docked tails and dew claws

[Lisey]

Originally Posted by Lil Sis

Remy's tail is docked. I do remember the breeder telling me she had some pups who died with the tail docking. I thought then and there if I ever happened to breed I would not dock the tail. I guess if I got into show dogs, which is unlikely.

Thanks so much for telling me this. I guess my instincts are not wrong. I am greatful for a sweet healthy puppy with a tail!!!

[Taz1110]

My boy has a tail and it is the best to see how happy he is when it's wagging! I wouldn't change it for the world .....

[Deuce]

Rizzo has his tail, and it's sooo pretty with the hair growing out on it. Though it's super skinny so if it's trimmed all the way down it looks very mouse-ish, lol. He also has his dew claws but as long as you keep them trimmed down as short as you can get without clipping the quick they aren't an issue. Just be sure to tell any groomer you use that he has his dews and they need to be trimmed down just like the rest of the nails.

[cheryl19]

Originally Posted by Lisey

He is four months old.

He is to old now, they do it at birth so unless their is a medical issue I wouldn't do it.

My Ivy has her tail and it's beautiful, also I can tell her from my others when it's dark outside.

[linda-narkowski]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

I would not get his tail dock, it is extremely painful for them and it is unnecessary. I worked as a vet tech and seen the Vet do the tail dockings on older dogs, it was hard to watch the dogs have a hard recovery for no reason

You can get the dewclaws removed, I have seen many dogs go through that, it is still a hard recovery on them. You are at the risk of the dew claws catching on things and having them rip out. Peanut has only one dewclaw that grew back, but I always have it trimmed really short.

If you do get the dewclaw removed make sure you have a good vet that you trust do it, if they don't do it right it will grow back. If you haven't had Bo neutered I would do it then, but if you have then I would just leave it and have it cut down when he gets a regular nail trim, when they get long they start to catch on things.

More importantly:
It is really an issue when dewclaws on are bigger dogs, they tend to stick out more than a tiny dewclaw on a yorkie.

The vet you worked for actually docked tails while the dog was awake? When it is done on an older pup or dog it becomes major surgery and they have to be put completely under. The tail is amputated, sewn up while asleep.

But amputating a tail for looks is wrong IMO same with removing dew claws at this age. It isn't much different then if you had your thumps amputated. Leave them be..

Lin.. Vet assistant to my husband the vet for 30 years..

[linda-narkowski]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

Ya, the tail docking is done 3~5 days, i have seen that done..its hard watch as well. I would be happy with his tail and keep his dewclaws trimmed. You shouldn't have any problems.

It should never be done past 4 days. And it can be done as they are born, many breeders do it that way. We will do them between 1-4 days and it most certainly IS painful. Our personal dogs we breed we do not dock or remove dew claws.

We don't like doing it at the clinic, but we have to and we do it in a way that is the least painful. We numb the area first and we do not use sutures, they are not needed. Bleeding stops immediately.
Lin

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by linda-narkowski

The vet you worked for actually docked tails while the dog was awake? When it is done on an older pup or dog it becomes major surgery and they have to be put completely under. The tail is amputated, sewn up while asleep.

But amputating a tail for looks is wrong IMO same with removing dew claws at this age. It isn't much different then if you had your thumps amputated. Leave them be..

Lin.. Vet assistant to my husband the vet for 30 years..

The Vet I worked for did a tail docking on some puppies, they were about 4 days old. It was hard to watch, hearing the puppies scream made me want to break down.

He also did a tail docking on an older dog, Yes the dog was put under, but the recovery after was really hard. I didn't agree with it, but I wasn't the vet. Note: This is why I don't work there anymore.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by linda-narkowski

It should never be done past 4 days. And it can be done as they are born, many breeders do it that way. We will do them between 1-4 days and it most certainly IS painful. Our personal dogs we breed we do not dock or remove dew claws.

We don't like doing it at the clinic, but we have to and we do it in a way that is the least painful. We numb the area first and we do not use sutures, they are not needed. Bleeding stops immediately.
Lin

I know how its done.

[Lisey]

Thank you all for all your replys. I have no intention of getting Bo's tail or dew claws done. I think it is cruel to do that to an innocent puppy. Bo is so sweet and beautiful with his tail.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by Lisey

Thank you all for all your replys. I have no intention of getting Bo's tail or dew claws done. I think it is cruel to do that to an innocent puppy. Bo is so sweet and beautiful with his tail.

Good choice!

[snowbird]

My Bella has her tail. In the province I live in As of April of this year it is illegal to do any cosmetic surgery on any animal in Canada. Bella's tail is beautiful. It curls up over her back and feathers out. I actually think I prefer to have a yorkie with a tail. So many times they dock them too short and they look funny.