Docking, the process of cutting/amputating or docking a dog’s tail, is a controversial practice that is currently banned in many countries. While there are few reasons for people to choose to dock their dog’s tail, there are many reasons why it is not a good idea. In this blog post, we will explore 9 reasons why you should not dock your dog’s tail.
What is docking?
When most people think of docking, they think of cutting off the tail of a dog. However, docking is actually the process of removing a portion of the tail. This can be done for several reasons, including cosmetic purposes or to prevent injuries.
There are a few different methods that can be used to dock a dog’s tail. The most common is called surgical docking, which involves using a scalpel to remove the desired amount of tail. Another method is called cauterization, which uses heat to seal off the blood vessels in the tail.
Docking is a controversial topic, and there are pros and cons to both docking and not docking a dog’s tail. Some people believe that it is cruel to remove part of a dog’s anatomy, while others argue that it can help prevent injuries. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to dock a dog’s tail is up to the owner.
Reasons not to dock your dog’s tail
1. Amputating part of a health tail is just unnecessary but also an extremely painful procedure.
2. as with any invasive surgery there are large potentials for infections.
3. There is no medical evidence that docking a dog’s tail has any benefits to any party.
4. Docking a dog’s tail will interfere with the dog’s natural ability to communicate with other dogs and people.
5. Docked tails can make it difficult for dogs to express their emotions, which can lead to behavioral problems.
6. Tail docking can also cause physical problems such as nerve damage, infections, and arthritis.
7. Docked tails also make them harder to find new homes if that ever becomes a necessity.
8. Tails are a natural feature of a dog and come into play with swimming, running and cuddling in the cold.
9. Intact tails keep your dog proportionate and healthy looking.
Alternatives to docking
There are many reasons why people choose not to dock their dog’s tail. Some people believe that it is cruel and unnecessary, while others simply prefer the look of a natural tail. There are also a number of practical considerations to take into account, such as the fact that docked tails can make it difficult for dogs to communicate with other dogs.
Here are some of the most popular alternatives to docking:
1. Leaving the tail natural: This is the most obvious alternative, and it has the added benefit of being the kindest option for your dog. Natural tails can be just as expressive as docked ones, so your dog will still be able to communicate effectively with other dogs (and with you).
2. Cropping the tail: Cropping is a less drastic alternative to docking, and it can still give your dog an stylish look. The main downside of cropping is that it requires regular maintenance (usually every 4-6 weeks), which some people may not be willing to commit to.
3. Taping the tail: Taping is a temporary measure that can be used if you need to dock your dog’s tail for a show or other event. It’s not ideal in terms of long-term comfort for your dog, but it’s much better than docking permanently.
4. Using a fake tail: Fake tails are becoming increasingly popular, and there are now some very realistic options available. They’re easy to put on and take off, so they’re a good choice if you want to be able to switch between a docked and natural look.
5. Dyeing the tail: This is a less common alternative, but some people choose to dye their dog’s tail instead of docking it. This can be a good way to achieve a similar look without causing any permanent damage to your dog’s tail.
Whichever alternative you choose, it’s important to make sure that you’re doing what’s best for your dog. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to speak to a vet or professional groomer before making any decisions.
How to care for a docked or natural tail
Assuming you are referring to a docked tail on a dog, the easiest way to care for it is to simply keep an eye on it and make sure the area around the tail is clean. You may need to use a mild soap to cleanse the area if it becomes dirty. Other than that, there is not much special care required for a docked tail.
If you have a natural tail on your dog, then you will need to pay closer attention to it since it is more susceptible to injury. Make sure you regularly check the area around the tail for any signs of irritation or injury. If you notice anything abnormal, take your dog to the vet for further evaluation.
Conclusion
If you’re on the fence about docking your dog’s tail, we hope this article has given you some food for thought. While there are a few pros to dock tails, the cons far outweigh them. Docking is an unnecessary procedure that can cause your dog a lifetime of pain and discomfort, so it’s best to avoid it if at all possible. Thanks for reading!
