The Pros and Cons of Tail Docking Your Australian Shepherd

Pros of Tail Docking In Australian Shepherds

The practice of tail docking in Australian Shepherds is hotly contested. Some individuals contend that it can cause the dog bodily and emotional agony, while others counter that it is a necessary process to keep certain breeds safe. Before making a decision about this process, it’s critical to consider the advantages and disadvantages. Always speak with your veterinarian before performing any operation; they can provide you precise details about what will be done. In the end, the decision is yours; just be sure that whatever you choose is best for your Australian pet!

Cons Of Tail Docking In Australian Shepherds

• It’s painful
  Although having your tail docked might be somewhat uncomfortable, the surgery is essential to lowering the possibility of dog-human confrontations. Additionally, having your tail docked carries health hazards, such as infection. Before selecting whether or not to get the surgery for your dog, make sure you are fully aware of all the benefits and drawbacks because the procedure itself can be fairly expensive.
  
  Originally developed as working dogs, Australian shepherds can also be a lot of fun. However, Australian Shepherds are susceptible to a few common health issues, much like any dog breeds. One of these is tail docking, a surgical operation that involves removing your Australian Shepherd dog’s tail, whether they are puppies or adults.
  
  
  This operation hurts both you and your dog; it may be upsetting to you emotionally and may potentially result in infections in the future. In addition, it is not advised for puppies younger than six months old (despite the fact that this age group frequently demands it), and it should only be performed by qualified vets with anesthesia knowledge. Make sure to bring your dog in for a pre-anesthesia check-up if you decide to go with docking their tails to ensure that everything goes well both physically and mentally.
• Socialization is harder
  Puppies with docked tails have a tougher time integrating into society for a few different reasons. First off, they might be more likely to bite and act aggressively because these behaviors result from insecurity. Second, tail docking may result in future behavioral issues including anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Finally, it’s a discredited practice that ought to be discontinued as soon as possible because it harms puppies’ health and welfare over the long run.
• Chronic pain
  A common adverse consequence of tail docking is chronic discomfort. In the area of the dog’s tail, this technique has the potential to induce nerve damage and chronic pain that may last long after the incision has healed. The use of tail docking should only be a last choice as there are alternative, less invasive procedures that might be more beneficial.
• Incontinence
  Australian Shepherds may develop incontinence for a variety of causes, tail docking being one of them. In some instances, this operation may result in incontinence or a problem controlling one’s bladder.
  
  In addition, the actual procedure itself may be very painful and inflammatory. This might persist for up to six months after surgery in some situations, and it may subsequently require additional surgery to fix ripped sutures, which frequently results in more difficulties.
  
  You can also utilize additional techniques to enhance your dog’s general health and wellbeing in addition to dealing with incontinence. These include employing bladder training pads and toilet training, which will educate them how to use the restroom outside (these help distribute urine evenly).
• AVMA opposes it
  The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is against Australian Shepherds having their tails docked in order to deter dogs from attacking people. They consider it detrimental and unneeded, and they worry that it can result in health issues like incontinence, bleeding, tail-related discomfort, and even agony during breeding season. Additionally, some vets think that docking can render Australian Shepherds untrainable and hostile to other animals.

Conclusion

After reading this blog, you will be better equipped to make a decision about tail docking your Australian Shepherd. While there are a few pros, such as a shorter tail that is easier to handle, there are also a number of cons to consider. If you are still undecided, our team of experts would be happy to offer their opinion in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!