Accepted Answer

Thanks for the question XXXXXXXX.

In breeds where tail docking takes place this is normally done when the puppies are between three and five days of age. In this age group it is regarded as a minor procedure and it is carried out without general anaesthetic.

In an older pup such as yours it would be very cruel to dock the dog's tail by any method other than under a general anaesthetic by a veterinary surgeon under sterile operating conditions.

Opinions in the world are divided on tail docking, some people are very much in favour of it and others regard it as pure cosmetics. Where I practiced in the UK tail docking was banned a few years back and I personally never saw any ill effects from leaving a dog's tail undocked.

If I have not covered your question fully enough or you would like to ask more I will be online for the next hour or so and I will be at your disposal.

Scott Nimmo BVMS MRCVS

Expert:	Scott Nimmo BVMS, MRCVS.
Pos. Feedback:	99.9 %
Accepts:
Answered:	7/28/2009

Dog Veterinarian

I have 28 years experience in all aspects of canine medicine and surgery.