Can You Dock a Grown Dog’s Tail? What Every Pet Owner Should Know

The Truth About Adult Dog Tail Docking

Let’s face it – you’ve probably wondered if you can dock your grown dog’s tail. Maybe your pup has injured their tail, or perhaps you’re considering it for appearance reasons. Whatever brought you here I’m gonna give you the straight facts about adult dog tail docking.

First things first technically yes, a grown dog’s tail can be docked – but it’s not called docking anymore. When performed on adult dogs the procedure is known as tail amputation. And there’s a whole bunch of important considerations you need to know before even thinking about this procedure.

What Exactly Is Tail Docking?

Tail docking is basically cutting off part of a dog’s tail The procedure involves cutting between the tail bones to make it shorter How much gets removed depends on why it’s being done in the first place.

When done to puppies, it’s usually called docking. But for adult dogs, veterinarians call it tail amputation – even if they’re only removing a small portion. Either way, it’s a surgical procedure that should ONLY be performed by a qualified veterinarian.

The History Behind Tail Docking

Would you believe ancient Romans thought docking tails would prevent rabies? They also thought it would make dogs better hunters. Spoiler alert: there’s zero evidence supporting either of these claims!

In modern times, tail docking has been done for two main reasons:

1. Appearance: Some breeds have traditionally had docked tails as part of their “look”
2. Injury prevention: For working dogs who might injure their tails while doing their jobs

You’ll often see docked tails on breeds like:

• Doberman pinschers
• Rottweilers
• Various spaniels
• Yorkshire terriers
• German shorthaired pointers
• Poodles
• Schnauzers
• Viszlas
• Irish terriers
• Airedale terriers

Can You Dock an Adult Dog’s Tail?

Here’s the truth: tail docking in adult dogs should only be done for medical reasons. Period.

Valid medical reasons might include:

• Severe tail injuries
• Tumors
• Other medical conditions that require amputation

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is firmly against tail docking for cosmetic purposes at any age. If your adult dog doesn’t have a medical need for tail amputation, it’s not something you should pursue.

Why Adult Tail Docking Is Different (and More Serious)

Docking a puppy’s tail is controversial enough, but doing it to an adult dog is a whole different ballgame. Here’s why:

1. More complex surgery: Adult dogs have fully developed bones and tissues, making the surgery more complicated.

2. Requires general anesthesia: While puppies might get local numbing, adult dogs need to be fully under.

3. Higher risks: More blood vessels, more pain, more potential complications.

4. Longer recovery: Adult dogs take longer to heal from such procedures.

5. More painful: Full-grown dogs experience significant pain from tail amputation.

As someone who cares about dogs, I can’t stress enough – this isn’t something to take lightly!

The Pain Factor: Yes, It Hurts

Let’s not sugarcoat it – tail docking hurts. Even for tiny puppies, cutting through skin, muscle, nerves, and bones causes pain. For adult dogs with fully developed nervous systems, the pain is even more significant.

Unfortunately, some breeders still perform puppy tail docking without proper anesthesia or pain management (which is NEVER okay). For adult dogs, proper anesthesia is absolutely essential, but the recovery period will still involve pain management challenges.

Risks and Complications

Any surgical procedure comes with risks, and tail docking/amputation is no exception:

For All Dogs:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain management issues
• Anesthetic complications

Additional Risks for Adult Dogs:

• More complex healing process
• Difficulty keeping the wound clean
• Challenges with bandaging
• Risk of re-injury during healing
• Higher chance of infection

Plus, it’s particularly challenging to keep a dog from sitting on or otherwise disturbing their tail during the healing process. I’ve seen this first-hand and it’s not easy!

The Legal Situation

Tail docking laws vary widely around the world. In many countries, docking for cosmetic purposes is completely banned. Even in places where it’s still allowed, the procedure is becoming increasingly regulated.

This has led to some traditional “docked tail” breeds now commonly being seen with their natural tails intact. The trend is definitely moving away from cosmetic docking as awareness grows about animal welfare.

What Veterinarians Say

The American Veterinary Medical Association has long opposed tail docking for cosmetic purposes. Their position is clear: tail docking should only be performed when medically necessary.

Vets who do perform tail amputations on adult dogs do so because there’s a legitimate medical need – not just because an owner wants their dog to look a certain way.

If Your Dog Needs a Medical Tail Amputation

If your vet has determined your adult dog needs tail amputation for medical reasons, here’s what you can expect:

1. Pre-surgical assessment: Your vet will run tests to ensure your dog can safely undergo anesthesia.

2. The procedure: Your dog will be fully anesthetized, and the vet will surgically remove the necessary portion of the tail.

3. Pain management: Your vet will prescribe appropriate pain medications.

4. Recovery: Expect restrictions on activity and special care requirements.

5. Follow-up: Regular check-ups to monitor healing and remove any sutures.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re thinking about tail docking for non-medical reasons, please consider these alternatives:

1. Embrace natural tails: Many traditionally docked breeds look fantastic with their natural tails!

2. Protective measures: If you’re worried about tail injuries in a working dog, consider protective gear instead.

3. Behavioral training: For dogs who injure their tails from excessive wagging against hard surfaces, environmental modifications can help.

Caring for a Dog After Tail Amputation

If your dog has undergone a medically necessary tail amputation, here’s how to care for them:

1. Follow all vet instructions religiously.

2. Manage pain with prescribed medications.

3. Prevent licking or chewing at the surgical site (usually with an E-collar).

4. Keep the wound clean according to your vet’s directions.

5. Restrict activity as advised by your vet.

6. Monitor for complications like excessive bleeding, swelling, discharge, or signs of infection.

7. Attend all follow-up appointments.

My Personal Take

As someone who’s been around dogs for years, I’ve seen the shift in thinking about procedures like tail docking. While it was once commonplace, we now understand more about canine welfare and pain perception.

I believe we should always prioritize a dog’s health and wellbeing over appearance preferences. If your grown dog doesn’t have a medical need for tail amputation, please reconsider pursuing this procedure.

FAQs About Adult Dog Tail Docking

Is it ever okay to dock an adult dog’s tail for appearance?

No. Adult tail docking should only be performed for legitimate medical reasons.

How much does adult dog tail amputation cost?

Costs vary widely based on location and the complexity of the procedure, but expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or more.

Will my dog’s behavior change after tail amputation?

Possibly. Dogs use their tails for communication and balance, so some dogs may experience behavioral changes after amputation.

How long does recovery take?

For adult dogs, recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks, but full healing may take longer.

Can tail docking affect a dog’s ability to communicate?

Yes! Dogs use their tails to communicate with other dogs and humans. Removing the tail can impact their ability to express themselves fully.

Is tail docking banned everywhere?

No, but many countries have banned cosmetic tail docking. Laws vary by location.

Conclusion

To wrap this up – yes, technically a grown dog’s tail can be docked (amputated), but it should ONLY be done for legitimate medical reasons. The procedure carries significant risks, causes pain, and is increasingly viewed as ethically problematic when done for cosmetic purposes.

If your adult dog has a medical condition requiring tail amputation, work closely with your veterinarian to ensure proper care. If you’re considering it for appearance reasons, I strongly encourage you to reconsider and appreciate your dog’s natural tail.

Our four-legged friends give us so much – the least we can do is make decisions that prioritize their welfare over our aesthetic preferences. A happy, healthy dog with a wagging tail is beautiful just as they are!