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The advantages and disadvantages of dog tail docking

Pet Knowledge
This article is provided by Veterinarian Dr. William Taylor
The main benefits of dog tail docking include being more beautiful, avoiding injuries, and being clean and hygienic. The main disadvantages of dog tail docking are that the wound is prone to infection, affects emotional expression, and may affect development. Overall, the benefits of tail docking are almost negligible. It is recommended that all pet owners consult a professional pet doctor before docking their dog's tail. Do not dock the dog's tail casually to avoid unnecessary pain to the dog.

1. Benefits of dog tail docking

The benefits of dog tail docking are almost negligible. The main purpose of most people docking the dog’s tail is to have an aesthetic effect, so if you don’t If necessary, there is nothing wrong with not docking the dog's tail.

1. More beautiful

After docking the tail of some dogs, their body proportions will become more coordinated and beautiful. Common ones include corgis, teddies, etc. Most of them have their tails docked to conform to public aesthetics.

2. Avoid injuries

Working dogs such as hunting dogs, fighting dogs, and shepherd dogs need to have their tails docked. Due to work requirements, they need to shuttle through forests, bushes, and thorns. If the tail is too long, it is easy to be injured, and it is also easy to bite the tail during a fight, so docking the dog's tail can prevent Wagging the tail can cause damage, and can also prevent other dogs from biting their tails during fights.

3. Clean and hygienic

If the dog’s tail is too long and it sweeps around on the ground for a long time, it will be easy to be infected with bacteria and viruses and cause skin diseases. Therefore, docking a dog's tail can also improve hygiene and make the dog healthier.

2. Disadvantages of dog tail docking

Although tail docking will not affect the dog’s health, it also has the following disadvantages for the dog:

1. Wounds are prone to infection

If the dog’s tail is cut off directly, a wound will be formed. If not handled properly, the wound will be easily infected.

2. Affects emotional expression

A dog’s tail is mainly used to convey the dog’s emotions and greet other dogs. Tail docking is equivalent to cutting off this tail. Otherwise, the dog's character may become timid, and the owner will lose a way to understand the dog.

3. It may affect development.

The American Veterinary Medical Association believes that “there is evidenceIt has been shown that noxious stimulation before and after birth may permanently alter the normal development of the central nervous system and have long-term effects. "So docking a dog's tail may also affect its development.

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