Cupping the ears and tail in dogs: the purpose, pros and cons

Historically, some varieties of dogs are cupping their ears and tails. At the moment, dog handlers do not have a unanimous opinion about the expediency of this procedure.

Traditions of cupping dogs are rooted in ancient Egypt. During the archaeological excavations, murals and coins depicting dogs with cropped ears were discovered - these findings date back to the 5th century. BC er

Docking was common in other countries. Thus, the famous traveler of that time, Pylos, in his chronicles described the "barbaric custom" of the Romans - to cut off the tails and ears of dogs. The Romans believed that this way you can protect pets from rabies.

It is known that in the Middle Ages a tax was imposed on domestic dogs, the amount of which varied depending on the purpose and specialization of the animal. In order to distinguish between how much a dog is valued, they cut off their ears or tails, and also these could be tails and ears.

In the late 90s of the last century in Europe was adopted “Convention on the Rights of Pets”, which established a ban on cosmetic operations of a dog in cases where they are not caused by medical necessity.

In Russia, this prohibition does not apply, therefore, in our country, the decision on stopping is left to the discretion of the breeder.

To date there is no consensus about the necessity of cutting the ears and tail among dog handlers - most of them are inclined to the senselessness of this cruel operation. However, a rather impressive group of specialists argues that docking is part of a long tradition that aims to improve the appearance of the animal.

Where did the tradition to cut off the tails and ears of dogs? In ancient times, dogs in most cases performed certain duties — they guarded the herds, guarded the houses, defended their master, or took part in fierce battles.

In the course of fulfilling their functions, animals were often injured, received bleeding ripped wounds, and it was the ears and tail that suffered more often than the rest of the dog's body.

Nowadays, dogs mostly start up as companions, therefore, the arrest is carried out at the request of the owner if he believes that in this way his four-legged friend will look more threatening, sharp and powerful.

In addition, there are a number of medical indications for which stopping becomes a necessary necessity, these include:

• lacerated wounds and other mechanical damage;
• multiple inflammations and non-healing ulcers;
• necrosis of all types;
• burns;
• frostbite;
• malignant and benign neoplasms.

Like all surgical interventions, the relief has certain contraindications. In particular, the circumcision is not carried out in sick, weakened and recovering from the disease dogs. In addition, the reason for the ban may be inappropriate return four-legged friend.

Cupping is performed only in veterinary clinics, since the operating rooms meet all the requirements for sterility, and the doctor has at hand all the tools necessary in the event of unplanned situations.

Intervention at home is allowed in exceptional cases and only by a professional veterinarian.

First, we give those arguments that support docking.

• Sanitary and hygienic condition of the animal. According to some veterinarians, as well as amateurs, the ears after the procedure are less susceptible to otitis, inflammation and the influence of foreign objects. Cropped ears are less likely to suffer from tick bites, mosquitoes and other parasites. Due to the openness of the ear canal and the absence of the main part of the auricle, the dog is much less likely to have infectious diseases.
• Aesthetics. Dogs, whose main task is to protect their owner and his property, should always look menacing, and stopping for a long time is considered a sign of powerful and aggressive dogs.
• Functionality. In former times, the ears were always stopped, and although nowadays we are no longer talking about colliding with predatory animals and participating in dog fights, however, the enemy can always injure a pet in a fight with other dogs or humans if the protector is enough for the ears.

But there are arguments against cupping.

• Any circumcision of the ears and tail – it is primarily an operative intervention and, as a result, the suffering of the animal, the deterioration of its mental state under the influence of anesthesia, pain and the operation itself.
• Many veterinarians argue that the sanitary value of the procedure is seriously exaggerated, and the arguments presented have no basis.
• Breeders with extensive experience believe that the aesthetics of cropped ears and tails is a rather controversial and untenable question.
• Scientists around the world have come to the common opinion that mothing does significant damage to some animals, since both ears and tails, together with facial expressions, are considered to be one of the means of dog communication. In addition, the tail is one of the main tools for controlling the movement of dogs.
• Pets with cropped ears cannot be put up for contests in European countries where the procedure is prohibited.

The procedure for cupping in Russia is mainly carried out by service dogs, which by nature have long ears, in particular, it is accepted to stop dogs of the following breeds:

• dogs;
• rottweilers:
• Cane Corso;
• bull terriers;
• schnauzers;
• boxers;
• Central Asian and Caucasian Sheepdogs;
• Dobermans;
• Staffordshire Terriers.

Cosmetic tail cutting for dogs is not considered mandatory and is usually carried out at the discretion of the breeder, most often the procedure is subjected to:

• Kurzhaar;
• Dobermans;
• all types of spaniels (Russian, American Cocker Spaniels and other varieties);
• Giant Schnauzers;
• Terriers (Yorkshire, Jagdterrier, Welsh Terrier and Fox Terrier);
• poodles;
• miniature schnauzers;
• Cane Corso.

Docking off the ears should be done at a time when the cartilage and vessels are not fully formed, but at the same time the puppy is already strong and able to cope with the rehabilitation period. As a rule, the ears are cut off in 2-3 months, but until what point a similar operation is performed - an open question. Traditionally, up to a year, dogs older than 12 months are no longer subjected to cosmetic procedures.

Dogs of small breeds usually develop much faster, because they can do the cupping a little earlier, and large animals, on the contrary, take much longer to form, because they need surgical intervention a little later. Only a veterinarian can judge a dog’s readiness for such procedures.

Anyway It is not recommended to remove auricles to dogs until they reach the age of one and a half months., because at this time it is still difficult to predict the shape of the ears and choose the best option for circumcision, and after a year they are already largely formed and the arrest will be associated with strong pain for the pet.

With tails, the situation is slightly different - it is better to trim them to newborn puppies in the period from 3 to 10 days of a dog's life. In such small dogs, bleeding is minimal, and the wound heals very quickly, in many veterinary clinics, tail arresting at an early age is performed even without the use of anesthesia.

Doctors do not have a common opinion about how painful this procedure is for dogs - some suffer circumcision without the slightest squeak, others whine for a long time, showing their discomfort. In any case, both in the tail and in the auricles of the dog there are nerve endings that, when injured, give signals to the brain. However, in each case they are individual: in some dogs the pain threshold is low, and in others it is quite high. If you do not have time to trim the tail to 10 days, then try to carry out the procedure up to a month.

A variety of cupping of the ears in many ways depends on the type of dog and its appearance. For example, in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, they usually remove the ears entirely, in such breeds as the Staffordshire Terrier and the Pit Bull, only 2ре3 are cut, while Dobermans and Dogs even have rather large ears after circumcision.

Edges can also be cut in different ways - usually the cut is made straight or S-shaped.

Tails relies docked on certain vertebrae. But the fact is that at such an early age, when puppies are only a few days old, it is rather difficult to probe the vertebrae, therefore, trimming the tail section is carried out exclusively in accordance with the wishes of the dog owner.

Some breeders believe that after arresting the ears stand on their own - this is a common misconception. In order for the ears to stand up correctly, they must be glued, following the recommendations of the breeder or the observing veterinarian.

Frequent reason that the ears do not get up, are klemah, so Before pasting it is necessary to make sure that they really exist. To determine them, it is necessary to squeeze the base of the auricle and as gently as possible to feel the entire canvas, slowly moving from the base upwards.

The mechanism for correcting the situation depends on the location of the problem area. If the upper part is affected, then the reception of special vitamins will correct the situation, if the scar tissue is located at the base or in the middle of the auricle, you need gluing. Usually it is carried out using massive structures. It is advisable to carry out all manipulations under the supervision of an experienced veterinarian., because if the frame is set up incorrectly, at best, you are threatened with getting a performance that does not meet breed standards, and at worst - a violation of the blood circulation of the pet.

Docking off the ears most often takes place without any special consequences for the dog's body: young puppies easily tolerate it, and their tissues heal rather quickly. However, depending on the individual characteristics of the dogs, problems can sometimes arise, and they do not always depend on the quality of the operation - The course of the healing process is more affected by postoperative care.

In order to avoid the adverse effects of cupping, the dog requires quality care.

In particular, in order for the pet not to damage its seams, you should use a special device - an Elizabethan collar, it is made of conical plastic. If the animal suffers too much, then it is allowed to give it a slight painkiller.

It is very important to monitor the condition of the sutures - they must be kept clean and sterile. Usually for processing use:

• Zelenka;
• tincture of calendula or chamomile;
• iodoform, streptotsid, xeroform and other antiseptic powders.

Postoperative sutures are removed on day 7-14.

After recovery, it is necessary to constantly strengthen the ear cartilages, for this, the pets are given a regular massage.

At first, after the operation, the dogs may feel confused, hurt and even a shock. During this difficult period, it is important to take care of the psychological state of your pet - to support him, to distract him and in every possible way to show your love and care.

About cupping ears in dogs, see the following video.