Tail Docking and Dewclaw Removal in Puppies
General Information:
Tail docking, or surgical shortening of the tail,
is performed in puppies during the first 2 to 5 days of life.
This is done in order to comply with established breed standards
for your particular pet. By performing this procedure at such
an early time period in life, there is no need for general anesthesia.
The tail amputation incisions are closed with an absorbable suture,
this will slowly dissolve or, more commonly, the mother will chew
them out long before they have time to dissolve.
The dewclaws are the small nails located on the inside
of the front paws and occasionally the rear paws. They should
be removed at the same time as the tail dock in hunting, working
breeds and several other breeds depending on established breed
standards for your particular pet (such breeds as Poodles and
Schnauzers). These area do not require any sutures after the surgery.
Home Care of Puppies:
- Check the tails daily for 1 week to make sure
the mother does not chew the stitches out too early and to ensure proper healing.
- Keep the sleeping area very clean so that the
tails or dewclaw wounds do not become infected. This is particularly important for the
first 2-3 days after surgery.
We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest
for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please call your
veterinarian's office, or feel free to
e-mail us.
David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, PC
