Tail Docking

[Denise]

My Rottie named Kahlua is 4 months old and her tail is not docked. She is getting spayed in a few days and my brother said that I should have her tail docked as well. Is there any medical or safety reason why her tail should be docked? Would it be cruel to her if it was done at this age? I do not want to do anything that would be cruel to her. HELP!!!

[Denise]

I forgot to add that I just adopted her from a shelter a couple off weeks ago. Her dew claws were not removed either. I am not sure what to do.

[Orville Story]

I would leave all, tails and dew claws. No reason to dock at this age, and it would be very painfull now.

[Denise]

Thanks for the advice. I wouldn't want to do anything that would hurt her or cause unnecessary pain.

[frontierrots]

IF she has rear dewclaws have them removed when she is spayed. IF her front ones are big and floppy have them removed as well. BUT if her front ones are small and toe like leave them and definatly leave the tail.

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Diane
Frontier Rottweilers & Shiba Inu
***spam***

[German Vanegas]

I got a neighbor of mine that has a female Rottweiler exactly like yours. The only difference is, she is about 8 months of age now. You know, it doesn't look bad at all with that long tail, maybe the claws look a little odd at first, but you get used to it real soon. In fact, we will be seen more imported Rottweilers with long tails in the near future... In any case, it's not recommneded to perform any cosmetic surgery on your puppy at that age. Love that puupy!

[Orville Story]

I would remove rear dew claws if she has any. I always leave the front and never have any on the rear. My mistake for not thinking of the rear.

[Trish]

Hi Denise,

I had a similar situation with my now 9 month old female. I had her spayed, rear dew claws removed and her tail redocked at 5 months of age. She had a 6 inch tail from improper dock and double dew claws on the back. She was constantly getting hung by her dew claws on the back. I will tell you this from experience.
One my dog has a very high threshold for pain wich made the surgery easier for her. I would consult your veterinarian first and ask about all the procedures.
On the after care and healing process of the surgeries. The spay and the tail were the least troublesome. The rear dew claws were the most painful. after all the dog must walk on the legs. The only time she, had any pain with the tail is when she would run into things. I tell you My pup never even slowed down from the surgery. I was almost forced to crate her to keep her calm post-op. As far the results, the tail looks the best the dew-claws do not look as good. that is because She kept on tearing sutures and that left scar tissue. If my pup had the complete tail I would not have had the tail docked. I opted for the re-dock because of the 6 inch tail. But either way you go. Take time to think about it and talk to your vet. If you would like I can send you pictures of my female post-op and show you the results. Maybe that way it will help you make your decision.
Good Luck,
Trish

email me at pbateman@mindspring.com if you would like the pics. :>