Introduction
Tail docking referring to the removal of a dog’s tail has long been a controversial subject. Once it used to be a commonly performed practice that was justified by traditional norms, breed conformity, and the perceived utility in the working dogs. However, it is now increasingly becoming an outdated practice that has shown far more drawbacks than its benefits. With the advancement in the fields of canine anatomy and their behavior, it has now become evident that tail docking is really harmful for the dogs and mostly unnecessary as well. Still there are some advocates of this docking practice who justify it for cosmetic basis and prevention of hypothetical injuries. Despite these reasonings, the physical and the psychological effects on the dogs cannot be overlooked.
Pain
Pain caused by tail docking procedure is one of the most immediate concerns. One widespread misconception is that a few days old puppies are unable to feel the pain as do the adult dogs. However, the reality is contrary to that. Puppies’ nervous system is already developed enough at birth that it can sense pain. In fact, the intensity of pain felt by puppies is greater than the adult dogs. This is due to the inhibitory pain pathways that are not yet fully developed in puppies. Hence, when a puppy’s tail is cut off, no matter which docking method is used, the result is traumatic as it cuts through skin, muscles, nerves and bones. This procedure, often performed without anaesthesia, inflicts severe pain not only during the act itself but also in the following days as the wound heals.
Neuromas
Discomfort associated with tail docking does not always end up with the wound healing. Instead, it may go long resulting in long lasting complications. One such complication is the development of neuromas which are formed at the site of amputation. Neuromas are the masses of tangled nerves which are extremely sensitive and painful causing even gentle touches unbearable. This is the reason why some dogs have negative reaction towards being touched, groomed or handled. Additionally, phantom pain may also be exhibited in some cases leading to behavioural changes and chronic discomfort in the affected dogs.
Infections
Post-docking infections pose a significant risk to the puppy that should be properly addressed. Tail docking leaves behind an open wound that is prone to infections by pathogens if not properly monitored and cleaned. This is especially true for non-clinical environments where sterile conditions are not properly observed, and the chances of infections increase many folds. In spite of all the hygienic measures, complications can still occur. The infected tail may swell up, oozing of pus can be there, or the wound can become so painful that the puppy goes off-feed. In severe cases, bacteria from the wound can get entry into the bloodstream leading to septicaemia which is a life-threatening condition.
Bleeding
Tail has rich supply of blood vessels which, if not properly ligated at the time of surgery, can lead to severe bleeding. Owing to the smaller body and low blood volume in puppies, even the loss of small amounts of blood can be dangerous. Although immediate bleeding at the time of docking is obviously managed, but delayed bleeding in the later hours may also occur when a clot is dislodged. This is especially important in breeds which are vulnerable to genetic blood clotting disorders. Tail docking in these breeds without prior testing can put them in serious trouble.
Nerve Damage
When a tail is docked, it has not only physical effects but also damages the nervous supply of the dog. Its a natural phenomenon that the damaged nerves try to heal and regrow themselves. However, in the absence of a normal structure for guidance, this regrowth turns to be chaotic resulting in the formation of painful neuromas. The affected dogs develop hypersensitivity and aggressiveness issues to any touches. On the other hand, these dogs may compulsively lick or bite the amputated site in response to the itching and irritating discomfort leading to self-injury. Hence, such type of nerve damage seriously interferes with the dog’s comfort and disrupts its normal resting and playing behavior.
Impaired Communication
The interference of tail docking with the communication ability of a dog is an often-overlooked matter. Dogs are highly reliant on their tails for the expression of their body language. They express excitement, curiosity, fear and submission simply by their tail movements. Hence, docking the tail takes away their major communication tool. As a result, social frictions, confusions and fights may occur between dogs as they misinterpret other dogs’ intentions. Moreover, tail docked dogs commonly experience difficulty in getting along with other dogs due to their incomplete and ambiguous signals.
The similar is the case with humans who also rely on tail cues of a dog for understanding its intentions. For example, a dog wags its tail to express its happiness. But if there is no tail, we are left without a valuable visual indicator of the dog’s mood. Resultantly, we can misunderstand or mishandle the situation where quick assessment of a dog’s mood is very critical like in homes with children, shelters and training environments.
Behavioural Issues
Behavioural or temperament changes may also occur in some cases of tail docking. There are some research studies and reports which suggest that dogs who had experienced painful procedures in their early life are more anxious and fearful. Such painful traumas, particularly if left unaddressed, shape a dog’s behaviour to new experiences and physical touch. Dogs having their tails docked, are less resistant to stress conditions, more difficult to handle and even show compulsive behaviors such as tail chasing in response to nerve irritations and phantom sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude we can say that tail is not just an ornamental structure in dogs. It’s means of social connection, a tool of mood expression and its natural identity. If the tail is removed, the dog is deprived of its fundamental anatomy and behaviour in addition to bearing unjustified pain and complications. Thus, it is our responsibility to strengthen the animal welfare system, let the tails wag and rethink over the old practices in view of the latest research.
