Why do you need to dock a dog”s tail?

Dogs have had their tails docked for centuries, but many people now question why it’s done. Although some people might think it’s just for show, there are actually a number of intricate and varied reasons.

Working dogs may occasionally have their tails docked in order to prevent injuries. Dogs that labor in demanding conditions, like hunting or herding, are more likely to sustain tail injuries; tail docking can help prevent more serious damage down the road.

But there has been a lot of discussion about the practice, with animal welfare being a key issue. It’s critical to comprehend both the historical justifications for this practice and the contemporary viewpoints.

What is tail docking

1. Anesthesia is administered by inhalation (alcohol chlorform, a vagolytic to reduce salivation and a neuroleptic). Artificial ventilation of the trachea (intubation) is created for dogs with a short muzzle to prevent the tongue from falling into the throat and stopping air from entering the lungs. Then the tail is shaved (if the owner has not done this before), the skin is pulled to the base, the desired length is cut between the vertebrae with a sharp scalpel or scissors. The skin is pulled back onto the stump, stitched up, treated with an antibiotic solution and an antiseptic. After which a bandage is applied.

1. The second option for the procedure is long, uncomfortable for the pet, but does not require the use of anesthesia. In the right place, the tail is tied with a tourniquet for 5-7 days. The blood flow stops, the tip dries up and falls off. In this case, the puppy may experience severe pain. The older the dog, the more difficult the procedure is.

Why is it necessary

Safety was the primary motivation for the Ancient Romans to dock dogs’ tails. It is harder to inflict wounds during a fight on a fighting dog with a smaller body area. As a result, gladiator dogs lost both their ears and their tails.

Shepherd dogs were docked by peasants during the Middle Ages. People thought they would be immune to rabies from this procedure. Shepherds who guarded flocks in England a few centuries later had their fluffy tails chopped off. This happened in the 18th century. Shepherds thought that this would facilitate dogs’ ability to combat wolves. They also didn’t want to deal with maintaining hygiene or removing branches and trash from their wool.

In order to prevent them from clinging to trees and bushes while pursuing a wild animal, hunting dogs had their tails clipped. Burrow hunters who encountered predators underground in total darkness found the procedure especially helpful.

But breeders were concerned about more than just keeping their pets healthy. In Europe, there has been a law since the 18th century imposing a tax on purebred non-service dogs. A dog that had its tail docked indicated that it was part of the police or security force.

Nowadays, tail amputation for cosmetic reasons is prohibited in practically all of Europe. Trimming is only permitted by law for service dogs that are owned by law enforcement, border patrol, or rescue agencies.

In the countries that make up the Commonwealth of Independent States, docking remains lawful provided that the breed standard requires it. The owner still has the last say in matters of policy.

At what age is it best to perform the operation

A child should be docked three to ten days after birth. It is thought that because the cartilaginous joint tissues have not had time to ossify, puppies are less sensitive to pain during this time. As a result, babies are operated on without the use of a tourniquet or anesthetic. The primary guideline is to heal without licking the mother; the breeder needs to keep an eye on this.

The age range for amputation is typically 10–20 days. Then anesthesia, either local or general, is needed. The dog is placed on its stomach, its muzzle and paws are secured, and a portion of its tail is cut off. A tourniquet must be placed on the dog’s tail if surgery is performed on it between three and four weeks of age.

Expert evidence indicates that puppies are more sensitive to pain, and there is no evidence to support the "humanity" of childhood tail-cutting. The integrity of the connections between muscles, tendons, bone, and cartilage is damaged during amputation. It affects over 14 sensitive nerves.

Laboratory testing is done prior to the procedure. These tests include blood, ultrasound, and, less frequently, X-rays. This is required to rule out drug and anesthesia component contraindications. It’s advised to get the pet ready before the surgery:

• 2 weeks before, carry out deworming;
• Do not feed the pet for 12 hours, but increase the drinking regime;
• Measure the temperature every hour before the operation (maximum – 39 degrees, minimum – 37);
• Choose the amputation site (the breed standard will help with this), shave the tail in the selected area, disinfect with an aqueous antiseptic (Chlorhexidine).

Congenital physiological abnormalities in puppies constitute a categorical contraindication. Pets that are sick, lethargic, have an unusual discharge, or are inflamed are not candidates for this procedure.

Can an adult dog"s tail be docked

When performing surgery on an adult dog, the primary issue is complications following anesthesia. Not every animal older than two years old reacts well to anesthesia. The effects of anesthetic vapors can particularly harm the heart.

The phrase "the game is not worth the candle" is common among dog breeders. It is possible for someone to lose a pet on a whim. Veterinarians accept cases of any complexity and write substantial checks for the work. Regardless, it is preferable to avoid taking any chances and to leave the pet’s tail in its original position.

Possible complications after surgery

The anesthesia used during the surgery won’t make the pain go away. The infants will cry and squeal. Some pet owners have even complained that tail docking caused their puppy to lose its voice. This could occur if the dog’s screaming caused ligament damage.

The occurrence of suppuration is another issue. Inflammation cannot be prevented if non-sterile tools were used to perform the amputation or if the sutures were not treated with an antiseptic. Active licking of wounds is also associated with difficult healing. The way the mother will naturally care for the puppies shouldn’t be permitted.

Long-term healing may leave marks and scars behind, detracting from the tail’s aesthetic appeal.

Researchers have established the detrimental impact of tail docking on the overall health and sensitivity of the dog’s nervous system:

1. Removal of the tail vertebrae can weaken the dog"s motor skills;
2. Due to the removal of the "counterweight", the load on the pelvic region and hind limbs is incorrectly distributed, which leads to deformation of the paws and muscle atrophy;
3. Dogs with docked tails are more likely to develop intervertebral hernias;
4. Due to the operation, dogs can suffer from diseases of the urinary system;
5. The absence of a tail in a dog is like the absence of a tongue in a person, relatives are less likely to contact such a pet, because it is more difficult to understand a bobtailed dog;
6. According to statistics, pets with a docked tail are more aggressive.

Rat experiments have demonstrated that an amputed tail generally results in a decrease in sensitivity.

Some people think that some dog breeds, especially working or hunting dogs, need to have their tails docked in order to prevent injuries. It was once believed to shield the dog’s tail from harm while engaging in activities like herding or rough-country hunting. Today, though, a lot of experts doubt its need because it can hurt a dog and interfere with its natural ability to communicate. Nowadays, tail docking is more frequently a question of custom or style than health, and its applicability varies depending on the dog’s lifestyle and the owner’s preferences.

Price of the procedure in veterinary. clinics

The animal’s age, the location of the procedure, and the docking technique will all affect the cost of the treatment. It is always more expensive to have a veterinarian come to your house rather than visit a clinic.

Owners typically pay 700–1200 rubles for docking; however, the cost may vary based on the veterinary hospital’s location and reputation.

Selecting a veterinarian with experience and a good reputation is preferable for the operation. Not always high quality, but cheap.

There has been much discussion over the years regarding the practice of docking a dog’s tail, with opinions varying based on tradition, breed, and purpose. Some people think it’s vital for working dogs to wear protective gear to avoid injuries, while others think it’s just cosmetic.

Dog owners should be aware of the rationale behind tail docking, whether it be for a particular breed or occupation. But when making such choices, a dog’s comfort and well-being should always come first.

In the end, tail docking is becoming less popular as more veterinarians and animal welfare groups support keeping dogs’ tails natural unless there is a very good medical reason to do so.

Video on the topic

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