I am with YorkieRose. I try not to take my babies to the vet and take the chance of exposing them to all kinds of germs. I use a sterilized in alcohol Kelly clamp, crimp the tail at the length I like and wait a minute or two, and twist the tail. No blood and no exposed bone or cartilage. I like the tails longer than the tail of the puppy in the picture..that is the length most vets do the tails. If there is a drop of blood, I dip the tail in styptic powder. The dew claws are done with a sterile mosquito clamp and the same procedure if a drop or two of blood. I also put a drop of bitter apple near the site to keep mom from licking the areas. So far, I have had no problems. I do not dip the tails in any sterilizing solution after docking. Puppies seem less stressed and moms are much less anxious. I am now mentoring and did the tails and dew claws of 3 babies last week. They are so cute.. |