Tail docking is the process of cutting off part – or sometimes all – of a dog’s tail by surgically removing the end section of the spine. It’s usually done when puppies are just a few days old, typically between 2 and 12 days, depending on the pup’s size and the breeder’s preference.
These days, people dock dogs’ tails for four main reasons: to meet breed standards, for hygiene, to prevent potential injuries, and for looks. For purebred breeders, tail docking is still pretty common because the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards call for it in more than 60 breeds – that’s almost a third of all breeds on the AKC list.
But tail docking is a hot topic, and a lot of people question whether it’s ethical. In fact, it’s been completely banned in around 40 countries. The procedure can lead to serious complications, including infections, tumors, spinal fluid leakage, and, in extreme cases, even death.
Instead of focusing on cosmetic changes, pet owners can show love by offering safe, natural rewards like crunchies churpi or churpi bars, a great snack for dogs with many health benefits.
