Sniffing and Eating

Snuggle time with Winston.

For those who lead an active lifestyle, dogs make the perfect companions. They will walk and run with you, accompany you and your family on trips, and even go to restaurants if they are well-behaved and allowed.  However, when you have a dog that likes to sniff and eat everything, it makes for a less enjoyable time out and about.

Dogs Who Sniff and Eat

Our adventures are often interrupeted by a common problem: sniffing and eating. Recently, Winston's obsession with sticks has escalated, turning every outdoor excursion into a mission to consume every stick in sight.  He is a stick eater by nature, but this level of stick consumption was way beyond normal.

This resulted in a visit to the ER because he stopped pooping and we thought he had a bowel obstruction or worse, a perforation.  We still are not sure what happened, but there was no perforation or obstruction, and he didn’t poop for some time.  Rest assured, we had him on medication to stabilize his gut, stop him from vomiting, and increase his appetite.

Winston isn't the only dog in our family obsessed with sniffing and eating.  Maisie is even worse than Winston when it comes to sniffing and eating. Despite coming from a breeder, she behaves like a scavenger, much like a stray cat I had for twenty years. Nothing on the ground is safe from her nose and mouth.

Maisie considers sticks, discarded chicken bones and hotdog buns, dead animals, and even other dog's poop as gourmet delicacies.  Brian is repulsed by her epicurean predilections, and though I try to pull her away from offending objects, I am not always successful.

Muzzle is My Friend

For the last couple of weeks, Winston has sadly worn a muzzle to prevent him from eating sticks during our walks.  I feel wretched putting it on him since he looks like Hannibal Lecter, and people move away from him in fear.  Winston’s sad eyes say it all.

Winston showing off his snack prevention device.

“I’m a lover not a fighter”

The muzzle allows me to worry about one dog rather than two on our daily walks.

Today I decided it was time to try the muzzle on Maisie and it was a freeing experience - for me at least.

For the first time in forever, she could stick her snoot into piles of leaves and brush and I didn’t worry she would come out chewing something disgusting or dangerous.  Maisie was clearly frustrated and I was clearly grateful knowing I didn’t have to worry.

You can tell her displeasure with the muzzle in this photo.

I cringe at the looks from strangers when they see one of the dogs with a muzzle on.  Their thoughts are clearly visible on their faces.  The stares from people make me very defensive, they are sweet dogs who have bad eating habits, not bad attitudes, and wearing a muzzle leaves us all free to enjoy our walks together.

Be Kind to the Muzzle

Out for a walk while wearing a muzzle.

So, the next time you see a dog wearing a muzzle remember it is a sign of a caring owner. And do me a favor, give the owner a smile rather than a scowl, and walk past them without moving to the side.

A dog owner who has a muzzle on their pet means they care about their dog and are trying to keep them safe.  We all want to be safe and who doesn’t want to enjoy your daily walks?