Cocker Spaniels and Tail Docking: What You Need to Know

Cocker Spaniels were originally bred to hunt and retrieve game, and their long tails were a vital part of their ability to balance and maneuver in the field.

In the United States, tail docking is considered a form of surgical alteration and is regulated by different laws in various states.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes tail docking for non-therapeutic reasons, citing concerns about animal welfare.

Tail docking is often performed on Cocker Spaniels when they are just a few days old, with some breeders and veterinarians arguing that it reduces the risk of injury to the tail.

In the United States, tail docking is a common practice among certain dog breeds.

The tails of dogs belonging to certain breeds are often docked, in both working and pet situations.

Some dog breed standards and traditions specify or allow the amputation of part of a dog's tail.

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Tail docking is a surgical procedure that's performed on puppies within the first five days of life, either surgically or with a constricting band.

This practice is also done in other species, such as sheep and pigs, to prevent problems like fly strike and tail-biting. The procedure is gradually becoming less acceptable, with many experts considering alternative solutions.

In the case of dairy cows and horses, docking became less acceptable when the justifications for the practice were deemed insufficient.

Legislation and policy play a significant role in tail docking cocker spaniels, particularly in the UK. In 2007, a ban on docking was instituted, making it illegal to dock dogs' tails.

Many countries, including most European Member States, Australia, Iceland, Israel, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, and the Virgin Islands, have restrictions or prohibit tail docking altogether.

In the UK, some working dogs and breeds may be eligible for exemption from the ban, but owners must obtain a certificate from a veterinary surgeon and microchip their dog.

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Some people believe that docking should not have been banned at all, as small puppies have little sensation in their tails at two or three days old and show little reaction to being docked.

Others think that docking should be banned outright, arguing that it's an unnecessary mutilation of a living creature.

Those who support a ban with an exemption for working dogs, like me, believe that any effects of docking at an early age should be balanced against the effects of trauma to the tail in the older dog.

Docking undoubtedly prevents pain and injury, but the real argument lies in whether or not it's ethical to dock all working puppies to prevent future pain and injury.

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Some people believe that working gundogs don't need tail docking because some spaniels don't damage their tails, even when hunting hard.

However, the problem with therapeutic docking is that it's a more serious operation, often preceded by months of discomfort while other remedies are attempted.

Taking a dog for a long walk is not the same as working the dog in a beating line, where dogs may be hunting in thick cover for extended periods at a rapid pace.

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High drive dogs that crash through cover at speed are highly prone to tail damage, making it almost impossible to bandage a spaniel's tail in such a way that the bandage will remain in place throughout a working day.

Working dogs are essential for producing game for the table without causing suffering, as they flush game that would otherwise not have been found and ensure quarry species can be retrieved and despatched humanely.

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In many countries, routine tail docking of dogs is considered unacceptable by most veterinarians and the general public.

The procedure is not permitted or is highly restricted in countries like Australia, Iceland, Israel, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, and the Virgin Islands.

Veterinarians in these countries strongly advise against tail docking, with some countries making it a punishable offense.

In the United Kingdom, some working dogs and breeds may be eligible for exemption from the legal prohibition on docking, but owners must supply a certificate completed by a veterinary surgeon who performed the procedure.

Dogs docked after the ban in the United Kingdom in 2007 cannot be shown at any event where the public pay an entrance fee.

The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. This stance is a clear indication that such procedures are not necessary for the health and well-being of dogs.

Ear cropping, in particular, is a surgical procedure that involves cutting off a dog's ears. The AVMA's opposition to ear cropping suggests that this practice is not justifiable as a cosmetic measure.

Some breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers and Boxers, are often subjected to ear cropping. However, the AVMA's stance on ear cropping implies that this practice is not beneficial for these breeds either.

The AVMA's opposition to ear cropping and tail docking is based on the idea that these procedures are unnecessary and can cause harm to dogs.

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Cocker spaniels have a natural tail length that varies based on breed, with bones running to the end of the tail, usually between six and 23 vertebrae.

These vertebrae are surrounded by muscles that give the tail its flexibility and mobility, which is essential for a dog's balance and communication.

The tail is also home to nerves that help direct tail movements and relay signals to the brain, including pain signals.

However, tail docking in dogs can be a risky procedure, with potential complications including bleeding, pain, and infection.

These risks are not limited to the immediate aftermath of the procedure, as long-term effects can include heightened general sensitivity to pain and sensitivity to touch and chronic pain in the tail.

Here are some of the risks associated with tail docking in dogs:

Long-term effects include:

Dogs have a unique skeletal system that varies by breed, with their tails typically having between six and 23 vertebrae.

Their vertebrae are surrounded by muscles that give their tail flexibility and mobility. These muscles play a crucial role in helping dogs balance and communicate.

The nerves in a dog's tail help direct tail movements and relay signals to the brain, including pain signals. This means that any damage to the tail can be quite painful for dogs.

Dogs have several major blood vessels supplying blood to their tail, which is essential for maintaining the health of this vital part of their body.

Risks of tail docking in dogs include bleeding, pain, and infection.

Bleeding is a major concern during the procedure, and it can be challenging to control.

Infection is another risk, which can be particularly serious for puppies.

Pain is a significant issue for dogs who undergo tail docking.

Long-term effects include heightened general sensitivity to pain and sensitivity to touch and chronic pain in the tail.

These effects can have a lasting impact on a dog's quality of life.

Here are some of the risks associated with tail docking in dogs:

These risks make it essential to carefully consider the decision to dock a dog's tail.

The tail stump generally heals in less than a week.

After tail docking surgery, it's essential to monitor your Cocker Spaniel's wound for signs of infection, such as continued bleeding, swelling, redness, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

You'll need to follow a specific aftercare routine to ensure a smooth recovery, which may include administering medication and keeping the wound clean.

The tail stump generally heals in less than a week. If a dog is experiencing continued bleeding, swelling, redness, or pus, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.

The cost of owning a dog can add up quickly. The cost of tail docking in dogs is typically around $20 per puppy, in addition to any exam fees.

Insurance companies typically don't cover tail docking, so you'll need to pay out of pocket for this cosmetic procedure.

The cost of caring for a dog can vary depending on several factors, including the size and breed of the dog.

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If you're considering tail docking for your Cocker Spaniel, it's worth exploring alternatives to this surgical procedure.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends against tail docking for non-therapeutic reasons, citing the potential for pain and complications.

Some owners choose to dock their Cocker Spaniel's tail due to the breed's history of hunting and working in dense underbrush, where a shorter tail can reduce the risk of injury.

However, many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations argue that this is no longer a necessary practice, given the breed's evolution and modern working conditions.

You can also consider training your Cocker Spaniel to avoid getting its tail caught or injured in the first place, which is a more humane and effective solution.

A well-trained Cocker Spaniel will be less likely to get its tail caught in underbrush, and you can also take steps to prevent this from happening, such as wearing a tail-protecting harness.