My puppy is uncomfortable after tail docking. What else could it be?

Oh no! That would be pretty traumatic to watch. I am so sorry! Luckily, the puppies are probably ok, because when the puppies are this old they don't have much blood supply to their tails, and so they don't bleed much. We prefer to do this in the clinic where we have a sterile environment in which to operate in, and have the option of giving pain medication.

The part may be getting infected. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It is unfortunately not common practice to dock tails so late in age. Most general practitioners will not perform this procedure unless the pet is less than 2-3 days of age. At this age it is considered an amputation procedure because the bone vertebrae have completely formed, as well as the nerve endings, and is a lot more costly (average ~$500-$1000 depending on your area). You unfortunately will most likely have to discuss amputation with a veterinarian and call around to local clinics in your area to see who is willing to do the procedure. We don't have any websites dedicated to this service, so finding someone is going to be something you will have to ask around for to see who is willing to perform the procedure at this stage.

I do not recommend you dock your puppies' tails, as it can be extremely painful, and can lead to infection, chronic pain, and associated behavioural issues. See the link below for more information https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/081215c.aspx

That looks pretty irritated/infected. I would bring the puppy back to the vet that performed the procedure to have it reclosed and medication given as needed. Keeping the mom from licking the tails and disturbing sutures with the use of an Elizabethan (cone) collar or other means is best to prevent infection and opening of the suture sites.

Hello. This can be very difficult as you are trying to rationalize an irrational situation for her. You can ask your veterinarian for a safe tranquilizer, like low dose Trazodone, & also use a Adaptil ( DAP ) collar. You will need to monitor her 24/7 when the puppies are with her. If she continues to show aggression, you will just have to raise the puppies yourself, & please do not consider rebreeding her. She will most likely not change her behavior. Good luck & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It depends on how long the blood supply was cut off. Keep an eye on it, if a sore develops where the band was keep it clean and use a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. If you decide to have the tail docked please take her to your veterinarian to have it surgically removed under anesthesia. If she starts not feeling well she could have a fever from an infection so that is another reason to take her in for an exam. Have fun with your new pup. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.