A muzzle carries a stigma it does not deserve. Plenty of perfectly friendly dogs need one for twenty minutes at the vet, at the groomer, or on a walk where they cannot be trusted to leave things on the ground alone. Having your own in the drawer, already fitted and already familiar, is far kinder than borrowing a stiff one from a stranger in a waiting room.

This is a soft nylon mesh design rather than a rigid basket. The mesh is light and open enough for a dog to pant through, which matters because panting is how dogs cool themselves, and any muzzle that closes the mouth is only safe for a few minutes and never in warm weather. An adjustable strap sets the fit behind the ears, and a quick-release buckle gets it off again in one movement when the moment has passed.

• Lightweight nylon mesh construction
• Open weave allows panting and breathing
• Adjustable strap for a secure fit
• Quick-release buckle for fast removal
• Sizes S through to 2XL
• Colours include black, blue, red, pink and purple

Two things worth knowing. A soft mesh muzzle is for short, supervised periods only, since it restricts the mouth more than a basket muzzle does, so it is not something to leave on for a long walk or in the heat. And introduce it slowly at home with treats before you need it, because a dog meeting a muzzle for the first time in a consulting room learns exactly the wrong lesson about both.

Who it's for: owners who want a muzzle to hand for grooming, vet visits or scavenging, and who will take the time to fit it properly first.