We’re really pleased to share something that’s been quietly growing behind the scenes here at The Muzzle Movement: we’ve officially partnered with the brilliant team at Canine Arthritis Management (CAM).

If you’re not already familiar with CAM, they’re one of the leading voices in helping dogs with arthritis live happier, more comfortable lives. Founded by vet Hannah Capon, CAM is all about education, empathy and evidence-based advice. Their resources help both dog guardians and professionals to understand arthritis better, spot the signs early, and make simple changes to improve day-to-day quality of life.

Their website is packed with free guidance, but for those who want to go deeper, their Member Zone is a fantastic place to start, with expert articles, recorded webinars, videos, and product recommendations from the people who truly know their stuff.

So what does our collaboration involve?

• We’ve written a brand new article for CAM’s Member Zone all about muzzling dogs in pain and how to do it kindly

• Our muzzles now feature on the CAM online shop

• We gave a bitesize talk at the 2025 Canine Pain Symposium, and it was the third most viewed of the entire event!

Why CAM and The Muzzle Movement Make Sense Together

At the heart of both our organisations is a shared belief in kindness. CAM are champions of early intervention, guardian education, and improving canine wellbeing. We at The Muzzle Movement believe in those same things - especially when it comes to helping guardians feel more confident and supported in managing their dog’s needs.

That includes helping them understand that muzzles aren’t just for dogs who bite, and they certainly aren’t a last resort. In fact, a muzzle can be a really helpful part of the care plan for dogs living with chronic pain.

Pain, especially when it’s ongoing like arthritis, can change a dog’s behaviour. A dog who once loved fuss might start pulling away. A previously tolerant dog might start growling or snap unexpectedly when a sore spot is touched. It doesn’t mean they’re aggressive. It means they’re hurting. And for some dogs, particularly those who are nervous at the vets or find handling tricky, having a muzzle that they’re already comfortable wearing can help keep everyone safe.

We want guardians of dogs with chronic pain to see that muzzles are safe, not scary, with the support of the professionals who are working with them.

The problem is, many people don’t consider muzzle training until something goes wrong. A vet visit becomes stressful. A treatment session gets cut short. A snap happens, and suddenly a muzzle is put on in a rush. In that moment, the dog is likely already distressed, sore and overwhelmed. It’s not a positive introduction to an important piece of safety equipment.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. By introducing a comfortable, well-fitting muzzle early, using reward-based training methods, guardians can give their dogs a chance to learn that wearing a muzzle is normal, not frightening. That it leads to good things and that nothing scary happens when it goes on.

It also gives professionals, like vets, physios and behaviourists peace of mind when working with dogs who may be sore or sensitive.

A Bit About the Article

We won’t give too much away here, because the full piece lives in CAM’s Member Zone (and rightly so - this is a paid resource that supports the amazing work they do). But the article covers the reasons why muzzles can be a crucial part of managing dogs with pain, what to look for in a well-fitted muzzle, and how to train it positively, step-by-step. It also addresses some of the common worries guardians have, and why those concerns are entirely valid, but solvable.

Why It Matters

For us, this partnership isn’t just a tick in a box. It’s about moving the conversation forward.

It’s about helping guardians and professionals feel informed, empowered and proactive. About removing the stigma around muzzles and instead seeing them for what they are, tools that support welfare when used kindly and with purpose. We want to support the professionals working with dogs with chronic pain to feel confident advising their clients about muzzles, the fit and how to safely introduce muzzles. We want all professionals to advise guardians to begin muzzle training at the point of diagnosing a condition which causes chronic pain, so that everyone is prepared and safe for the potential need of the muzzle in the future.

We’re so proud to stand alongside CAM in this work, and we’re excited to see where this collaboration leads.

Because when we work together, dogs win.