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Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery may be performed on your pet. Tail docking and dewclaw removals are options for owners to uphold a certain look associated with a breed.

Overview

Cosmetic surgery may be performed on your pet if you wish. Two of the most common veterinary cosmetic surgeries are tail docking and dewclaw removals for canines.

Why would my pet need cosmetic surgery?

Typical cosmetic surgeries have no proven medical benefit, and are purely performed for preference in appearance. Typical dog pedigree breeds these procedures are associated with are Doberman pinscher, German shorthaired pointers, schnauzers, boxer, Great Dane, and Pit Bull terrier.

When should my pet have cosmetic surgery?

Tail Docking or “bobbing” is the removal of part or all of a dog’s tail. This is typically done when the dog is just a few days old while their tail is still soft. There are no proven preventative or medical reasons for tail docking, although some argue that it can help hunting dogs or breeds with a lot of energy avoid injury when they are active. It is strictly used for appearance preferences at the owner’s request.

Dewclaws are the toes on the inner edge of your pet’s paws. They look like thumbs because they are up higher than the other four toes and they don’t touch the ground when your pet is walking. Sometimes the dewclaws are removed to prevent trauma. For pets born with deformed or extra dewclaws, removal is often recommended to prevent trauma to the dewclaws during normal play and activity. In many cases, dewclaws are removed when a newborn is between 3 and 5 days old.

How should I inquire about these services?

Schedule an appointment with our veterinarians to discuss the benefits, risks and timelines of any cosmetic procedure.