‘Cosmetic surgery’ for pets isn’t pretty

My dog Spin’s tail seems to have a joyous life all its own.

If it wagged any faster, Spin would surely become airborne! And her ears are incredibly soft and expressive … everyone who pets her (and she insists everyone pet her) can’t get enough of those ears.

Sadly, it is still common in the United States for these beautiful, functional body parts to be wholly or partially amputated in the name of “breed standards.” Conversely, tail docking and ear cropping are either banned or deemed unacceptable in the United Kingdom, Australia, and most European and Scandinavian countries. Even the American Kennel Club does not require show dogs to conform to such artificial standards. What’s going on here?

Tail docking
Tail docking is performed with scissors or by banding to cut off blood flow. It is done when a puppy is 2 to 5 days old, usually without anesthesia. Legally, anyone may perform this procedure.

According to the Council of Docked Breeds, there are more than 50 breeds that traditionally have their tails docked. The organization’s reasons include prevention of tail damage, hygiene and protection of breed standards.

The CDB explains that tail damage occurs when a hunting breed runs through heavy vegetation and brambles. Additionally, any “enthusiastic tail wagging” can result in injury. Admittedly, tail injuries do happen and can be difficult to treat, but the same goes for injuries to paws, noses, ears, etc. To amputate a body part as a preventative measure in some breeds but not others makes no sense and is unnecessary.

Those who advocate for docked tails also state that the hair under the tail may become fouled by fecal matter, resulting in unpleasantness and even maggot infestation. In reality, all dogs require regular grooming and examination by their owners, and any dog whose back end is matted with feces has been sorely neglected.

Finally, cutting off an appendage because it “looks good” is a very poor argument indeed.

As with most body parts, there are reasons dogs are born with tails. Tails are used to communicate, for balance and to maneuver while swimming.
There are also welfare issues involved in tail docking. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists associated problems such as pain (yes, puppies experience pain), procedural complications and chronic health issues such as urinary incontinence.

Ear cropping
Ear cropping is done when a puppy is 6 to 12 weeks old and involves cutting off the pinna, or floppy part, of each ear. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia using a blade or scissors. Recovery requires pain medication, ear bandaging and splinting for six weeks to six months to train the ears to remain erect.

The ancient Romans believed that ear cropping prevented rabies. It was also done to prevent tearing during dog fighting or hunting. Finally, upright ears were thought to give an alert expression to guard dogs, making them look more intimidating. Regrettably, altered ear shapes have become the preferred look for many breeds, such as Boxers, Great Danes and Schnauzers.

Like the tail, a dog’s ears are used to communicate. And like tail docking, there are risks and welfare concerns with this elective surgery. The AVMA lists several: risks of general anesthesia, post-operative pain and complications from the incisions. Additionally, forcing a puppy to wear splints and bandages on his head during such a playful, active period in his life can be very frustrating for both dog and owner. And after all of this, a successful outcome is by no means guaranteed.

Speaking out
Truth is, both tail docking and ear cropping are almost always done for cosmetic reasons. Only when the procedures are performed for medical or humane reasons are they truly warranted.

An increasing number of veterinary organizations are speaking out against these antiquated and disfiguring procedures. Hopefully, the United States will soon join the many other countries in prohibiting cosmetic surgery for pets. Our treasured animal friends deserve to be loved just as they are.