Tail Docking in Dogs

Docking a dog’s tail to achieve a certain style or look has been practiced for hundreds of years around the world, but has recently become an extremely controversial and sensitive subject. Tail docking was originally intended to increase the dog’s speed, strengthen its back, and even prevent rabies, but it is now mostly used for cosmetic purposes. Many organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association have taken a strong stance against tail docking for cosmetic purposes only, and even though it is still legal in the United States, the United Kingdom actually outlawed tail docking.

Typically, tail docking is performed on young, healthy puppies 2-5 days old, and surgeons dock the tail usually with only local or no form of anesthesia. The procedure takes between 5 and 30 minutes and even though many people believe the action is unethical; there is very little risk during the operation.

Reasons for Tail Docking

There are two different tail docking procedures. The first is when veterinarians attach a rubber ligature to the tail to constrict blood flow until it falls off, and the second is by surgically severing the tail with scissors or a scalpel. And while there are instances when owners dock their dog’s tails for medical purposes, the most common reasons include:

• To avoid tail damage in gundog breeds who have a risk of tearing or injuring their tails in the dense vegetation of the outdoors
• To reduce hygiene problems, especially in long-haired thick coat breeds. Feces can get trapped in the hair and cause problems.
• To maintain breed standards and ensure the quality of certain breeds

Tail docking can also be performed for medical reasons to prevent infections or certain cancers.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about tail docking you should speak with a professional veterinarian. Contact your local Austin Veterinarian Clinic today.