Outrageous New Product! “Mouth Diapers” for Dogs

November 13, 2012 by David Deleon Baker 40 Comments

“Dog Slobber Stopper”: It’s pretty clear what this poor dog is thinking.

Owners of drooly dogs, listen up. An online entrepreneur thinks he has just what you need. Make way for a new invention hailed as the “dog mouth diaper.”

Officially named the Dog Slobber Stopper and priced at nearly 70 bucks, this controversial spandex product slips over your dog’s head to stop drool.

Even though Dog Slobber Stopper claims the product is completely comfortable and elastic, pet owners are not amused, likening it to a torture device or something that would be seen on Hannibal Lecter’s head.

Comments on the company’s YouTube page include:

“It’s obvious the poor dog hates that thing!!! This is a terrible thing to do to a dog just for some convenience for you.”
(Company response: “I am the head of a human household, not a dog household…. I put diapers on my little kids so they did not pee on my floor, and I can only ask as much from my dog.”)
“He DOES NOT look better with that ridiculous thing on his gorgeous head.”
(Company response: “When the big long snotty goobers are hanging from his mouth, he is better looking with his Dog Slobber Stopper on.”)
“You do realize you’re trying to charge $70 for something a $3 hand towel will fix without any damage to the dog?”
“I’m sorry, this is epicly STUPID. You just don’t design a product for an animal without getting feedback from vets, trainers, experts.”
“This device is patently stupid, barbaric and if you’re going to bring a drooling breed into your home, don’t be surprised or appalled when the dog drools.”
“You are treating that dog like Hannibal Lector.”
“With the head covered, heat will be retained, potentially causing life-threatening medical conditions. No air will be able to get to the skin, potentially causing skin infections. Barbaric and inhumane!”

I tried to contact the company for a comment before I published this article, but the Slobber Stopper website contact form was not functional. I did send a request for comment to the website administrator, but no one has responded yet.

Update, 11/14: Someone purporting to be from Dog Slobber Stopper has responded; you can read the statement in the comments section below.

“Dumbest Invention Ever”

Right now it looks like the Dog Slobber Stopper is available only for Newfoundlands, but other breeds are in the works.

I spoke with Jen from My Brown Newfies, who first alerted us to this product. She says, “Dumbest invention ever!” and calls it “downright cruel and inhumane.” Jen owns two Newfoundlands.

She adds: “Besides making the dog uncomfortable, it can also keep a Newfie from panting, which can result in death; it is a breeding ground for bacteria; and if needed, a Newfie would not be able to defend himself while wearing this.”

Speaking from my own experience, my last dog was a basset hound, as drooly as they come. I would never consider a product like this just to make my life a little more convenient and my walls a little less slobber-soaked. “Mouth diaper”? NO WAY.

What do you think? Are you as outraged as other people we’ve talked to? Tell me your thoughts in the comments section below. Can’t wait to see what you say!

Photos: Dog Slobber Stopper’s YouTube channel

Filed Under: Pet Products Tagged With: basset hounds, dogs, drool, Newfoundlands, odd

About David Deleon Baker

Dave Baker, editor and publisher of Pets Adviser, has nearly 20 years of experience in the media industry, including work as a news designer and copy editor at The New York Times and The Nation magazine. He worked at the New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper, where he and the rest of the staff shared two Pulitzer Prizes for work done in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Before founding Pets Adviser in fall 2009, Dave published a limited-run newspaper for pet owners called Dig & Scratch, which was distributed in New York City. He has a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in writing/journalism from Clemson University. Dave now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, Julie, and a cat, Hillary. Read more: About Pets Adviser

TheQuadMama

I’m owned by four Newfoundland dogs. This product is a danger to our beloved breed. The skin issues resulting in wearing such a barbaric contraption are but one red flag. Newfs drool for a reason. To try and contain that drool because your family has an aversion to it is rediculous. It’s obvious to me that not only did someone fail to do their homework before purchasing a beautiful animal, the breeder fell far shoot as well. No reputable breeder would glance in the direction of a potential puppy buyer if they had an aversion to drool. This product outrages me. This product is barbaric. This product will cause death in Newfoundlands. This product should be banned. The only thing I can see coming out of this are multiple trips to the vet to treat pyoderma and all sorts of other skin related issues not to mention the emotional distress it will cause to the dog. Installing this idiotic headgear on a gentle giant such as a newf is cruel and inhumane
- http://petsadviser.com/ David Deleon Baker
  
  “Idiotic headgear,” indeed. I think the person (or people) behind this probably had good intentions with solving “a problem,” but yeah, really bad idea. And 70 dollars?!
  - TheQuadMama
    
    The money isn’t the issue so much as the device itself and the potential harm it can cause both physically and emotionally. This guy is a moron. The thought of him owning a gentle giant Newfoundland causes my gag reflex to kick in
Thea

One word comes to mind “ridonkulous”! Because only an ass would come up with something so ridiculous.
Kimberly Sedam

We have three newfoundlands and I would never consider using this product. The inventor likens it to a diaper, which is not accurate. Children wear diapers because they are not developmentally able to control their elimination. As children grow and develop, they master toilet training . Drooling in a newfoundland is NOT a developmental issue, but rather is the way they are designed, and for good reason. Trust me, as a pre-school director and a lover of newfoundlands….I know what I’m talking about:)
- http://petsadviser.com/ David Deleon Baker
  
  Good points! The whole diaper reference just makes me sick to the stomach.
Terrie Edgar

A muzzle is a muzzle is a muzzle. If you don’t like slobber and floogers that are inherent with some dog breeds; DON’T GET THAT DOG!!! End of story.
Ocean’s Edge

It’s outrageous … he posted a counter arguement on FaceBook where he compare the item to the blinkers that race horses wear – it shows such an appalling understanding of both dog and horse biology and physiology. Horses sweat they don’t pant for cooling and EVEN then horse blinkers do NOT cover their mouths with spandex …. at most it comes halfway down the face – nowhere near the mouth or nose. If you do a google search you’ll see the difference:
http://penangnewspaper.com/pics6/blinders33.jpg
YorkvilleNewfie

Thank you Mr. Baker, for posting this article. My Newfie would give you a big, wet one if she were able! I left two of the five YouTube comments quoted, so you already know how I feel about this “patently stupid, barbaric” product.
- http://petsadviser.com/ David Deleon Baker
  
  No problem. I did see that people were peppering all of their YouTube videos with comments. You can just call me Dave, by the way!
Jennifer

I have 5 Newfoundland dogs and would NEVER think of using such an inhumane contraption on them. Not only Is this cruel but will cause bacteria growth on the dogs face resulting in hot spots and other bacterial infections that clearly this person has not researched,, Not to mention the over heating of the animal or maybe even death!
Amber Donoghue

This is a very upsetting product to be sure. He is getting a very bad reaction on his facebook page http://www.facebook.com/DogSlobberStopper, many making the point that it can harm the dog, and possibly lead to overheating which can result in death of the dog. A major design flaw being that dog drool is quite viscous and not so easily absorbed, therefore this ‘muzzle’ will simply encourage a build up of bacteria close to the dog’s mouth as the drool accumulates beneath it. Also, a dog uses his mouth for many things, including panting to regulate his body temperature. This medieval contraption inhibits/restricts a dog’s natural basic needs. Should an owner have a problem with their dog’s natural bodily functions, they should consider giving him up to rescue who will find a kinder home for him, not try to ‘adapt’ him. I would never put this on my Newfie’s head!

Mr Paterson, inventor, writes “…the Bamboo fabric pulls the slobber away from the dog’s mouth and the Hemp fabric holds the drool for up to 12 hours without leaks.” …. Are we to believe from his claim that he has forced his dog Moose to wear this for 12 hours?! How is that not abusive to the poor dog?

My concern is that this product could fall into the hands of irresponsible dog owners/handlers, or even just regular folk who don’t see how truly wrong it is
Jennifer

As you can see by the video the dog Is trying to pant with tongue constrained in It’s mouth unable to stick it tongue out to properly pant. Ovioulsy stressed from having this contraption on it’s head.
eron

That pic on top pretty much sums this all up. The diper part is what creeps me out too. The tone of his voice to the dog is pompous and douchy. This ‘stop drool forever’ attitude is a terrible way to look at dogs. What upsets me the most is this has been going on for 6 months, and even if the product fails his newf will still be wearing one all day!! I’d like to see the videos from the prototype phase where the poor dog is most likely trying to shake and pull off the mask and being a general misunderstood mess. Filled with confusion about why he is supposed to stay outside of be on a muzzle in his own home. This dog is doing this for love because he wants to be with his family, and his family only wants him in the house when its ok for them on their time. That girls face in the picture while the dog struggles, I could punch it.
Sharon

The video is heartbreaking. You can clearly see the Newfoundland, Moose, trying to pant and not having the full use of his mouth to pant, he will be unable to fully regulate his body temperature. It is apparent that the person who developed this horrific device knows very little about Newfoundlands.

Fact: They drool!

Fact: If they can’t pant to regulate their body temperature, they are at risk for heat stroke, which can have fatal consequences for the dog.

Looking at Moose, he is clearly not happy, he looks as if he is begging for someone to remove this idiotic contraption from his head.
I question the claim that it will not produce harmful bacteria. There is a much simpler device used by countless Newfoundland owners around the world, it’s called a towel!

I am truly sickened to even look at the video and the cruelty Moose is being subjected to, all because his owner dislikes drool. Maybe you should get a fish, you have no clue how to treat a dog, or have any regard for the health problems you will cause with this muzzle. Call it what you will, it’s a muzzle.

This product is dangerous and an outrage. I can’t think of one Newfoundland dog owner who would put their Newf in jeopardy to avoid drool. I show both of my Newfoundlands, I can’t think of one show person, or one reputable breeder who would endorse this disgusting muzzle.
Hailey

Besides all the comments made by the others here, one of the other big worries for me is how is the dog supposed to remain properly hydrated? If this is left on 24/7 as you would a diaper ( stupid comparism!) how is the dog able to adequately drink? When my newf drinks, especially when she is very thirsty, she will dunk her entire face up to her eyes in the water bucket. So now we aren’t just worried about a small amount of drool moisture accumulating in between this product and the skin, but the whole face is wet which virtually guarantees that some form of pyoderma will form and cause continual pyoderma. If given antibiotics to clear the infection, it would only return once the antibiotics finished thus increasing the likelihood of the dog acquiring an antibiotic-resistant infection, which if left untreated could result in sepsis and even death. Plus the poor dogs look absolutely miserable and I can only imgine that they feel that way too. No one who subjects their dog to this for the sake of a little drool has any understanding of the newfoundland breed and its desire to be a part of the family.
Juli Wood

There is a petition on Change.org to have this ‘idiot’ invention banned.
There is no need for something like this for large breed dogs that drool. If you don’t like drool, don’t get a breed of dog that does drool!!!
- http://petsadviser.com/ David Deleon Baker
  
  “Banned” from what, exactly?
  - Newfz Rule
    
    I believe the petition, which I did sign (although it was poorly titled), is simply a way to voice outrage over this untested, unproven product and to, hopefully, pressure the inventor to remove his product from sale or at least reconsider the false, misleading, offensive and sometimes even laughable statements his blog contains. He makes assertions which violate truth in advertising and has clearly implied endorsement by the Newfoundland Club of America in the title of one of his articles. Yet he cannot cite any correspondence from the Club. He refuses to answer, publicly, any legitimate questions concerning the safety and efficacy of his product. AND…wait for it…he states that George McGovern was President of the United States. I could go on and on, but there is no point. You can’t fix stupid.
knewf

cant believe the idocy of some people. the “inventor” should have to wear this on HIS head!
Rossi’s mummy

I have repeatedly asked the inventor of this disgusting thing why he ever decided to buy a Newfie when anyone who knows anything about them know that they drool? He will not answer! I have asked him if in fact he had the idea then bought the unfortunate dog to experiment on? Again no response. I think his silence speaks volumes – guilty as charged?!!!!!
Dog Slobber Stopper

David if you are a professional you will ask to review the product yourself. Not one person you quote has ever seen or used or ever talked to anyone who has the Dog Slobber Stopper. If you had the product in hand, even if you enjoy dog slobber making a mess of your home you will see in no way this harms the dog. There is only one contact us form on my website and it sends an email to slobberstopper@gmail.com which comes to my ipad, iPhone and Mac. I always get my emails and I will be happy to speak with you if i’m asked. And on Facebook I asked for people to review this product so they can see for themselves it does not harm the dog. Some people have a big problem with the slobber and drool being flung all over the house. Some dog loving families are looking for a solution to stop the mess on clothes, inside the car and on the furniture. People are contacting my email to buy the slobber stopper, but say don’t dare I use their name and get them attacked by the Facebook crowd. (my website is still under construction). 2 are Breeders. 3 are Dog show professionals. Others are families who like to keep their homes clean but also love to keep their dogs indoors as much as they can. If you don’t mind the dogs body fluids all over your home then do not buy The Dog Slobber Stopper. David Baker you probably have a lot of readers who have a problem with the mess and would love to find a solution THAT DOES NOT HARM THEIR DOGS. The new customers who are contacting me based on all these negative comments on Facebook, are waiting to place orders and hoping it works and does not harm the dog. We have a full refund warranty so they have nothing to lose. No product is a good fit for everybody but this does not harm our dogs. I’m easy to contact if you want an interview. Just use my email address and I can call you.
- http://petsadviser.com/ David Deleon Baker
  
  Thanks for responding. I have updated the article above to direct readers to your comment here.
  
  I don’t care to review the product because I know right away that it’s something I wouldn’t use or recommend. I did take notice of your lifetime refund policy, which is very generous and shows that you stand behind the product.
- William Snell
  
  Two responses: first, where is your proof that your product is physically harmless! I’ve seen you state this many times, but your only proof seems to be that no deaths can be linked to your product. Actually, even that is an assumption, but if true is no guarantee of safety. Secondly, your claim sidesteps the emotional issue. I could keep my house clean by keeping my dogs in crates 24 hours a day, except for short potty breaks, and this might not cause physical harm, but it’s hardly humane.
- http://www.facebook.com/mike.clayton.315 Mike Clayton
  
  Why is it that you say that you want peoples opinions but when they post them on your web ite they are removed if they don’t praise your little money making scheme at the detriment of our beloved dogs ????
Angel S. Warren

I have both an American Mastiff and a Saint Bernard, you just don’t get much more drool than that! But I tell you, completely free of charge I trained BOTH my dogs to “sit” and “mouth” after they drink, and I simply wipe their faces with a towel after they drink! My dogs only seem to drool when they drink or I have a treat in my hand that they want, or on exceptionally hot days. To throw this MUZZLE on them is just plain LAZY!!!!!!!It takes me all of 4 whole seconds to wipe their mouths myself! In watching the video it’s obviously inhumane, cruel and potentially dangerous! This guy needs to go buy a minpin and leave the giant, drooly breeds to those that actually WANT one.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1060915014 William Snell
  
  Good for you. I didn’t do that kind of training – my wife and I placed three baskets of small towels at major places around the house so we can wipe at need.
Cheryl Chervitz

I don’t think this is a good idea. It does look like it might restrict their ability to pant, and they have to do that. If you don’t want a drooling dog, then get one that doesn’t do it!
sandy

If you don’t want drool, choose another breed.
William Snell

I would liken this to someone debarking a Bloodhound. If a trait of a dog breed bothers you that much, choose another breed. Don’t sacrifice their happiness for your convenience. This product is dangerous and abusive.
laura

i think thats inhumane , if you wanted and love big dogs they come with drool, its what makes big dogs so lovable. dont put some over priced fabric cloth over your dogs face it looks like a muzzle !
JB

From the inventor. And I quote “The new customers who are contacting me based on all these negative comments on Facebook, are waiting to place orders and hoping it works and does not harm the dog. We have a full refund warranty so they have nothing to lose.”
So if your dog gets a serious bacterial infection or worse dies there is nothing to loose,, we will refun your money no worries… Is this guy for real? Clearly he has no regard for the health and safty of an animal he see the thousands of people saying this is not safe as just haters. NO,, we are Dog lovers, drool and all. Thank you for this article David.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1060915014 William Snell
  
  That makes me so angry I want to kick something. “Nothing to lose”? I seriously want to kick something. Like the inventor’s $#@!
Lynn

This is a horrible Idea!!!! Wouldn’t use it on my dog for anything!!!
Maggie Petts

David Deleon Baker – you are officially the new hero of the Newfoundland Dog Owners forum Page on Facebook. This guy won’t stop as he stands to lose a lot of money, so we need all the publicity we can to make sure no dog has to put up with this contraption and no one buys a drooly dog thinking this is the solution. thank you for your support x
- http://www.petsadviser.com/ David Deleon Baker
  
  Thanks Maggie. What’s the link to that Facebook page? There are many Newfie groups on FB.
  - Maggie Petts
    
    Hi David, It’s called Newfoundland Dog Owners Forum. come and say Hello!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1060915014 William Snell

Even the Newfoundland Club of America has gone on record that this device is offensive and possibly dangerous to the health of your dog. Despite the incredible wave of negative feedback, the creator of this device continues claiming it’s OK. I cannot believe he likened drooling to a child peeing on the floor.

He said that a dog with drool hanging out looks worse than with his Hannibal Lecter device? His definitions and mine certainly differ. You know what I think looks better than either? Plan for your drooling dog to drool and keep small towels around the house, or get a dog that doesn’t drool. Responsible, loving dog owners don’t buy a breed and then punish that breed for being what they are. This is the kind of person that would buy a hound and then have it debarked.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1060915014 William Snell

I walk my Newfies in public all the time, and I often give them treats while we’re out and about. Although my little bears drool little to moderately when relaxing at home, they are champion droolers when walking and eating treats. So, for home we just have baskets of small towels to keep the slinging to a minimum, and when out I pull a Soggy Doggy shammy through my belt loop, and that takes care of it. It’s easy to wipe them down at need, and doesn’t require encasing their heads in a bizarre torture device.
Diana

I think this thing is totally abusive device. I am so sad to see that human beings have created this horrible thing to stop dogs from slobbering and that people are buyng it and using it on this poor dogs. How absolutely horrible!!! If you don’t like dogs that slobber then you have no business owning these breeds. I own a Boxer and I would never ever think of doing this to him, and probably most of the people that abuse their poor dogs with this horrible abusive devise will swear how much their love their dogs. This thing should be banned from being sold anywhere
This is abuse folks, I don’t care how you try to sugar coat it and say it’s something else. Shame on the people that would an have used this on their dogs!!!!!!

Outrageous New Product! “Mouth Diapers” for Dogs

“Dumbest Invention Ever”

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Outrageous New Product! “Mouth Diapers” for Dogs

“Dumbest Invention Ever”

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