This document discusses tail docking in dogs. Tail docking is defined as removing part of a healthy tail from a healthy puppy, usually within the first 5 days of life. Traditionally, it was done in certain breeds to prevent tail injuries while working. However, it is now banned in some places due to animal welfare concerns as it is done without anesthesia. The document describes the common docking techniques using scissors or ligatures and recommendations for aftercare to prevent infection.

1. DOCKING
Tail amputation in dogs
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

3. Tail docking (dogs)
▪ Tail docking is defined as the removal of part of a healthy tail from a healthy
dog.
▪ Traditionally, this procedure was routinely performed in a number of specific
breeds including Boxers, Rottweilers and Dobermans, as well as in many
Spaniel and Terrier breeds.
▪ Puppies are usually tail docked at less than 5 days of age, and a varying
amount of the tip of the tail is removed, depending on the breed, normally by
using a scalpel blade or nail cutters.
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

4. why are dogs’ tails docked?
▪ Tail docking of dogs is believed to have arisen for three reasons at different points in history. In
ancient times Romans believed that amputation of the tail tip and/or parts of the dog’s tongue
could prevent a dog from contracting rabies.
▪ Because the tail was believed to help a dog in the chase, dogs were historically docked if they
were owned by a poor person not permitted to hunt game. (Ironically, it is sometimes argued
that docking increases a dog’s strength or speed.
▪ There is a continuing tradition of docking working dogs’ tails with the goal of preventing tail
injury during activities such as hunting.
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

5. Legal status of dog
tail docking and
ear cropping by
country
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

6. Main Facts
▪ The length of a docked tail varies depending on the breed of the dog. The idea is to
cut the tail short enough to make it close to the body
▪ For some other breeds like the Wire Fox Terrier, the tail is docked about three-
quarters of the original size.
▪ Docking is also often carried out as a means of correcting a puppy from a tailless
breed born with a tail.
▪ The surgery is typically performed on newborn puppies that are between 3 and 10
days old. Since it is usually done without anesthesia, there is a certain amount of
pain and trauma that accompanies the procedure.
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

7. How Are Tails Docked?
There are 2 common methods currently used for docking tails in
puppies
The first is by using surgical scissors or a scalpel blade to cut off a portion of the tail
(which also involves cutting through skin, muscle, cartilage, nerves, and vertebrae).
This is typically done between the ages of 2 and 14 days, with no anesthetic or pain
control.
If the procedure is performed by a veterinarian in a clinic, the end of tail is usually
sutured with a single stitch (but not always).
If the tail docking is done at home by a breeder or owner (which is legal in the United
States), tails are seldom stitched.
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

9. Surgical procedure second technique
▪ Placing a ligature, or tight band, around the puppy’s tail, preventing the blood
from flowing to the end of it.
▪ After a few days, the end of the tail dies and falls off, and the ligature is
removed.
▪ This technique is more painful and requires longer time for removal of the
tail which could result in necrosis and infection
▪ Sever swelling and extreme pain usually follows the ligation and extends for
some days
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

12. After Care Considerations
▪ A docked tail requires a clean, dry and urine-free environment to heal up faster.
▪ Remove the bandages after about 2-3 days
▪ Use only small and safe scissors to cut the bandages and put the tape away from
the dog’s tail tip.
▪ The area of incision requires monitoring for redness, swelling or discharge, which
indicates an infection.
▪ Avoid over-grooming the area and also keep a check on the adult dog licking the
area perhaps.
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

13. THANK YOU
Prof. Magda M. A. Omar
magdaali70@aun.edu.eg
10/14/2023 Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg