Docking the tails of dogs is a common practice among dog owners. It provides great convenience to the owners as well as the dog itself. It also elevates the appearance of your furry friend.
So if you’re wondering how much it costs to dock a dog’s tail, we have an insightful breakdown for you. Read ahead to learn more.
How much does it cost to dock a dog’s tail?
Tail docking is often done on puppies and dogs to enhance their appearance. It is a rather inexpensive procedure. The cost of tail docking depends on the breed and age of the dog. Vets generally charge something between $10 to $20 to dock a dog’s tail. However, it can cost as high as $100 as well.
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Dogs of different breeds and different age groups have a different cost for tail docking. How much the vets charge to dock a dog’s tail largely depends on the size, breed, and age of the dog.
Cost to dock a puppy’s tail:
Vets change the least to doc a puppy’s tail as they are small in size and entails little effort. It generally costs about $10 to $20 to dock a puppy’s tail.
Cost to dock a Rottweiler’s tail:
Docking a Rottweiler’s tail costs much higher than you’d anticipate. Vets charge to dock a Rottweiler’s tail something between $300 to $600.
Cost to dock a Dobermans tail:
It is relatively inexpensive to dock a Dobermans tail. Vets usually charge something between $10 to $20 to dock a Dobermans tail.
Cost to dock a Yorkie puppy’s tail:
It is highly recommended that you dock a Yorkie puppy’s tail before they are five days old. This will make docking easier on them as there will be minimum calcium buildup at that point. Vets charge something between $15 to $35 to dock a Yorkie puppy’s tail.
Cost to dock a Boxer’s tail:
Docking your Boxer’s tail entails special care, both before and after the procedure. Vets charge something between $100 to $150 to dock a Boxer’s tail. The cost varies with the type of anesthesia used.
In addition, vets may add an office examination fee to the tail docking procedure fee.
Cost of tail docking and dew claws removed:
Depending on the experience of the vet you’re seeing, the cost of tail docking and dew claws removed may vary between $30 to $40.
This largely depends on the age of the dog. Vets charge less if the procedure is done on a puppy. However, if the procedure is done on an adult dog, then they are likely to need a surgical procedure backed by general anesthesia.
When can you dock a dog’s tail?
The general rule of thumb to dock a dog’s tail is to do it as early as possible. The younger your dog is, the easier it is to dock its tail. Vets generally recommend docking a dog’s tail when they are 2 to 5 days of age. During this time, tails can be docked without the use of any anesthesia.
Tail docking in puppies does not cause much harm. They are simply met with some momentary discomfort, which goes away within an hour. Nervous system in puppies is not yet fully developed, which makes docking their tails much easier at that stage.
That said, docking older dogs are also possible. However, in that case, the dog will need to undergo a surgical procedure. It may even need anesthesia.
Can you dock a dog’s tail at:
Tail docking should be done at an early age. Vets and experts suggest that you dock your dog’s tail as early as 2 to 5 days of age. However, it is possible to dock your dog’s tails when they are a little older.
Let’s take a look at whether you can dock a dog’s tail at certain ages:
10,11 or 12 weeks old:
You can dock your dog’s tail at 10, 11, or 12 weeks old. However, note that at that age their nervous system begins to develop and your dog might find it somewhat painful to dock their tail.
You will need to find a skillful and experienced vet to run the procedure. Your dog will need a surgical procedure to dock its tail. A good vet will be able to minimize the pain and run a successful procedure without any trouble.
4 months old:
It is not a common practice to dock a dog’s tail at this age. But you can dock a dog’s tail at the age of 4 months old nonetheless. Vets will recommend a surgical procedure at this age.
6 months old:
Vets are often reluctant to perform tail docking procedures so later in a dog’s life. At 6 months old, the dog has already developed its nervous system and all the muscles in its tails are fully developed as well.
However, you can dock a dog’s tail at 6 months old. The vets will perform a tail docking procedure if there is something medically wrong with the dog’s tail that can be treated through docking. It is a surgical procedure that will require general anesthesia.
2 years old:
Vets and experts suggest that tail docking should be done at an early age. They are often reluctant to allow tail docking at such a mature age for cosmetic purposes.
However, you can dock a dog’s tail at 2 years old if there is any medical reason behind it. The procedure will be made painless and easy with the help of anesthesia.
What is the oldest you can dock a dog’s tail?
You can dock a dog’s tail at any age. It is a surgical procedure that will be made painless with the help of anesthesia.
However, if it is for cosmetic purpose, it is suggested that you dock a dog’s tail at an early age. Experts encourage breeders and dog owners to complete the procedure before the dog has fully developed its nervous system.
Experts suggest that the oldest age you can dock a dog’s tail should be 10 to 12 days. It is a minor procedure then and your dog will feel no pain at all.
What dog breeds get tails docked?
There is a range of dog breeds who get tails docked. Among the most common breeds are Rottweilers, Doberman Pinscher, Australian Shepherd, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Brittany Spaniel, Danish Swedish Farmdog, Jack Russell Terrier, and so much more.
Is it legal to dock a dog’s tail?
It is legal to dock a dog’s tail. But it is restricted in some regions of the world. Tail docking is allowed as long as it is performed by a veterinarian for medical reasons. The procedure can be performed on certain work dogs because it makes them more efficient.
However, it is not legal to dock your dog’s tail if it is not medically necessary. Strict restrictions have been imposed on tail docking since 2013.
How long does it take for a docked tail to heal?
It takes about a week for a docked tail to heal. After the procedure has been performed on a dog, the surgery site is covered by a bandage. Vets will keep the site bandaged for up to three days.
You will need to take your dog back to the vet after five to seven days to get the stitches removed. That is if the docking was done in adult dogs by following a surgical procedure. In that case, it will take longer for the docked tail to heal.
Is docking a dog’s tail necessary?
In the past, tail docking was considered to be necessary as it was believed to prevent diseases such as rabies. It was also believed to improve a work dog’s speed and efficiency.
However as modern research suggests, docking a dog’s tail is not necessary. The procedure is done on working dogs to help them work comfortably. It is considered therapeutic and known to prevent anticipated injuries.
So docking the tails of non-working dogs is often considered as cosmetic. It does not serve any medical purpose and is not considered as necessary.
Final thoughts:
Tail docking is a surgical procedure done on dogs to improve efficiency and performance. On average it costs $10 to $20 to dock a dog’s tail. The charge depends on the age, size, and breed of the dog, as well as the experience of the vet. Charges may be as high as hundreds of dollars as well.