When should puppy tails be docked? Vet says 10 days, internet 3-7.

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.

In many states tail docking is not legal, ask your veterinarian about it. Tail docking at this age can result in more bleeding and be more painful, but it can be done without major complications. 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.

Docking the tail is a surgical procedure, it is mainly done as a cosmetic surgery which i as many vets are against it if it has no medical reason for it. i really do not recommend having it done for cosmetic purposes, it is an unnecessary surgery that will put your dog at risk and will cause him pain just because some people decided that it has a better look. having it done at 8 weeks is even worse as it is a procedure that needs to be done under full anesthesia and a good-responsible vet will never accept having it done at this age.

I am unaware of the previous conversation. I am assuming one of Maia's puppies have a tail docked and you are unsure what to do. Typically tail docking is done with in 2-4 days of birth. At this age typically pain medication is not dispensed. I would recommend just allowing the puppy to stay with mom because she can calm and take care of the puppy the best. If the puppy is not able to be with warm I would recommend keeping it in a warm comfortable area. If the puppy is not acting right vomiting, lethargic, diarrhea this is typically not from the tail dock but still needs to be addressed by a vet. Hope that helps!

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

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.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Rex. From the pictures, I'm wondering if I can see a bit of bone there, and it may be his mother bit off the end of his tail. It could also just be dry skin. If he is eating, moving around, and is going to bathroom normally, this can wait until Monday. If he is not eating, is very lethargic, and/or isn't going to the bathroom normally, you need to take him into an ER vet immediately. Best of luck.