What are the methods of docking a Corgi's tail?

The main methods of docking a Corgi's tail are: rubber band tail docking, hemorrhoid clamp tail docking, and surgical amputation. It is generally recommended to dock a Corgi's tail within one week of birth. At this stage, the Corgi's tail pain nerves have not fully developed, and the Corgi is in a rapid growth period, making tail docking relatively safe. The wound will heal quickly, and the Corgi will not feel too much pain. In the past, rubber band tail docking or hemorrhoid clamp tail docking could be used when the Corgi was young, but once the Corgi gets older, only surgical removal at a hospital is possible.

1. Rubber Band Tail Docking

The rubber band tail docking method mainly achieves tail docking by obstructing blood circulation. Due to its simplicity, owners can perform it at home, but the safety is relatively poorer. Generally, just wrap a rubber band around the base of the dog's tail, recommend binding it moderately tight, and as time passes, the dog's tail will gradually wither and die, then fall off.

Usually, if the method is correct, the Corgi's tail will fall off in about 5 days, and the wound is relatively small. Just disinfect the wound slightly on the Corgi's wound.

Note: During the tail docking period, prevent the mother dog from biting the rubber band, otherwise, the tail docking will fail. Also, disinfect daily to prevent infection, it is best to perform tail docking 3 days after the Corgi's birth to avoid increasing the dog's suffering.

1. Hemorrhoid Clamp Tail Docking

The hemorrhoid clamp tail docking method involves using a hemorrhoid clamp to dock the Corgi's tail, but it requires the owner to have some skill and courage. First, prepare a new surgical scissors and a hemorrhoid clamp, and disinfect them. Then, wipe the Corgi's tail root with alcohol or iodine to disinfect it. After disinfection, use the surgical scissors to quickly and neatly cut off the tail, immediately clamp the hemorrhoid clamp on it, and apply hemostatic powder to the wound. After 15 minutes, you can release the hemorrhoid clamp. Then disinfect the wound with iodine daily to prevent infection.

Generally, the wound left behind after tail docking of a Corgi can heal in 7-10 days. However, the owner should prevent the mother dog from licking the wound to avoid infection.

Note: Before using the hemorrhoid clamp tail docking method for a Corgi, estimate the length of the tail to be dock. Generally, the tail is docked at the second joint of the Corgi's tail vertebrae. Moreover, it should be completed before the dog's pain nerves are fully formed, which is about 3-4 days after birth.

1. Surgical Amputation

As the Corgi gets older, it becomes increasingly difficult to dock its tail, which not only increases the pain and bleeding but also risks infection. Therefore, it is better to choose surgical removal.