Tail Docking, the Unnecessary Mutilation of Dogs

Tail docking refers to the removal of all or a portion of a dog’s tail. This is mainly done for cosmetic purposes so that the dog will look a certain way. Hunting dogs and terrier breeds will typically have their tails docked.

However, tail docking can sometimes be done for medical reasons. Such as damage from frostbites or fractures in the tail.  

Tail docking can be done in two ways. The first involves blocking the blood supply to the tail with a tight rubber band or a rubber ligature (a piece of thread used in a medical procedure) for a few days until the tail falls off. The second involves the removal of the tail using surgical scissors or a scalpel.  

The procedure is done usually when the puppy is only 2 to 5 days old when their tail is still “soft”, and without the use of any anaesthesia or pain relievers. The reason behind this is because even though the procedure will certainly cause pain, the puppy is not fully alert and hence will not remember it.

Though some claim that it does not even cause any pain because the nervous system of the puppy is not fully developed. However, this is not true. The basic nervous system of dogs would already have been fully developed at birth.

Docking the tail of a dog involves cutting through muscles, tendons, and several highly sensitive nerves and serving the bone and cartilage connections.

During the healing process, damage to the tissues can cause the dog even more unnecessary pain. There is also the risk of inflammation and infections that can occur during this time. Tail docking can also cause unnecessary and avoidable long term chronic pain and distress to the dog.

Docked tails can also develop a neuroma, or nerve tumour. This can cause pain and make your dog aggressive if their tail is touched.  

Just like how dogs use their ears to communicate, they also rely on their tails for non-verbal communications and serves a critical role in their social behaviour. They can indicate friendliness, submission, a warning, fear, among other messages, depending on the position and movement of their tails.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports this procedure, saying the practices are “integral to defining and preserving breed character” in certain breeds.

However, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes docking of tails and cropping of ears and encourages the elimination of cropping and docking from breed standards.

The process of tail docking has been banned in several countries, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, and Australia. In the U.K., tail docking can only be carried out by a registered veterinary surgeon. However, in the U.S., these procedures are unregulated and not controlled.

If you ever considered docking your dog’s tail, just ask yourself, is it worth putting your dog through unnecessary pain and increase the risk of infections and neuroma, just to obtain a “desirable” look?