Don't Be Puzzled by Dogs Wearing Muzzles, Says Dogs Trust Merseyside

DOGS Trust Merseyside is raising awareness about why some dogs are trained to wear a muzzle, hoping to change perceptions and encourage more people to consider adopting one of the muzzled dogs patiently waiting for their forever homes.

Muzzle training is often misunderstood, leading to people believing that a muzzled dog is dangerous or difficult. In reality, muzzles are an important tool that can help dogs feel more comfortable and safe in certain situations.

Dogs Trust Merseyside wants to spread the message that muzzle training is a sign of responsible dog ownership, not a reflection of a dog's temperament. Sadly, dogs that wear muzzles can take longer to find homes due to the misconceptions of muzzles only being worn by aggressive dogs, but there are many reasons why a dog might benefit from wearing a muzzle, including:0

• To ensure safety when a dog is frightened, unwell, or in pain. Fear and discomfort can affect a dog's behaviour, and a muzzle allows a vet or owner to provide treatment quickly and safely in an emergency.
   

• To prevent dogs from eating things that could be harmful. Some dogs have strict dietary requirements, while others are prone to picking up and swallowing things they shouldn't. A muzzle can be an essential tool to help keep them safe.
   

• To support responsible ownership and ensure the safety of dogs and those around them. Some dogs may have a high prey drive or a history of chasing or become overwhelmed in certain situations. A muzzle allows them to enjoy walks and interactions safely.

1 of the muzzle trained dogs currently waiting for his forever family is 6 year old Lurcher, Angus. Angus loves being made a fuss of and having a cuddle, but he also loves heading out on walks to explore new places. The team believe he may have been used as a working dog before arriving at the centre a year ago, and so to make sure he doesn't chase and harm wildlife, he has been muzzle trained.

He can live with children aged over 14 and loves to try and be a lap dog, so he can be as close as possible to his human friends.

Georgina Lowery, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Merseyside, says:- "Dogs are muzzled for a range of reasons, and it doesn't necessarily mean they are aggressive as some may assume. Angus is a joy to be around and incredibly friendly, but as he may have a tendency to chase wildlife, he's on a muzzle when out and about so he can have the best time possible without harming any small furries he may come across. He's perfectly happy wearing a muzzle and it doesn't stop him having fun. It can be useful for all dogs to be comfortable wearing a muzzle as you never know when it might come in handy. Dogs can learn to happily wear a muzzle, like they learn to wear a collar. They can still enjoy their walks, pant freely, drink water and have treats. We hope that by highlighting the different reasons why some of our fabulous canine residents wear a muzzle, we can help people understand that wearing one is normal for many dogs and isn't anything to be concerned about.”

The Rehoming Centre hopes that by spreading awareness, more people will open their hearts and homes to these wonderful dogs who are ready to become loving companions.

To find out more information about muzzle training, please visit:- DogsTrust.Org.UK/Muzzles.

To find out more about Angus and all the dogs waiting for their forever homes, please go to:- DogsTrust.Org.UK/Merseyside.

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Dogs Trust Merseyside gives cracking advice on how to have a dog friendly Easter

WITH the bank holiday Easter weekend fast approaching, Dogs Trust Merseyside is reminding dog owners to keep chocolate out of reach of our 4 legged friends.

As Easter eggs and other tasty cocoa treats find their way into homes, the charity hopes to raise awareness of the risk that the consumption of chocolate poses to our canine companions.

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs as it contains a substance called theobromine, which dogs and some other animals struggle to metabolise. Symptoms of theobromine poisoning include:- vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, and potentially seizures and fatal heart problems.

Dried fruits such as grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are also toxic to dogs and can lead to fatal renal failure, so it's essential that hot cross buns, Simnel cake, and any other foods containing these dried fruits are kept well away from canine companions too. Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog has eaten chocolate or any of these dried fruits.

The charity advises:-

• Never give your pooch any human chocolate or dried fruits as a treat. Ensure that children and visitors understand why and adhere to this rule too.
   

• If you are hosting an Easter egg hunt, ensure your dog can't find the chocolate 1st by keeping them away from the area or on a lead with constant supervision.
   

• Make sure that bins are dog proof to prevent them from scavenging through rubbish.
   

• Never leave any chocolate, hot cross buns, Simnel cake or dried fruits on tables or kitchen tops where your dog may be able to reach.
   

• Teach your dog to move away from something when you ask them to:- 'leave it.' This valuable life skill will be helpful if your dog reaches for something they shouldn't have.
   

• Keep a close eye on your dog whilst out walking to avoid them eating discarded food that is potentially harmful.

Victoria Phillips, Dogs Trust Veterinary Surgeon Manager, says:- "Our dogs are part of the family, so owners may want to include:- them in the Easter celebrations. However, tasty treats such as chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are very bad for our canine friends; eating them can make them poorly and even prove fatal. Although when it comes to our dogs we need to maintain a chocolate and raisin-free zone, there are plenty of tasty treats they can enjoy and join in the fun too. For example, taking them on their own Easter hunt around the house or garden that includes:- dog friendly treats is an excellent way of bonding and stimulating our dogs. If you want to try something different, they will happily hunt for tasty treats including:- cucumber, carrot, strawberries and broccoli. If you hide those, they will have a much healthier Easter than we may have! You could also use Easter egg boxes to hide their toys or treats in for them to sniff out and you could set a couple of boxes a little distance apart and, holding your dog's treats or favourite toy in 1 hand, slowly start to guide them in a figure of 8 around the 2 boxes. Then reward your dog with a safe, tasty treat or more games!"

For more information and advice about keeping your dog happy and healthy, please visit:- DogsTrust.Org.UK.