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The Ethics of Cosmetic Surgery for Dogs
When it comes to the term 'cosmetic surgery' most people think of procedures done for humans. However, everyday all across the United States dogs are getting cosmetic surgery. They are not getting the same types of cosmetic surgery as humans, but the procedures are still for aesthetic purposes. The most common forms of cosmetic surgery performed on dogs include tail docking and ear cropping. This article will provide information on what these forms of cosmetic surgeries do along with an ethical evaluation on whether or not these procedures are right.
First, there is tail docking, a type of cosmetic surgery that is done on breeds who have extremely long tails. This form of cosmetic surgery is usually done very early in a dog's life, shortly after it is born. Two types of tail docking cosmetic surgery procedures are performed: banding, (which is usually done by the breeder) or clamping, (which is usually done by the vet). With banding, the end of the tail is tied so tightly that blood can no longer flow into the area, causing it to get gangrene and die. When it dies it falls off, creating a tail with a 'stumpy' appearance. The other method of tail docking cosmetic surgery, called clamping, requires more professional attention. Basically, the portion of the animal's tail that is meant to be kept is put in a special clamp. The part that is expected to be gotten rid of is cut off. It is important to note that with either form of tail docking cosmetic surgery, the dog is not given anesthesia.
Next, there is ear cropping. Ear cropping is a form of cosmetic surgery that is more involved than tail banding. When an animal receives this type of cosmetic surgery, they are put under general anesthesia. The vet then surgically removes portions of the ear. When they are finished, they put posts inside the dog's ear. These posts are used to help get the outer, 'floppy' portion of the ear to stand. This is done by banding the ears to the post by the use of surgical tape. These posts stay in the ear until it stands. After a couple of weeks or so they need to be replaced to prevent ear infections. The whole process can take a few months.
So, what are the ethical concerns when it comes to tail docking and ear cropping? Are dog owners wrong to subject their dogs to these forms of cosmetic surgery? Well when these forms of cosmetic surgery first appeared, they were done for more practical reasons. For example, working dogs would get their long tails stuck in thorns as they went out to help their masters hunt. Dog owners figured cosmetic surgery in the long run was a better solution than having to constantly mend a mangled tail. As far as ear cropping, some have done it to actually help improve their dog's hearing while they are hunting.
However, how often are most urban dog owners going to go hunting? The 'practicality' element of these forms of cosmetic surgery has pretty much gone away in modern times. This means the only real reason these forms of cosmetic surgery still exist is for aesthetics. Yet, is this necessarily wrong? Don't dogs look more 'distinguished' when they have their bobbed tails and cropped ears? Perhaps, but maybe people might feel differently if more dogs were allowed to keep the tails and ears nature gave them. Additionally, unlike cosmetic surgery for humans, dogs cannot make their own choices, which is an ethical dilemma in and of itself. The dog must be subjected to the pain, discomfort and possible negative side effects of cosmetic surgery without being able to say they don't want to go through it. And when the cosmetic surgery is finished, they are completely apathetic to its results. This is because they don't understand what the cosmetic surgery actually means in terms of their attractiveness… all they know is that they have to deal with annoying plugs in their ear or a deadening tail writhed with pain.
All in all dog owners need to think about how their dog feels when there is contemplation of tail docking or ear cropping. If the dog is not going to be roaming the wilderness is there even a need to go through with these forms of cosmetic surgery? Indeed, maybe it's better to appreciate the dog as it is and not try to get it to adhere to the unrealistic standards of the American Kennel Club.
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