Clippers, hairdryers and nail grinders all make a high, continuous noise close to a dog's head, and for a lot of dogs that is the actual problem rather than the handling. Covering the ears takes the top off that noise. It will not silence it, but for a dog who is merely unsettled rather than terrified, taking the edge off is often enough to get through a trim without a fight.

The snood is a soft stretch tube that pulls over the head and sits round the neck and ears. For spaniels and other long-eared breeds it does a second useful job, holding the ear leather flat against the head and out of the way of clipper blades, water and the dryer, which between them account for most home-grooming accidents. Three sizes and three colours are offered, and the whole thing weighs almost nothing.

• Soft stretch snood, pull-on
• Covers the ears to muffle noise
• Holds long ears clear of clippers and water
• Sizes S, M and L
• Black, purple and pink
• Product weight 12g to 26g

Muffling is not soundproofing. A dog who panics at the clippers needs to be taught, in short sessions with the machine switched off and then on across the room, that nothing bad follows the noise. A snood helps at the margins of that work rather than replacing it. Introduce it on a quiet evening first, and take it off if your dog is pawing at it.

Who it's for: People grooming or bathing at home, especially with a noise-sensitive or long-eared dog.