternatively, download the referral form here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:0e7487e4-7af5-4552-a672-4b6473ad85c3
VET FEES TO FALL?
YOU’VE SEEN THE HEADLINES, NOW READ THE TRUTH!
The Competition and Markets Authority has spent ages investigating where there was a lack of competition in the veterinary field leading to pet owners being ripped off.
They have broadly found that there is sufficient competition, but that veterinary services are complicated and expensive.
They have made some recommendations, the key ones being:
Price Transparency: Vets must display standard fees for common services and provide written estimates for treatments over £500.
Prescription Access: Vets must inform owners they can buy medicines elsewhere and offer a written prescription.
Prescription Fee Caps: £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for additional items.
Ownership Disclosure: Practices must clearly disclose whether they are independent or part of a large corporate group.
Improved Information: The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) will enhance its “Find a Vet” site to include price data.
Complaints Handling: Implementation clearer procedures for clients to complain about service or fees.
WILL VET PRICES DECREASE?
Nothing in the recommendations will mean lower prices. Prescritions have been available for a long time and certainly can save you money on some medications. But soon vets will have to offer you one every time they see you…you’re going to get bored of this!
The need to give pricing data to the RCVS may mean more practices move to fixed price packages for their routine procedures. This approach can have winners and losers, but makes it easy for owners to compare prices and vets to give estimates. A word of caution though; make sure you are comparing like with like. The new system shoudl let you see what’s included (like a car insuracne website) but beware of hidden extras. Also remember that some practices may have vets and nurses with advanced levels of training which could impact outcomes. I still believe the best vet is one your trust, no matter the price on the board.
Extra regulation almost never means cheaper prices…
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR FOUR SEASONS HOLISTIC VETERINARY CARE?
Honestly, we don’t know. We are so independent that it’s just me. I do also work for Companion Care Vets Eastbourne (which is part of The Vet Group, but locally owned and managed).
We have our price list displayed and will let you know how much herbal tonics will cost per day if they are recommended, we don’t write prescriptions or sell conventional medications, we work on referral with your primary care vet being responsible for ensuring you have access to out of hours care. We will make a page outlining a complaints procedure, but we hope you would bring up any concerns during the time we spend in your living room. So far, so good… but we could face a £500 charge to be regulated as a veterinary business, and that would be hard to absorb.
IF THE CMA INVESTIGATION IS OVER, WHY ARE WE STILL TALKING ABOUT CHANGE?
Hot on the heels of the CMA investigation has come a plan to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act. This legislation dates from 1966 and a lot has changed! Vets have been asking for reform for as long as I have been in practice and longer.
Areas likely to be covered include regulation of businesses as well as individual vets, regulation of paraprofessionals (e.g. physiotherapists, behaviourists, and horse dentists), and protection of the title Veterinary Nurse.
WILL VSA REFORM LOWER PRICES?
Again, probably not. Most vets are businesses and in a free market they can set the fees they want. It is unlikely the RCVS would be given the power to say a vet was charging too much, unless they had failed to be honest and open about costs. More regulation will cost more money, and a micro business like mine can’t absorb those costs.
HOW DO I KEEP MY VET BILLS LOW?
We are glad you asked! If you keep your pet health through a good diet and preventative healthcare, then you shouldn’t be a frequent flier at the vets. Make use of monthly plans that spread the cost of vaccines and parasite control, and look out for offers like free nurse dental checks.
If you notice changes in your pet, seek advice sooner rather than later… a stitch in time and all that.
And ask about treatment options. Surgery miight offer the fastest fix, but rest and rehab is sometimes an option, especially with older pets. Just a quick plug, we have a good success rate in conservative management of cruciate disease and disc disease…
WHY DOES MY PET HAVE TO BE REFERRED?
Why does your pet need to be registered with a primary care vet, and why does that vet need to refer them before a consultation can take place?
Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care offers complementary therapies for your pet in your home. We do not have a clinic where we can offer routine treatments, diagnostic testing, or emergency care.
To meet RCVS requirements, your pet must have access to emergency care via your primary care practice.
I need to work with primary care vets, as patients often need radiography, blood tests, or conventional medications as part of their Holistic care, and I value the work the primary care vet has done with your pet.
Referral is simple! Request a referral form, fill out the owner section, then pass to your vet to complete. Your vet should email the form to me with any relevant clinical history. In return, I email your vet a copy of each consultation we have so that they are kept up to date with progress.
As I am usually on the road or treating pets, I prefer contact by text (07958142959) or email (health@holisticvetsussex.co.uk)
I am unable to discuss a case by phone until I have a referral form.
HOW DO I TEACH MY DOG TO BE HAPPY LEFT ALONE?
Dogs are social animals, and that’s why they fit into human families so well. Dogs are thought to have been our companions for over 30,000 years, more than 10,000 years longer than horses. Throughout most of our shared history dogs have lived, worked, and slept alongside us as hunters, guards, and pest controllers, but modern life means they must spend an increasing amount of time on their own.
RSPCA research in 2019 suggested that as many as 85% of dogs showed some signs of distress when left alone by their owners. With some ‘lockdown puppies’ still struggling, this figure may now be even higher. Dogs that are unhappy when left alone may be described as having separation anxiety, separation distress, and many behaviourists use the term separation related disorders to cover the complex range of symptoms that they see.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG IS SUFFERING FROM A SEPARATION DISORDER?
It is normal for your dog to want to come with you when they leave the house. If your dog has been properly habituated to being left, they will quickly settle on their bed. Adult dogs should sleep for 12-14 hours a day, so your workday is an ideal time for them to nap. You should come home to a dog who is happy to see you, and maybe evidence of playing with toys, but not to a scene of devastation.
Signs that your dog is not coping with being left alone include:
Noise
You may not be aware that your dog is noisy when you are out, so ask your neighbours if they hear your dog during the day. Barking is often triggered by movement or noise outside but may become excessive without a human give to reassurance. Howling is a form of communication and can be an attempt to call out to other dogs and humans. Whining can be heard with excitement, but if your dogs is alone, it is more likely to indicate anxiety or frustration.
House soiling
Dogs do not urinate and defaecate in the house because they are angry at being left, but they may lose control of their bladder or bowel if they are particularly distressed. House soiling can also bee seen if dogs are not let out frequently enough. Because emptying a full bladder leads to relief from mild physical discomfort, some dogs urinate as a form of psychological stress relief.
Destruction
Chewing is an innately relaxing activity for dogs and one which happy dogs will engage in when left alone, but stressed dogs may also chew in an effort to calm themselves. Distressed dogs may scratch doors and skirting boards in an attempt to escape confinement and may rip up toys and soft furnishings out of frustration.
Pet cameras have become affordable and allow you to see how your dog behaves when you leave. Pacing, trembling, panting (when it isn’t hot), yawning (when not sleepy), lip licking, and frequent changes of position all suggest that your dog is anxious and unsettled without your comforting presence. Some dogs may react by lying very still without relaxing or sleeping or may try to get onto your bed or sofa to comfort themselves with your scent.
WHY IS MY DOG STRUGGLING WITH BEING LEFT ALONE?
Dogs naturally live in social groups, which is why they fit so well into human families. Unless a dog is taught to cope with being left alone from early puppyhood, it is almost inevitable that they will feel a degree of stress, anxiety, boredom, and loneliness. Separation related disorders including separation anxiety have always been a problem for dogs, but many pet professional think the problem has increased since lockdown.
The Coronavirus lockdowns led to increased separation problems for several reasons. Existing dogs got used to their humans being at home more with children being home schooled, adults working from home, and others on furlough or shielding. Many families thought lockdown would be an ideal time to add a canine companion to their family, and a generation of puppies have never been left alone. Many companies now want to end or reduce working from home so the effects are still to come for some dogs.
Some dogs which have previously been fine on their own develop separation distress due to a bad experience such as someone trying to get into the house (even if it is only a delivery person!) or loud noises such as fireworks or thunder. Others start to show symptoms due to bereavement after an animal companion dies, even if they didn’t get on. Some dogs are simply bored as their physical and mental needs are not being met even when the family is at home.
Dogs suffering from medical conditions, particularly painful ones, may also show changed behaviour, including separation problems. Dogs can even find the end of the school summer holidays a challenge as their routine changes abruptly.
HOW DO I TRAIN MY DOG TO BE HAPPY WHEN LEFT ALONE?
Train your dog to go to their bed or into a crate and reward them with a tasty treat. If your dog chooses to go to their bed during training without being told make sure to reward their positive behaviour.
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake to avoid unbalancing their diet. You can do this training at dinner time, using your dog’s food as a reward and letting them finish the meal in bed. You are trying to build a positive feeling with being on the bed.
Once your dog is happy to go to their bed ask them to ‘settle’ and take a step away. Reward your dog for staying on their bed.
Slowly build up the time your dog stays on the bed before getting a reward, and then how far away you go. If your dog appears uncomfortable or gets off the bed do not punish them but go back a step.
When you feel your dog is ready you can try to leave the room. Do this in small stages staying outside the room for just a second to start with. Once you can spend a small amount of time out of sight, start to close the door.
At this stage it can be useful to use a remote treat dispenser allowing you to reward your dog for settling on their bed without delivering it yourself.
Build up the length of time your dog spends with the door closed. You can give a food stuffed chew toy to make time alone a really positive experience. If you have a pet camera, use it to make sure your dog is really ok when you are out of the room.
If closing the door is too much for your dog, use a baby gate to start with so that your dog can get used to spending time on their own while they are still able to see and smell you.
Should I walk my dog before leaving them alone?
Your dog is more likely to settle when left if their physical and mental needs have been met. A walk before you leave your dog will allow them to urinate and defaecate, but also provides an opportunity to sniff, and maybe to play and run. If you can’t fit in a decent walk, try some scent work or toy hunting as these are very tiring games.
Do not try to exercise your dog to exhaustion as this may lead to them drinking a lot of water and needing to urinate before you get home! Give your dog some food before you leave as they are more likely to sleep after eating. You can give some of the food stuffed into a robust chew toy for extra entertainment and stress busting chewing.
HOW DO I PRACTISE LEAVING MY DOG?
Ideally start leaving your dog in the house on their own for very short periods of time before you need to leave them for real. Ensure all their needs have been met and that they are safe and secure. Leave calmly without making a fuss just as you have been doing during your earlier training.
Consider using an indoor pen to keep your dog away from doors and windows if passers-by trigger their barking. Leaving the TV or radio on can comfort some dogs and will mask sounds from outside. Routine can reassure your dog so start developing a routine during training.
What do I do if my dog has damaged things while I was out?
Do not punish your dog if you find that they have damaged your house or belongings, or if they have urinated or defaecated indoors. Shouting or punishment will increase your dog’s anxiety as they will connect it to your return, not to the damage they have caused. Try to remain calm and casual when you come in, whether you have been out for a minute or a few hours but let your dog out into the garden so they can go to the toilet.
How long can I leave my dog alone?
There is no hard and fast rule for how long a dog can be left. The RSPCA recommend no longer than four hours, but older dogs and puppies need more frequent opportunities to go to the toilet. If you need to leave your dog longer than four hours arrange for a friend or pet care professional to visit during the day to let them out. Make sure your dog has met your helper with you and that the helper understands your routines and training.
If your dog remains unable to cope with being left alone visit your vet to rule out medical conditions. A pet behaviourist may be able to help by offering an individual assessment and treatment plan. If all else fails, the use of a pet sitter or day boarding may work for you and your dog.
Calming products that can help alleviate stress for your dog
There are supplements and pheromone products which can help your dog to feel more relaxed at home. Collars and diffusers are useful during training, with calming spot-ons, tablets, and chews to add to the calming effect when you are going out. Chews and treats should be given under supervision.
Summary – How to help a dog with separation issues
Most dogs will suffer from some degree of distress when left alone unless they are trained to cope. It is easiest to avoid separation problems if you make leaving your dog for short periods of time part of your routine as soon as they are settled in your home.
Separation problems may be seen when your work patterns change, when another pet dies, if your dog has been scared at home, or due to medical conditions. Lockdown has caused sudden and dramatic changes in the number of people at home and has increased the number of dogs suffering from separation related disorders.
If your dog is still struggling with being left alone visit your vet to rule out any health problems. If no health problems are found contact a pet behaviourist for an individualised assessment and therapy plan. Consider alternative arrangement such as a pet sitter or day boarding.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR PETS
DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK FOR PETS?
Acupuncture is the most common reason for Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care to see a pet. We see improvement in most of our acupuncture cases. Acupuncture is supported by review articles and case studies in veterinary literature, as well as being approved by NICE for use in some conditions on the NHS (for humans!).
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Acupuncture has several effects on the body. Insertion of the thin surgical steel needles causes an increase in local blood flow which helps to stimulate tissue healing. Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins which make the pet feel good and relieve pain. Acupuncture can also alter pain perception at the spinal cord and brain level.
Traditional Acupuncture talks about meridians and the flow of chi, which can sound unscientific. However, the traditional meridians follow the path of nerves and blood vessels through the body, and chi means energy. If we then think of acupucture improving blood flow to provide oxygen to tissues and stimulating nerves which work through electrical pulses, then acupuncture doesn’t sound so magical!
WHAT CONDITIONS IN PETS CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
At Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care we mainly treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain cases using acupuncture. We have also had success with lick granulomas, and bowel and bladder conditions. Although acupuncture has been reported to help a wide range of conditions we find herbs and diet more effective for many diseases.
WILL MY PET ALLOW ACUPUNCTURE?
If you have a pet who will allow strangers to touch them and who can stay quiet for around 15 minutes after needle placement then we can try acupuncture. There are needle placements that are useful for anxious or fidgety animals. Although dogs are our most frequent patients, we have used acupuncture successfully in cats and rabbits.
CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP MY PET?
If your pet has a muscle injury or osteoarthritis acupuncture is very likely to help. Results are less consistent for neurological, skin, endocrine, and metablic conditions. If we see no response after three sessions we would recommend looking at other therapies.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS TO MY PET FROM ACUPUNCTURE?
The risks from acupuncture treatment are low. Pain during needle insertion and bleeding from the needling site are uncommon unwanted effects. Pets can feel sleepy after treatment and some human patients report nausea or fainting, but I have never seen an animal patient be sick or faint.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSION?
At the first session I will meet your pet, go over the history, and make a hands on assessment. If I think acupuncture will be useful the first treatment can be given in the same session. Initial appointments are around 1 hour, with subsequent appointments lasting around 30minutes, each with up to 15minutes treatment time.
HOW DO I BOOK ACUPUNCTURE FOR MY PET?
Email health@holisticvetsussex.co.uk for a referral form and current price list. Your pet must be under the care of a primary care veterinary practice who have out of hours arrangements. Once the referral form is returned we will book a mutually convenient time for a home visit and assessment.
MUZZLE TRAINING YOUR DOG
Why do dog’s wear muzzles?
Often the first thing that springs to mind when someone sees a dog wearing a muzzle is that the dog must be vicious, but there are many reasons why a dog might be wearing a muzzle. A dog wearing a muzzle might be:
- Prone to eating things they shouldn’t or on a strict diet for medical reasons.
- More likely to bite due to fear or pain.
- Required to wear a muzzle by law, for example if they are exempt banned breed or for any breed travelling on public transport in some countries.
- To prevent a dog catching wildlife.
- For a visit to the vet or groomers.
When muzzles are used on fearful dogs it is important to remember that they won’t make the dog feel better or safer. They should be used as a ‘safety net’ during training to help the dog feel more relaxed. If your dog snaps out of fear in any situation consult your vet and a behaviourist about how you can help them feel better.
It is beneficial for all dogs to be trained to wear a muzzle just in case one is needed. If a dog has previously worn a muzzle and had a good experience this reduces their stress when one is needed compared to wrestling a muzzle onto a scared dog in an emergency. Muzzle training can be a fun game if approached in the right way (see later).
What is the right style of muzzle for my dog?
There are two main sorts of muzzle available: basket muzzles and fabric muzzles.
Fabric muzzles fit the nose very snuggly and must only be worn under direct supervision for a short period of time. They are most commonly used for short veterinary or grooming tasks and some dogs seem to calm down when they are applied. Dogs can take small treats through a fabric muzzle, and they can also give you a nasty nip!
Basket muzzles are more suitable for wearing for longer periods and give more protection against bites. There are some designs only suited for short term wear (such as at the vets) as they give limited room for panting but do allow the dog to take treats and to drink. Muzzles designed to allow full panting room used to only be available for racing dogs like whippets and greyhounds but designs for all face shapes including bull breeds are now becoming more common.
If you need your dog to be able to wear a muzzle for longer periods including exercise and in the car ensure the design allows them to pant, drink, take treats, and vomit. Make sure the muzzle doesn’t restrict breathing or vision and is comfortable for your dog to wear. Some brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs can be particularly tricky to find a comfortable and safe muzzle for so consult your vet for advice.
When measuring your dog for a muzzle, measure from the tip of their nose to just below their eyes and the widest part of the nose. Allow at least 1cm between the end of your dog’s nose and the muzzle. Make sure the straps will prevent the muzzle coming off, but don’t dig into your dog. You should be able to slide a finger comfortably under the straps.
How do I Train my dog to wear a muzzle?
It is easiest to muzzle train a dog if they have not previously had bad experiences. If your dog is already shy about being touched on the face, has any pain issues with their mouth, face or ears, or if they are aggressive around treats you need to speak to your vet and a behaviourist before starting muzzle training.
There are many different ways to muzzle train your dog. If your dog hasn’t had a bad experience you might want to start with an actual muzzle straight away. If your dog has previously had poor experiences with muzzle start with a yogurt pot with some holes in the bottom.
Assemble everything you will need in a quiet, familiar, distraction free space. Plan for short training sessions several times a week and always end with success. Repeat each stage several times until you are sure your dog is ready to move on.
You will need: a muzzle or plastic pot with holes, tasty treats, a clicker (optional).
- Bring out the pot or muzzle, immediately give your dog a treat (after using the clicker or a marker word like ‘good’). Repeat until your dog is anticipating a treat when the muzzle appears.
- Place a treat in the pot/muzzle. If your dog moves towards the muzzle click/mark and give a treat. Some dogs will stick their nose straight in, others may get closer in stages.
- Once your dog is putting their nose into the muzzle you can hold the treat outside and pop it in once the nose is in.
- When your dog is confidently sticking their nose in the muzzle for a few seconds add a word which you can use as a cure for them, ‘muzzle’ ‘party hat’ ‘nose cone’… it doesn’t matter what word you choose but be consistent.
Once your dog is happy to have their nose in the pot/ muzzle for a reasonable period of time before a treat, the next step is to fasten the strap. Some dogs don’t like this so you may need to work on it separately.
- Make the neck strap into a big loop and hold it so the dog can see. Click/mark and give a treat.
- Hold a treat near the loop, click and treat.
- Hold the treat on the other side so the dogs puts their nose through… click and treat.
- Move the treat so the dog puts their neck through.
- Once your dog is happy to put their neck through lift up the muzzle and ask them to stick their nose in for a reward.
- Once the nose is in, gradually tighten the neck loop.
- Slowly build up the length of time your dog wears the muzzle. They should wear it for things they enjoy such as sofa snuggles, grooming, trick training, and then out on walks.
During training it is important not to overfeed! You can use some of your dog’s normal food, or choose small, tasty treats cut into small pieces.
Dogs might feel anxious the first time they meet people and dogs whilst wearing their muzzle as they can’t communicate with their facial expressions as effectively. If possible, do some training sessions with other friendly dogs around to build their confidence. At all times during training monitor your dog for signs of stress.
What do I do if my dog tries to remove the muzzle?
If your dog starts pawing at the muzzle during training, it is likely that you have gone too fast and skipped a few stages. Go back to the last point your dog seemed comfortable and build up more slowly.
If your dog occasionally tried to remove the muzzle on walks, instead of telling them off try asking for a behaviour they can do such as sit or give paw to distract them, and so you can pay out a tasty reward.
If your dog has been good in their muzzle but then starts trying to get it off check carefully for damage to the muzzle or skin irritation that could be making it uncomfortable to wear.
Using a muzzle in an emergency
Sometimes during muzzle training it will be necessary for your dog to wear a muzzle even though they are not fully comfortable and this risks setting back your training. Situations where this might be necessary include a vet, behaviourist, or groomer visit. In these cases, try to use a different type of muzzle to the one you are training with, and go back several stages on your next training session.