To think this item is cruel

[Luciaagreen]

Just seen these. Aibu to think that is cruel?

I think you might have to give us more of a clue.

Oops posted too soon before your picture loaded

Pointless, certainly.

What, any muzzle? Or those in particular??

They are actually muzzles, rather than just novelty face masks for dogs?

If that’s the case I don’t see an issue. Some dogs need to be muzzled in public and the dog won’t know or care if it’s got a novelty one on. As long as it can drink in them!

Is it not just a different take on a muzzle? Nothing wrong with a muzzle, if needed, to protect other dogs/other people near and the dog itself (from being PTS if bites). Having said that, it doesn't look hugely comfortable, but who knows.

In what way is a soft silicone muzzle cruel? Some dogs need a muzzle on walks either because they are reactive or because they are scavengers who eat things that make them ill. Mine has a soft muzzle for when he gets injections at the vet.

It’s a muzzle. Not a muzzle I’d choose for my dog because it just looks a bit silly (he has a plain Baskerville muzzle as a precaution for vet trips or nail trims as I don’t believe anyone should be at risk of being bitten whilst they are at work, and I don’t want to risk my dog’s life if he did ever get scared and bite!)

Muzzles do have a use generally, often see sighthounds wearing them presumably because high prey drive might make them go for cats? If these are all form and no function and just dressing up clothes for the dogs, I don't think it's kind to the animal.

My old chihuahua wouldn't even let me put a coat on her for the cold or wet, I tried with different designs and fabrics but she'd lie down and refuse to move in them. I'd then get strangers telling me off for not putting her in a coat!

I can't tell from the pics - do you think it's cruel because it's a muzzle, or specifically because it's a muzzle shaped like a duck's bill?

If the latter, I think you might be applying a level of consciousness onto the dog they are not capable of having. They won't understand that people may look and laugh because of the 'amusing' shape.

I think this is on-par with certain dummies (pacifiers) I've seen that have Bugs Bunny teeth on them. No way I'd ever consider using them, but I think that people unfortunately do far, far worse (parents and pet owners).

I think it's mean to make your dog look like a zany little dickhead and I would judge any owner poorly

Not so much cruel as pointless and potentially dangerous. My dog would have banged his head against the floor to break from that muzzle and then started chewing silicone pieces. Bits of silicone stuck in intestine is a lot of heartache for owner, and a huge vet bill besides.

They are anti-bite muzzles. They get used for very short amounts of time, such as giving a dog the kennel cough vaccine. My own dog has to have one put on when she has had it done in the past.

They are not the muzzle people use for taking their dog out for a walk. Dogs can not drink water or pant properly in an anti-bite one.

In my country dogs have to be muzzled on public transport amd certain breeds have to be muzzled in public spaces.

I hate them but these re just novelty versions of the same

No I don’t think it’s cruel, what is cruel is keeping a dog that has a tendency for aggression and doing nothing about it and allowing it to bite everyone like my MIL does with her dog.

If its just a muzzle then no. Looks uncomfortable for the dog too

What’s the issue?

😂😂😂

I'd rather a dog looked a little silly wearing that than biting my dog unprovoked.

That's me just assuming it's a muzzle. Of course if it's not then it is a little mean!

They are anti-bite muzzles.

what are the other ones then?

I don't like them . Also don't like dressing dogs in silly clothes or putting antlers on them at Christmas .

It is cruel. I am not anti muzzle in the slightest if it's required.

But a good sized roomy basket muzzle which allows dogs to drink and pant.

I can't see the dog being able to do either of these things in this

I really don't think it would be kind to walk a dog in a muzzle that prevented them from opening their mouth. What if they need to pant?

We only let our sighthounds off lead in basket muzzles as they were a danger to wildlife. They could easily pant in them though.

I'd rather a dog looked a little silly wearing that than biting my dog unprovoked.

But those aren't the only options. A muzzle that doesn't look stupid would serve the same purpose. Even the most easily delighted person would surely only get one brief laugh out of that. After you've controlled your hilarity at the idea of making a dog look like a duck, then you are just laughing at silicone, and probably need help.