A muzzle is a sensible piece of equipment and there is nothing shameful about using one, but the type matters enormously, and this is the type most often used wrongly. A soft mesh muzzle wraps around the snout and holds the mouth closed. That is precisely what makes it effective, and it is also precisely why it can only be used for short, closely supervised periods.

The mesh cup is light and padded where it sits against the face, with an adjustable strap fastening behind the ears so it does not slide down the nose. Mesh is kinder on the skin than a hard plastic basket and it packs flat into a pocket, which is why it suits the vet's table, a nail trim or a grooming session, all jobs measured in minutes rather than hours.

• Padded soft mesh with an adjustable behind-the-ears strap
• Sizes S to 2XL
• Grey, yellow, blue and orange
• Listed weight 15g to 24g depending on size
• Packs flat for a pocket or bag
• Hand-washes and dries quickly

Please read this before buying. They cannot. A close-fitting mesh muzzle holds the jaw shut, and a dog who cannot pant cannot cool itself or drink. Use it for minutes at a time, never in warm weather, never on an unattended dog, and never for a walk. If you need something wearable for an hour, buy a basket muzzle instead.

Who it's for: Owners needing brief, safe control for a nail trim, a vet examination or a grooming session, rather than anything worn out on a walk.