Tail Docking and Dew Claw Removal

These procedures are not done on all pets.  Tail docking is performed only on certain breeds and not all puppies are born with dew claws.

Tail docking and dew claw removal must be performed on puppies between the ages of 2 to 5 days old.  This procedure is not performed under anesthesia.   The incision is typically closed with glue or dissolvable sutures; therefore, follow-up is only required if there are complications. We treat the incision area(s) with a therapeutic laser in order to reduce inflammation and speed healing time.

If your pet is older than 5 days, we will only amputate if there is major medical conditions and you will need to wait until he/she is old enough  (usually no earlier than four months of age) to be placed under anesthesia in order to have this procedure performed.  At that time, this procedure will be considered a surgery.

Visit our following pages to learn more about surgery and/or laser therapy: