Does debarking a dog hurt them? Dog debarking is a controversial process, but the one thing everyone agrees on is that it can be an uncomfortable and frightening experience.
But while the procedure can leave some dogs traumatized, does it actually hurt them?
Debarking, or vocal cordectomy, is a surgical procedure to reduce the volume of a dog’s bark by altering their vocal cords.
It has been used for more than 60 years in dogs who are loud to an extreme degree and whose barking causes a nuisance to others.
How much is the cost? Read here!
While research into the effects and implications of debarking shows there is significant risk involved when undergoing any kind of surgery on your pet, there are still questions that remain about the level of pain experienced by the dog during and after the procedure.
This article will explore whether or not debarking is actually painful for dogs.
Does Debarking a Dog Hurt Them?
Debarking, or canine vocal cord surgery, is a procedure that removes part of a dog’s vocal cords in order to reduce the volume of barking.
The idea has been met with both criticism and support, leaving pet owners with questions about the safety, ethics and effectiveness of the procedure.
Let’s take a look at debarking – what it entails and whether it causes pain to your pup.
What Is Debarking?
Debarking is an operation that surgically removes tissue from your dog’s larynx, thus reducing or eliminating the amount of noise coming from the bark.
During this procedure, the veterinarian makes an incision into the throat and examines all parts of the larynx before removing tissue from some areas and leaving other parts untouched.
Does Debarking Hurt My Dog?
It’s a simple answer: yes.
Although debarking does not generally cause long-term damage or discomfort to dogs, there is pain associated with any surgical procedure and anesthesia can cause some distress while they’re under sedation.
Post-operative discomfort due to swelling in the throat will usually subside within several days, but general anesthesia carries risks like those associated with all major surgeries.
Is Debarking Safe for My Dog?
The safety of debarking surgery depends on several factors such as your choice of vet and how experienced they are at performing this type of procedure.
It’s important to choose an experienced professional who can ensure that only minimal tissue is removed during the operation without causing harm to other parts of your pup’s throat or respiratory system.
Additionally, you should always ask your vet what kind of follow up care will be necessary after surgery.
Is Debariking Effective?
The effectiveness of debarking surgery depends on several factors including how severe your pup’s barking problem is prior to having it performed as well as how large their vocal chords are initially – since this could determine how much volume will be reduced afterwards.
Generally speaking though, most vets report that debarking effectively reduces problem barking behavior by 50-90%.
Should I Have My Dog Debarked?
Surgical procedures such as de-barking should always be used cautiously – even if it is for medical reasons (such as caused by an obstruction), it doesn’t change its ethical nature.
Ultimately, whether you opt for de-barking lies in yourself – ask yourself whether it would make sense if you didn’t have a voicebox anymore? There are plenty of ways out there to train them more effectively rather than turning towards drastic measures such as debarking – think twice before making any decision regarding this matter!
Conclusion
The decision to debark a dog should never be taken lightly.
Not only is the procedure itself painful and traumatic for the animal, but it can have long-term physical and emotional consequences as well.
Before deciding to debark a dog, owners should make sure they have considered all other options and are prepared to provide a safe, comfortable home environment even without the use of their pet’s voice.
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