Tail docking is the practice of removing a portion of a dog’s tail, usually within the first 14 days after birth. Years ago, there were several reasons why this was done, but today it’s mainly done for cosmetic purposes.
Tail docking has been banned or restricted in many parts of the world, but in the United States and parts of Canada, it’s still a fairly common practice. The procedure, which is performed without anesthesia because the puppies are so young, can legally be done by a veterinarian in a clinic, or by a dog breeder or dog owner at home.
Rarely, tail docks can be performed on adult dogs (at that point it’s considered a tail amputation), but only by a veterinarian and only under general anesthetic.
How Did Tail Docking Start?
The practice of tail docking began in ancient Rome, where shepherds believed that if you chopped off the end of a puppy’s tail, the tail would not grow and the dog would have a stronger back, more speed, and somehow be protected from developing rabies.
Years later, people docked the tails of dogs that were used for hunting, herding, and guarding to try to prevent injury (since they reasoned the tail was an appendage that could be grabbed or trampled by another animal). Others believed that docking tails could prevent dogs who worked in the underbrush from picking up burrs and foxtails.
However, the most bizarre reason for tail docking was actually related to taxes. In 18th-century England, there was a tax on all dogs except working dogs, who were exempt from taxation. So the way to show that your dog was a “working dog” (and consequently avoid paying extra taxes) was to cut off his tail.
This taxation law was eventually repealed, but tail docking continued – not for practical reasons, but for aesthetic ones. In the 19th century, tail docking (along with ear cropping, which is the removal of part of a dog’s ear to make it stand upright) became associated with the “proper” look of certain breeds. This look became heavily favored by judges in dog shows, a practice that continues today.
It’s interesting to note that one of the primary justifications for tail docking, preventing tail injury, has not been supported by research. A 2010 survey of over 138,000 dogs in Great Britain found the risk of tail injuries to dogs with undocked tails was a mere 0.23 percent. This means that 500 dogs would have to have their tails docked in order to prevent one tail injury.
There are also many breeds of working dogs with long tails that are not traditionally docked, including Foxhounds, English Pointers, Setters, and many breeds of herding dogs.
How Are Tails Docked?
There are 2 common methods currently used for docking tails in puppies.
The first is by using surgical scissors or a scalpel blade to cut off a portion of the tail (which also involves cutting through skin, muscle, cartilage, nerves, and vertebrae). This is typically done between the ages of 2 and 14 days, with no anesthetic or pain control. If the procedure is performed by a veterinarian in a clinic, the end of tail is usually sutured with a single stitch (but not always). If the tail docking is done at home by a breeder or owner (which is legal in the United States), tails are seldom stitched.
The second method involves placing a ligature, or tight band, around the puppy’s tail, preventing the blood from flowing to the end of it. After a few days, the end of the tail dies and falls off, and the ligature is removed.
There is another method I should mention that is used by some breeders and owners who dock tails themselves at home. It involves clamping the tail and then manually twisting the end of the tail until it eventually comes off. And let’s just leave it at that…I have no words.
All these procedures would cause extreme pain in adult animals. So this begs the obvious question – do puppies feel pain during the tail docking procedure? For years, the belief has been that puppies this young are too immature to feel pain. However, a 1996 study1 analyzed the behavior of 50 puppies during tail docking procedures at the University of Queensland Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital. The study found that all 50 puppies emitted distressed sounds during the procedure (which the authors describe as “shrieking”), then whimpered for a time period of 2 – 15 minutes afterwards. The study concluded that puppies this age are indeed capable of feeling acute pain.
Other researchers and scientists believe that young animals may experience even more pain than adults because the spinal cord extends further down the vertebral column in young animals than it does in adults.
Having witnessed several tail docking procedures while I was in veterinary practice, I can tell you firsthand that, with all due respect, the belief that puppies “don’t feel it” is utter hogwash. Every single puppy I observed, who was initially quiet or sleeping in the hands of the veterinarian, squealed, cried, and squirmed as hard as he could to get away once his tail was cut. (If you are so inclined, there are plenty of videos on YouTube, such as this one, where you can see a tail docking procedure for yourself and draw your own conclusions as to whether you believe the puppies involved are experiencing pain.)
Researchers are also studying whether traumatic pain might have long-term consequences. Studies on rats have examined the impact of neonatal nerve injury on pain sensitivity later in life, an area that is still being explored.
1 Study by GJ Noonan, JS Rand, JK Blackshaw, and J Priest.
Potential Complications From Tail Docking
The tail docking procedure can have several unintended negative consequences:
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Neuroma Formation
Neuromas are painful, swollen bundles of nerve fibers that attempt to regrow at the amputation site. These growths can cause severe pain, which causes dogs to lick and chew at the site, resulting in mutilation and infection.
Neuromas need to be surgically removed, but may recur if all the nerve tissue is not completely removed the first time.
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Balance Disruption
Since dogs use their tails to counterbalance their weight on land and while swimming, removing part of the tail can affect the dog’s locomotion. Veterinarian Robert Wansborough, a strong opponent of tail docking, published a paper in the Australian Veterinary Journal in 1996 stating that tail docking can not only impair dogs’ movement, but could also contribute to both urinary and fecal incontinence.
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Physical Stress of the Procedure
Neonatal puppies are fragile and tiny, with immune systems that are not fully developed. They are susceptible to a host of medical issues (including infections) if they are injured. Exposing them to an unnecessary physical trauma like cutting off most of their tail seems particularly ill-advised.
Some puppies have become so stressed during the procedure, they died from shock and/or blood loss.
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Negative Impact on Communication With Other Dogs
Dogs communicate with each other by using their tails. Tail docking has a profound effect on a dog’s ability to communicate his intentions to other dogs. As you might imagine, this can cause stress and behavioral changes in a dog whose social cues are consequently consistently misunderstood.
One well-known study used 2 robotic dogs (one with a long tail, one with a short tail) to examine the behavior of dogs in a dog park. The study showed dogs were more likely to approach the robotic dog with a long, moving tail – which in dog language means an invitation to play and that the dog means no harm. It suggested it may be easier for dogs to read the signals from a dog’s tail when it’s long rather than when it’s short.
Also, research suggests that when dogs are stressed or fearful, they wag their tails to the left. When they encounter something pleasant and are relaxed, they wag their tails to the right. Other dogs read these cues and decide whether the dog with the wagging tail is a friend or foe.
Changing Laws
Fortunately, routine tail docking is now falling out of favor with the majority of veterinarians and the general public. Many people are foregoing the docked tail and cropped ear look for natural long tails and floppy ears (which personally I think are more attractive anyway).
Tail docking is considered mutilation in many countries, and has been banned across Europe and in Australia, South Africa, Norway, Iceland, Israel, Brazil, and the Virgin Islands. It’s also restricted in many other countries, although currently it’s still legal in the United States.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), opposes tail docking, and states:
Performing a surgical procedure for cosmetic purposes (i.e., for the sake of appearance) implies the procedure is not medically indicated. Because dogs have not been shown to derive self-esteem or pride in appearance from having their tails docked (common reasons for performing cosmetic procedures on people), there is no obvious benefit to our patients in performing this procedure.
The only benefit that appears to be derived from cosmetic tail docking of dogs is the owner’s impression of a pleasing appearance. In the opinion of the AVMA, this is insufficient justification for performing a surgical procedure.
In the U.S., the American Kennel club (AKC) continues to encourage tail docking by claiming the procedure is “integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health.” Although the AKC has no rules specifically requiring docking, the message is clear: an undocked show dog is not likely to score highly for conformation since several breed standards recommend that an undocked tail be “severely penalized.” Dog owners who want to show their dogs often feel tremendous pressure to have their dog’s tails docked in order to compete.
However, if you have an undocked dog that you are interested in showing, you might consider becoming involved with the United Kennel Club (UKC), an organization that actively supports the participation of dogs who have not been surgically or cosmetically altered.
And if you’re looking to purchase a puppy from a breeder, it’s your prerogative to search for one who does not dock tails. If the breeder does tail docking, ask if you can choose a puppy to remain unaltered before the rest of the litter is docked.
Tail Docking: Outdated and Unnecessary
Tails are not a useless appendage, and there’s a reason why dogs are born with them. Who are we to “improve” upon what nature intended?
Tail docking is an outdated, painful practice that is inflicted every day on thousands of newborn puppies, all for the sake of appearance. As a result of this procedure, some dogs may be consigned to a life of chronic pain and other complications.
Tail docking is not “healthy” and it doesn’t prevent injury. So why do we let dog show judges from 150 years ago dictate what our dogs should look like, especially if that “look” involves painful and unnecessary surgery?
What are your thoughts on tail docking in dogs, or other aesthetic procedures in animals? Please share them with us in the comments below!
I’m so used to seeing certain breeds with docked tails, I always do a double-take when I see an undocked Boxer or Doberman, but I love seeing those tails and especially the floppy ears!
Haley is a lab/boxer mix and she carries her tail high and often somewhat curled over her back. I’m guessing that has to come from the Boxer, but I haven’t seen that many undocked Boxers to know how they would normally carry their tails. Great article!
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it! Yes, the undocked Boxers especially are pretty rare…I had to search high and low for the photo of the one in the post (it was taken by a European photographer – since tail docking is illegal in many parts of Europe, intact tails are the norm there). I love the long tails and floppy ears too!
Being a Lab/Boxer mix, Haley must be the sweetest thing – those are 2 of my favorite “sweetheart” breeds! 🙂
Thank you for the history lesson. This was very interesting to read and heart breaking.
It just seems so strange to me to continue to do something only because that’s the way it’s been done for the last 150 years. Especially considering it’s completely unnecessary surgery! 🙁
I have a totally different opinion on the subject and may take a verbal beating for my opinions below, but I feel that things are a little basis and do not speak the truths.
Being a breeder of Dobermans, raising them from birth to death I feel my experience is credible.
Why do I dock to meet breed standard which have been drawn up to distinguishing and identifying them from other breeds it is designed to protect the breed for years to come. The Doberman does not have the same type of tail structure as a lab, the Doberman is not used the same as a lab, total different temperament and totally different body structures and total different function for the breed. If you like you could say that it is a design fault of Louis Doberman, which he tried to correct with docking.
You also say dogs are not used today the same, I have not seen home break-ins or personal assaults go down, what has changed is that these dogs may no longer be used in the Military or Police by the hundreds as they were 60 years ago, more of personal protection or companion than anything. Still the benefits of docking dewclaw removal would not change only the lifestyle of the dog. Tail injuries usually occur from a trauma, being a very excitable breed the Doberman is very high energy and undocked Dobermans have been known to have a bad case of happy tail, it is in their temperament and seeing that these dogs live more inside than outside the risk becomes even higher on undocked.
Hi Jen, thank you for your insight on this topic. I have heard about instances of “Happy Tail” occurring in other breeds as well (particularly Rottweilers), and have seen a few photos of some of the damage that’s occurred from some dogs whacking their tails into things, so I know it does happen. What I had hoped to convey in the article was that performing tail docking on puppies who are so young, without anesthesia, is extremely traumatic, both physically and mentally. To me, if a dog grows up and experiences repeated issues with damaging his own tail, at that point a veterinarian could be consulted about performing a tail amputation under proper anesthetic. But to automatically dock the tails of all puppies in the breed on the chance that they *might* damage their tails at some point seems like overkill to me. And if Dobermans are being used less in the military, the chances of their tails being a hindrance in K-9 military work (which is now predominantly done by Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, both breeds with full tails) becomes even less of an issue.
Regarding meeting breed standard and altering dogs’ appearance for the sake of identifying them as a “pure” breed – this is a tradition that I challenged in the article because I think it warrants change. I believe that any dog who has to be surgically altered purely to change the physical appearance he was born with does not benefit from these “traditions”, which were arbitrarily decided upon by a handful of breed club judges over 100 years ago.
You also mentioned dewclaw removal. This is a procedure that definitely has merit since it’s done to prevent the dog from catching his dewclaws on things and tearing them – it’s not done purely for aesthetics. However, even though it’s not quite as physically traumatic as tail docking, I still believe it should be done with anesthetic. Many veterinarians will remove dewclaws when dogs are already under anesthetic for their spay or neuter surgeries. For those breeding dogs who are not going to be spayed or neutered, veterinarians can still remove their dewclaws in a separate procedure, with anesthesia. Just because puppies are tiny and their dewclaws are small and easily ripped out does not mean they experience any less pain; in fact, several neurological studies have shown that they are even more sensitive to pain than adults. So why essentially operate on them without anesthetic? I know I wouldn’t want that done to me, and certainly would never want to inflict that kind of unnecessary pain on my dog.
Interesting video about dew claws: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4XflsMEk-k
It is so weird to see that Boxer with a tail, I guess I’m just so used to seeing them docked. I’d never personally be comfortable having it done on a puppy of mine; it seems ridiculous to me that people think that puppies don’t feel much pain. I’m not quite sure why they believe that puppies don’t have a developed nervous system until they’re much older. I’m very interested in the long term studies you cite as well; nerve damage is nothing to joke about, it’s extremely uncomfortable. Thanks for the awesome article.
Thanks, Jen! I’ve yet to see a Boxer with a full tail here in the U.S. (that pic was taken by a European photographer), but I loved that pic. And after seeing so many tail docks done at the veterinary clinic, I know I could never do one on any puppy of mine, either. The initial trauma and pain, and the risk of neuroma formation later, is just so needless.
I have a boxer with a tail and a new litter of 7 with tails in Northern California
The people who say puppies don’t have ‘a developed nervous system until they are much older’, probably believe the same about humans, and would use it to justify having a boy circumcised for non-medical reasons, or having a baby’s (usually a girl’s) ears pierced. Human babies cry when given blood test or injections, which is evidence that they feel pain. When I was a child, my dad said it’s a sin to cut off a dog’s tail because : ‘What God has joined together, let nobody pull assunder.”
Tail docking is usually implemented in dogs when the puppies are 3-4 days old since docking at later ages may aggravate docking-induced pains because of developed emotional and perceptual processes of the dogs (Bennett and Perini, 2003a). Since the puppies have the lowest nociceptive thresholds, they feel much more pain than the adult dogs (Moffett, 2007). For many years, it has been thought that since myelinization of newborn was not completed their nervous system did not developed sufficiently, memory has not developed for pain experiences, their cortical functions were not sufficient to interpret and memorize painful experiences. So that tail docking has been traditionally done without anesthesia or analgesics, due to the danger of anesthetics on a neonate pup. However, studies in the last 20 years have found that neonate humans, dog and rodent pups have hyperb pain sensitivity, and not hypoc, meaning that the pain they experience is heightened, not lessened as previously believed. It was also accepted that incomplete myelinization of newborn resulted in slower nerve conduction and shorter neuron and neuromuscular distances balanced such slow nerve conduction levels (Yılmaz et al., 2002; Derebent and Yiğit, 2006). In brief, the nociceptive (pain receptor) cells are mature at birth, but the inhibitory pathway, which is critical in modulating pain and reflex to pain and distress, is still undeveloped until at least day ten, translating pain at a higher level and not lower. Thusly, Dinçer et al. (2011) indicated that there were several studies supporting the idea that newborn had a certain neurologic capacity for pain.
The tail in particular is known to convey crucial information on motivational state and intent through complex interactions of its movement, position, and size (Leaver and Reimchen, 2008; Artelle et al., 2010). The position and motion of dog’s tail provide information including friendliness, playfulness, fear, submission, dominance and aggression (Wansborough, 1996; Coren, 2000). Quaranta et al. (2007) found that dogs wag their tails asymmetrically as a function of their motivational state. Tails are important in visual and olfactory signaling because they carry scent glands (Hughes, 1998). Also, one study using camera and electro myographic imaging confirmed that tail movements were important in maintaining body balance during locomotion (Wada et al., 1993). Since tail docking is also effective in conspecific interactions, it is concerned that docking may decrease effective interaction ability of the dogs with the others. It was also alleged that increased social derangements may result in more aggressive behavior of docked dogs (Wansborough, 1996; Bennett and Perini, 2003a). The results also address the continued cultural practice of tail docking in dogs, which would further compromise communication repertoires both for the signaler and receiver (Leaver and Reimchen, 2008).
In a previous study, dog responses to robot dog models with four different tail positions (long still/long wagging, short still/short wagging) were measured and 9 different behavioral variables were compared. Researchers observed that dogs had the highest interactions with long tailed robot dog models. Dogs responded more to long wagging tailed robot dog models than short still or short wagging tailed models, large size dogs got close to long wagging tailed models more. Researchers ultimately concluded that tail docking weakened conspecific interactions (Leaver and Reimchen, 2008).
In another study, 100 dog owners were asked about their opinions on tail docking and 25% replied that pups did not have the ability to feel pain, 57% replied that docking resulted in mild pain (Noonan et al., 1996a). Johnson (2009) investigated people’ attitudes toward elective surgeries for pets in a thesis study in Canada, including the controversial cosmetic procedures of tail docking and ear cropping of dogs that many participants disagreed with the procedures of tail docking/ear cropping of dogs based on the idea that it was cruel and painful. However, Noonan et al. (1996b) monitored the changes in behaviors of 50 Dobermans, Rottweilers and Bouviers pups during and after tail docking and observed that dogs exhibited shrieking and whimpering behaviors during tail docking. Entire dogs exhibited 24 shrieking and 18 whimpering behaviors during tail amputation. Observations recorded during this study that shriek and whimper sounds decreased after 30 minutes and pups completely stopped vocalizations after 138 minutes and almost all experienced severe pain for short periods (Noonan et al., 1996b).
In a study carried out at a university hospital, in which more than 12 000 dogs were treated, significant differences were not observed in tail injury ratios (despite low tail injury ratios – 47 cases) of undocked and docked dogs and it was concluded that tail docking did not reduce tail injury ratios (Darke et al., 1985). In contrast, Houlton (2008) found that there was a strong association between tail injuries and being undocked among English springer and cocker spaniels. Furthermore, the present study suggests that dogs with docked tails were less likely to sustain a tail injury. According to the this survey in Great Britain, characteristics such as the dogs’ breed, tail wag angle and docking status were more important factors associated with tail injury in practice-attending dogs. From this, it was deduced that risk of tail damage was just 0.2% (Diesel et al., 2010).
Following docking, post-docking atrophy, pelvic muscle degeneration and risk for phrenic muscle integrity, increasing perineal hernia and fecal-urine incontinence problems may be observed in dogs (Wansborough, 1996; Bennett and Perini, 2003a). A survey with participation of 168 dog breeders in Northern Nigeria revealed the most frequent post-docking complications as infection/necrosis (36.9%), self-mutilation (20.2%), increased aggression (8.3%), attack by other dogs (5.4%), nervous signs (2.8%) and increased tendency to sleep (1.8%) (Fadeyemi, 2014). One study found a clear association between acquired incompetence of the urethral sphincter in both dogs and bitches to an overrepresentation of docked breeds, specifically the Old English Sheepdog, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Weimaraner and Irish Setter (Holt and Thrusfield, 1993).
Wow you guys blow me away with all your information. Now matter what research , read or watch it seems depending on the author and his opinion towards the research both seem to have valid arguments, shame it is mostly based on using inconclusive evidence or further research being needed. Personally I think until either side is justified that it remain that Veterinarians are able to perform. Interesting video does not seem to go into great detail but the comments to post do.
Hi Jen, thanks for your feedback! You raise some very interesting questions. I viewed the video that you referenced (as well as the comments), and just had a few thoughts.
First, the video was created by the Association for the Preservation of Purebred Dogs, who has a vested interest in promoting tail docking and ear cropping because, as breeders, they profit directly from those procedures being performed. Since the AKC in the U.S. heavily penalizes dogs of certain breeds with uncropped ears and undocked tails in conformation championships, if purebred dog breeders chose not to dock tails and crop ears on certain breeds, these breeders would not be able to command top dollar for their show quality dogs for conformation competitions.
Unfortunately, there are several statements made in the video that are not supported by scientific evidence. According to an official position statement by the American Veterinary Medical Association (whose members, as veterinarians, actually stand to lose money if these procedures are banned), severe tail injuries in working dogs are statistically so rare that it doesn’t make sense to crop all puppies of a certain breed in an effort to attempt to prevent what turns out to be a very small number of injuries. Here is their full statement against tail docking and other cosmetic surgeries, with supporting citations. There are also many other credible sources, too numerous to list here, with documented evidence that refute many of the medical and health claims made in the video. These sources can be easily found online and in published veterinary journals.
From what I saw in the video (and the comments), this basically seems to be a matter of people defending their right to cosmetically alter their dogs. It makes me wonder, if breed standards happened to suddenly change overnight to favor undocked tails and uncropped ears, how many people who previously favored docking and cropping would suddenly find scientific evidence to support the medical and health benefits of long tails and floppy ears? In the end, unfortunately it really comes down to appearance and cosmetics, not true function or health of the dog.
I do agree with one point in the video – if you’re going to have either of those procedures done on your dog, they should always be performed by a licensed, practicing veterinarian. As to whether a ban will happen in the U.S. like it did in Europe, this remains to be seen. However, it’s my hope that if enough people come to realize and understand that these procedures aren’t simply “no big deal”, and that they do indeed cause a great deal of pain (as well as potential for numerous health complications), a ban won’t be needed and people will simply elect not to have these procedures performed on their dogs.
Wonderful article! Thank you. I am actively promoting natural ears & tails in dobermans (& all breeds) on my Facebook page. Many people don’t seem to realize what all is involved in the docking/cropping process or that it is even a choice when faced with a traditionally cropped/docked breed. I feel that the more people see natural dogs and how beautiful they are, the more likely they will be to request a natural dog next time they get a doberman or other traditionally cropped/docked breed and if more people are requesting natural dogs, more breeders will be willing to leave their dogs natural. http://www.facebook.com/NaturalDoberman
I love it!! 🙂 I checked out your Facebook page and think it’s fantastic. That’s my wish too…that more people will realize undocked tails and uncropped ears are an option, so demand for puppies and dogs who are left in their natural state will increase. Thank you for all that you’re doing to help spread the word!
My sons boxer has a long tail that is whip like. She’s a wonderful happy dog but her tail is always subject to trauma , bleeds a lot & no matter what we do to try to wrap it , even trying a temporary cone, she still manages to get the bandage off. I spoke to my vet about surgically shortening her tail but after reading the possible after effects, I don’t know what we can do for her safety. Any help in this matter?
Hi Toni, I’m sorry to hear about the challenges with your son’s Boxer. This condition is called “Happy Tail” – the dog wags its tail so hard, it bangs into the wall (or other objects) and can become injured and bleed. Since the tail is an extension of the spine, these injuries can cause quite a bit of pain (some dogs even wag so hard that they can break a vertebrae in their tail). Happy Tail tends to be more common among dogs with long tails and shorter haircoats, but any dog can experience an episode. I’ve come across some helpful tips for trying to prevent it (here’s one link from ASPCApro on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notes/aspcapro/your-tips-how-to-treat-happy-tail/461234092088/ ), but in many cases, it can be hard to prevent.
With some dogs who tend to get these injuries over and over, and nothing seems to prevent them, a surgical tail revision (which is actually a partial amputation) becomes a viable option. Although as a general rule I try to avoid surgery whenever possible, in some cases the benefits outweigh the risks. Although any surgery can have risk, having this type of surgery done on an adult dog is safer and much more humane than a standard tail docking done on a puppy. It’s done under general anesthesia by a veterinary surgeon, the targeted area where the tail is removed is very precisely identified prior to surgery, and the surgical site is carefully monitored afterwards to ensure that the tail is healing properly. The revision doesn’t have to be extremely short (like a Rottweiler or Cocker Spaniel), it just needs to be short enough to prevent the tail from coming into contact with walls or furniture whenever it’s wagged. This still gives the dog a visible means of expression and keeps some of the “rudder” balance, while eliminating the risk of injury to the tail.
In my opinion, with some dogs it truly becomes a quality of life issue. Although there can always be complications after any surgery, in my experience the majority of dogs who have tail revisions done by a qualified, skilled veterinarian don’t experience lasting issues, and their quality of life improves because they no longer continue to have repeated injuries to their tails. I would suggest perhaps getting a second opinion (which I believe is helpful for any type of surgery) to further discuss a tail revision, as it might set your mind more at ease about the possibility. Although surgery is certainly not something to jump into, in some cases where all else fails, it can make a big difference in a dog’s quality of life.
I hope this helps! Thank you so much for reading, and I wish the best of health for you and your son’s dog. 🙂
Hi, I was outraged on April 1,2016 after picking up my yorki mix from the vet for just a shots an grooming. My yorki mix had no tail when i picked him but when i dropped him off that morning he had a beautiful long tail with curly hair hainging from him an i was told by the nurse that he almost died from loss of blood during the precedure i was so shocked at what i was being told about my poor baby who i love dearly an ive had him in my life for 5 years.
I certainly hope that they do not implement a complete ban on ear and tail docking or dewclaw removal. In some places, this complete ban prevents veterinarians from performing the procedures when repeated ear hematomas or recurrent tail tumours would indicate that to save the poor animal pain, stress, and to keep from constantly medicating them with antibiotics and pain meds, docking would be a good choice. A ban on the purely cosmetic procedures would be acceptable, as long as medical necessity is addressed in legislation.
Hi Celtacia! The good thing is that the procedures you’re describing would be performed to correct medical problems, and therefore would not be considered true tail docks or ear crops. So I’m reasonably certain a ban on tail docking and ear cropping would not affect those procedures, since the bans seek to make illegal ear crops and tail docks done for purely cosmetic reasons. In the case of tail injuries or tumors, removal of the tail would be considered an amputation, and anything surgically done to correct a recurring ear hematoma would also be considered a surgical treatment.
Regarding dew claws, in my opinion there is a very real need to have dew claw removal done in some dogs, since dewclaws that are large and hang down loosely are at high risk for catching on things and literally being ripped off. Many people have their dog’s dewclaws removed at the time of the dog’s spay or neuter surgery. However, dew claw removal should ALWAYS be done under anesthetic – and NEVER on tiny puppies without anesthesia.
I am so against any altering of an animal from it’s original birth appearance. People who do this should have an amputation done without anesthesia and see how they like it. My son-in-law is purchasing an English Setter and the beautiful long-haired tail is gone. This makes me sick and so angry that he would purchase from a breeder who does this. Plus, there are so many dogs in shelters that need homes, so I am also angry that he went to a breeder. I am going to be very uncomfortable in my daughter’s home with this dog.
My yorkie died a few months after Dr Willis from Montgomery alabama docked his tail with out my permission my yorkie was too old for the surgery.
Are you going to sue? If I was a fellow pet owner who lived in your neighbourhood, I would boycott ‘Butcher’ Willis. He should have known your dog was too old. 🙁
We are docking our boxer/ lab/ hound mix during her spay next week. She has a severe case of happy tail and has sprayed blood all over our apartment. She has to be on pain meds because she whines when her tail is touched. Her tail is wrapped in a sort of cast until she will have her tail removed to prevent blood spraying everywhere. She is only 6 or 7 months and has no hair on the tip of her tail. it is all gray and scabby and looks very painful. In some cases, docking is necessary for the dog.
We recently acquired a 1 year old Rottweiler with a docked tail. My husband and I prefer intact/natural dogs but in a rescue situation you don’t always have a choice. In any case, ever since we have had her (6 weeks now) I have been concerned about her obviously avoiding putting any pressure on her left hind leg. She also looks off balance when she is running.
We took her to our trusted holistic vet and though the vet agreed that there was an issue with her hind quarter she was unsure of the cause. Originally we suspected injury or worse, possible joint or hip dysplasia. We were informed that it wouldn’t be possible to know if that was the case until the dog was closer to 2 years of age and the joints were more fully formed. So we have taught her to swim and she is exercised in the pool daily (we live in Southern California.)
Then I started wondering if it was possible that she was suffering from nerve associated pain from having her tail docked. It seems especially short more so than any other docked tails I’ve seen. And my suspicion was more evident when I noticed today that she has two area at the base of her tail where the hair is missing. Leading me to wonder if she is causing the bald spots by licking or biting the area due to possible pain.
I set an appointment for her to see a veterinarian Neurology Specialist next week. And we are starting her on gabapentin to see if that helps at all and so we can report our findings to the Neurologist. As you can see I am researching the complications of tail docking and I am quite concerned for her well-being. I’m afraid if she is experiencing chronic or acute pain that it might also lead to personality/temperament issues.
My question is what if anything can be done to repair any possible nerve damage should that turn out to be the issue?
Thank you,
MMadonna40
Hi Michelle, I couldn’t get to this to respond before your appointment with the Neurologist. I’m assuming you asked him or her the question about whether any possible nerve damage could be repaired? If so, I would be very interested in what they advised, as up until know I’ve not seen much information on whether nerve damage can be permanently remediated. Please let me know, and thank you!