Tail Docking: Why Do People Cut off Dogs' Tails

What is tail docking?

Tail docking is the process of amputating a dog's tail fully or partially. It is a surgical procedure done by chopping off the distal end of the dog's spine. Surgery is done on puppies between the ages of 2 and 12 days old.

The surgery is performed without anesthesia. There are typically two ways vets perform this process. One procedure includes banding of tails to cut off circulation to the area until the tail comes off on its own. This practice is less common today and can be painful and carries the risk of complications.

Another way is to cut the tail using a sharp instrument like a scalpel or scissor that cuts through the muscle tissue, cartilage, spinal column, and nerve endings. The length of the tail that is removed depends on the breed and the sole reason behind the docking of the tail however, after the surgery, the tail of the dog is much shorter than it naturally would have been.

Reasons for Tail Docking

Historical Reason

The practice of docking a dog's tail has been followed by people for centuries. Initially, Romans practiced this as they believed removing a dog's tail would prevent them from catching or spreading rabies. However, it was later discovered that rabes could be spread from bites from infected animals.

Another reason was that people believed cutting off a dog's tail could prevent injuries in working dogs. Dogs were used for hunting and guarding livestock, hence, their tails could be injured during these activities. So, to minimize these injuries, people started to dock their tails which allowed the dogs to work without the risk of pain. 

There is also a hygiene-related concern as to why the tails of a dog are docked. Long-haired dogs are involved in activities such as herding or hunting accumulated dirt and debris resulting in infection. Therefore, docking was seen as the best alternative to keep them clean and safe.

Modern Reason

While some reasons such as hygiene concerns and the service dog category are similar to historical reasons, there are other modern reasons why people follow this procedure. 

The first reason is breed standards and aesthetic appeal. It is done to stick to breeding standards that have been set by kennel clubs and dog show organizations. The docked tail has been a defining characteristic in certain dog breeds. To fit into this standard, breeders tend to dock their tails. They are also done for an aesthetic look that is often linked to the traditional notion of what a certain breed must look like.

In active dog breeds, this surgery is done as a preventive measure against injuries from activities like hunting, herding, or agility training. Some examples of these dogs are Boxer, Doberman, Pinscher, and Rottweiler. 

There is a high chance of accumulation of dirt in breeds with long, thick tails. The collection of this debris or feces in their dense, feathered tails can cause hygiene issues. So, some owners practice this as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of such problems. 

Issues

The surgery is still carried out in most of the world. There are debates regarding it that question the necessity of surgery, pain, consent, and the rights of animals to live free from unnecessary harm. One of the main questions is whether it is really necessary. Nowadays, it is carried out for cosmetic purposes, to stick to the breed standard, or for aesthetic purposes. Many believe that putting a dog through a painful procedure for the sake of looks is not okay.

Unlike humans, animals cannot consent to such procedures which raises the question if it is even right to perform this surgery based on human preference. The imbalance of power is also a major issue that has been raised by many people.  Many advocates also argue that they have the right to live without any human interference, especially those that may cause pain and long-term harm. It should not be done until and unless there is any medical reason.

Moreover, it can cause significant health issues. It can cause pain ranging from immediate pain and stress to long-term physical and psychological distress. Therefore, it is very important to understand the issues related to it.

Health Issues

• Immediate Pain and Trauma: The procedure is carried out on puppies that are only a few days old and mostly without anesthesia. The removal of the tail can cause immediate pain and stress despite their age. It is possible that the puppies may cry or show signs of stress during and after the procedure. This is because even at such a young age their nervous systems are developed enough to feel the pain.
• Risk of Infection: There is always a risk of infection with any surgical procedure. The docking of the tail leaves an open wound that can be infected if proper care is not provided. This can even lead to complications such as swelling, redness, pus, and pain. Moreover, if the infection spreads to other parts of the body, your dog may require medical intervention and may be at risk of serious health issues.
• Nerve Damage and Chronic Pain: The chance of damaging the nerve is also very high as the surgery involves cutting through muscles, tendons, and sometimes even bone or cartilage. The nerve damage can develop into a condition called neuroma in which the dog continues to feel pain in the area where the tail was docked long after it was healed.
  If they develop this condition, it is likely for them to show signs of discomfort like licking, chewing, or biting the docked area. This can lead to issues such as sores or infections. 
• Impact on Balanced Movement: The tail of a dog helps to maintain balance during activities such as running, jumping, and turning. It helps the dog to navigate the environment with agility and precision by acting as a counterbalance. When the tail of a dog is docked, it can impact the dog's ability to perform these activities efficiently. This may lead to accidents and injuries and is a big concern for working dogs or any other dogs who engage in agility activities.
• Communication and Social Interaction: A dog expresses their emotion by using their tail to wag or quiver. It is a primary means of communication with other dogs and humans. Docking their tail may reduce their capacity to express themselves effectively. This may lead to misunderstandings and arguments with other dogs.
• Behavioral Issues: Due to the surgery performed at a young age, it can develop anxiety in some dogs or even become more fearful. Moreover, loss of tail, an important communication tool can also develop behavioral problems such as aggression or withdrawal.
• Increased Sensitivity and Phantom Pain: Docking a dog's tail also increases sensitivity in the docked area. Also, if the dog has a thick coat that rubs against the same area, it can develop irritations as well. They may also experience phantom pain where they feel a sensation in the area where the tail was removed. This makes the dog lick or chew the tail stump resulting in infection.

Alternatives To Tail Docking

There are many ethical and health issues related to tail docking. It has been addressed by many dog owners, breeders, and veterinarians. They have been seeking alternatives to this procedure and focusing on how to preserve their natural tails. Some of the alternatives to docking the tails are as follows:

• Proper Training and Supervision: The most important aspect is to make sure the dogs receive proper training and supervision. They should be monitored in areas where there is a high chance of tail injury occurrence. You can teach them appropriate behaviors and manage the environment. 
• Regular Grooming and Hygiene: Regular grooming is another useful alternative that helps to maintain cleanliness and prevent the formation of the build-up of dirt, debris, or feces. This is even more significant in breeds with long or thick tails as it helps to reduce the chance of infections or irritations. Also, make sure to check the tail of your dog regularly for any signs of injury or infections.
• Tail Protectors and Covers: To prevent your dog's tail from sustaining any injuries, you can use tail protectors or covers. This tool also allows the dog to hold on to its natural tail. It is mostly useful for working dogs or those who live in environments where there is a high chance of injury. The product is made up of durable materials that provide a layer of protection without restricting movement. 
• Environmental Modification: To make sure that your dog does not get hurt, it is important as an owner to modify the environment and reduce the risk. You can start this by removing or padding sharp objects and corners of your home. Also, make sure that the outdoor space is free from possible danger, and consists of safe open areas for the dog to play and exercise. 
• Use of Non-Surgical Treatments: In case your dog suffers from a tail injury, go for non-surgical treatments such as bandaging, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy. This can help to heal the wound and reduce the pain in an efficient way. In situations where the injury is severe and partial amputation may be required, make sure you consult with your vet and understand all the conditions you need to know about it.
• Education and Advocacy: People should be made aware of the risks and drawbacks of docking their dogs' tails. It can be carried out by promoting education about the same. By doing so, advocates can motivate people to explore alternative methods instead of docking the tails. You can also include topics such as understanding functions and the importance of a dog's tail.
• Breed Standard Revision: The most significant and impactful alternative is to revise the breed standards that are needed and favor docked tails. It can help to accept or prefer natural tails and can encourage the breeders to keep the dogs' tails.