blueberrygirl: Can I still crop and dock my miniature pinscher's ears and tail if he's 3 months old?
Photo Credit: rengber/Flickr CC
Answers and Views:
Answer by RnD
why would you want to put a dog - a pup through a totally unnecessary operation??
Answer by BMTHESPIAN
It is too late for the dock Docking is done at 2-3 days old, 5 days at the latest. After that, it is an amputation and no responsible vet will do a cosmetic amputation. If he is just now 12 weeks old he is at the outside limit for being cropped. Cropping is done at 7-12 weeks of age, if he is over 12 weeks old he is too old to be cropped also.
Answer by cindy
In fact, you can actually get your dog’s ears cropped at any age if you really … Just keep in mind it’s a more traumatic and painful surgery for older dogs. That said, it’s best to get the procedure done before 12 weeks of age.
dobermans look like HELL without their ears and tails done, sorry but true… people pierce their ears… so what? lighten up pita peeps
Answer by Chapes
It is dangerous to do that–DON"T.
Answer by Tulip
What is ear cropping?
Ear cropping is a surgery that is performed on puppies when they are 9 to 12 weeks old. The pups are anesthetized and part of the ear flap is removed. After surgery, splints and tape hold the ears upright. The veterinarian has to change the bandages regularly until the ears are healed and erect. This may take up to 20 weeks and some ears fail to stand.
Why is ear cropping an issue?
Ear cropping can cause pain and infection, and there are risks with general anesthesia. Ear cropping can also affect behavior because it is done when puppies are learning about their environment and are developing social behavior. The pain of ear cropping may make puppies afraid of handling and new situations. These experiences can affect the pups’ behavior when they become adults.
What is tail docking?
Tail docking is a surgery that is performed on puppies when they are 3 to 5 days old: part of the tail is cut off. Usually, there is no anesthetic, but local anesthetic may be used. Some breeders put an elastic band around the tail instead. This cuts off the circulation and, after a while, the tail drops off.
Why is tail docking an issue?
Tail docking can cause infection and chronic pain. The pain occurs because extra nerve cells grow in the stump of the tail.
Why are these procedures done?
Ear cropping and tail docking are done to change a dog’s appearance. They are not required for health reasons.
- How much to get a Doberman pinschers ears cropped?
- How can I get a Doberman with legally docked tail and cropped ears?
- Is it so necessary to cut the ears of a Cane Corso?
- Why Caucasian Ovcharkas have their ears cropped short?
People began doing the procedures hundreds of years ago when there were few veterinarians. Tail docking was thought to prevent rabies, strengthen the back and improve speed and agility. Ear cropping and tail docking were done in some working breeds to prevent injury while they worked. However, many other working breeds did not have cropped ears or docked tails — for example, retrievers and setters.
Ear cropping and tail docking are still done today because they are traditional for the breed. However, many countries have banned the procedures and breed clubs have accepted this. In those countries, people are used to seeing all breeds with natural ears and tails.
OTHER COUNTRIES
• Ear cropping is illegal in Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries. Tail docking is illegal in Norway, Sweden, Cyprus, Greece, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Finland, Germany, and in Australia.
• Let the breeder know from the start that you do not want your pup altered. Do this before the pup is born because tail docking is done within a few days of birth.
• Do not buy from breeders who insist that their dogs have cropped ears or docked tails.
• Lobby North American breed clubs to change their standards. Visit the British Kennel Club website at http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk to compare standards.
• Ask your MLA and your MP to push for legislation against unnecessary surgery on dogs.
• Write to your provincial veterinary association and ask them to sign the Convention of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Answer by Smith4Dogs
I think you've got the information you need! I will advise you not to Dock or crop the tail and the ear of Pet! unless its no more your pet, may u want to turn it into a house guard.
The best thing you should do is to allow the dog to grow up with the ear and the tail, it will still look good.
Answer by blueberrygirl
Thank you all for your answers, opinions, and suggestions. I've decided to keep my puppies ears and tail the way nature has meant for them to be.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
mustang69 says
Why do you want to disfigure your dog? Anyway if it is done make sure a vet does this. DON'T DO IT YOUR SELF! You can cause pain and injury to the dog. Dogs ears are one part of their body that bleed alot when cut. And docking makes the tail super sensitive. If you insist on having this done, check with your vet to see if the dog is to old or not.
Dogmom CA says
Yes, the ears can be done, by a vet, and this is the right time to do it. Tails are normally done at 3 days of age, so at this age its considered a "major elective surgery" and will cost you! Please bear in mind that these are very painful procedures for your dog, and are completely unnecessary. Do you love your pup for his heart, or his looks? If you don't plan to show your dog, there's not much point.
Leslie says
No….he is past the age to have it done. It would be very painful and the ears probably have too much cartilage in them now for them to stand. I would not do it.
Cookie says
No. It is usually done at 9-12 weeks of age for ear cropping. For tail docking, it is around 5-7 days old. A veterinarian will refuse to perform these operations (a reputable one anyway) at this age.
spider pig!!!1 says
no. you will be putting it through unecessary pain. i think they have their tails docked at a few days old, think ear cropping they are a few weeks old
Red Pony says
I believe the absolute outside age for cropping and docking is 12 weeks and even then it's a little "iffy" if it will be successful.
Also when you say "Can I" still crop – I hope you mean the vet! If you're planning to do it yourself, then the answer is NO WAY!