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Hi I found a very very pregnant dog on saturday april 5. I think she is some type of terrier - maybe a rat terrier? We have brought her home because we did not want to leave her on the street or be picked up by the pound. We think that someone dropped her off by the road because she is so pregnanat. She is terrified of being outside and will not go out willingly, she also is not leach trained. I can't get her into a vet till next week and I think that it will be to late. What do I need to do if she has them sooner? I am also worried about her health she doesn't seem to want to walk around more than a few steps, she is eating good though, but her gums look really pale. Is there anything that I can give her or feed her to help her if her iron is low? She is pretty dirty, can I give her a bath safely this close to her having puppies? I also have a little dog of my own, a female pomeranian mix, do I need to keep her separate from the mommy dog? Any help or information would be great!
Hi all I can't seem to figure out how to get the pictures on this site, if anyone knows how I can send the pictures to you and maybe you will have better luck than me. Mommy and the pups are doing good, and are getting bigger already. They go see the vet tomorrow morning. What do you guys know about tail docking? My vet suggested that I have their tails docked because of the breed, but I hate the idea of the puppies suffering especially when I think that look adorable as is. What do you all think? Let me know. Thanks.
I'm glad to hear that momma and babies are all doing well
If the vet recommends getting their tails docked, I would do it. It really doesn't hurt them much at all. I used to have 2 Dobermans, and I had their tails docked, and it didn't even phase them at all. It's best to get it done when they are very young too.
I don't know how to post pics on here either, but Altenweg (Alty) just may be able to help you with that. We're all excited to see them!
There are nerves in the tail and sometimes docking them will cause damage to their spine. Even animals that are born without tails have a genetic spinal problem.
I have a rat terrier mix that has his tail docked and he wags the little short thing all of the time so I am sure that this is probably part of the reason why he suggested it. I will say that I have seen quite a few rat terriers that they leave their tails alone.
Maybe get a 2nd opinion, but I would not wait to long I am sure there is a cut off age at which it should be done. I will see if I can find a site that discuss the pros and con for you.
Once again this was found on the interenet. I do not have experience with tail docking, although I did have a poodle with a docked tail who suffered back problems all throughout his life. having said that, here is the info I found. I personally would ask the vet why he thinks it necessary to dock their tails.
Tail docking has also been performed for centuries and although it may cause pain, it is often done without any anaesthetic. Tail docking is performed when the puppy is only a few days old and involves removing the hair from the tail and then clamping the tail with a rubber band at the desired length, at which point it is cut with a scalpel or cutters, stitched up, and bandaged. In the process, muscles, tendons, nerves, bone, and cartilage is severed.
Some say it is required for dogs with feathered coats for hygiene reasons or for working dogs. Most do it to give their dog a “traditional” look for dog shows. However, tail docking is not necessary for hygienic reasons or for working dogs, and can be a painful procedure that should not be performed for purely cosmetic reasons. More and more veterinarians are refusing to perform it. A dog’s tail is important both for balance and body language.
Breeds that commonly have their tails docked are spaniels, some pointers, some working breeds, terriers, and some herding breeds.
The Kennel Club in the UK has banned the exhibition of dogs with cropped ears or docked tails in dog shows as of 2007. The Canadian Kennel Club permits the showing of uncropped or undocked dogs; however, the “traditional” look is still the norm.
Tail docking is banned in many countries in Europe and has been banned in Australia since 2004, except when performed by a veterinarian for medical reasons. Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom voted to ban tail docking in March 2006, except for working dogs or for medical reasons.
A similar painful and possibly life-altering procedure for cats is declawing, which removes cartilage, bone, nerves, and muscle up to the first joint. Physical problems and emotional anguish are often results from declawing.
The puppies will be 6 days old by tomorrow if I am doing the math correctly. Docking is usually done within the first 48 hours and done for cosmetic reasons. It is usually done to meet the breed standard by breeders and by those interested in showing the dog. There is a reason it is becoming illegal in many countries. Amputating a dogs tail for cosmetic reasons does not seem like the humane choice to me. I do not mean to offend, however if the puppies are not full bred which I assume you have no way of knowing, what would be the reason for docking?
The puppies will be 6 days old by tomorrow if I am doing the math correctly. Docking is usually done within the first 48 hours and done for cosmetic reasons. It is usually done to meet the breed standard by breeders and by those interested in showing the dog. There is a reason it is becoming illegal in many countries. Amputating a dogs tail for cosmetic reasons does not seem like the humane choice to me. I do not mean to offend, however if the puppies are not full bred which I assume you have no way of knowing, what would be the reason for docking?
I've believe I've changed my mind with this and Alty's info. I did have my Dobies tails done, but it was probably more than 20 yrs ago, and the vet did tell me it was for hygiene and health reasons. Guess I learned something new today.
If it is only for aesthetic reasons and outward appearance, there is no reason to unnecessarily put a little fur babe through the pain of that experience. Like I had mentioned, it didn't seem to have any ill effects on my Dobies, but maybe they were just lucky. Or maybe they were just trying to be tough guys...awww, now I feel bad for doing it. I didn't know! I guess that's why you should always do your research right?
Hi teachnk, no offense taken and no I don't know if they are mixed or not. I actually really don't care for the idea of having the pups tails docked, it was just what my vet suggested that I have done. From what everyone has shown me (Thanks all!), I now don't think that it is good to have it done, especially since it past the normal time to have it done. As for my vet he said it was for cosmetic reasons. but I have decided not to have it done. I think these babies are perfect already and don't need to have their tails shortened. They are perfect as they are.
Thank you everyone for getting me all the helpful info and for your thoughts, it helped me to make my mind up and not have their tails done. Have a nice night all!
I didn't know! I guess that's why you should always do your research right?
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