Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
Surgical Debarking Pro's Vs Con's - Interesting Article.........
Ok all let's debate! The topic is surgically debarking a dog. Here is an article that I found that gives information on both views...........................
"Debarking dogs is a controversial topic. Some feel it is simply wrong to subject an animal to unnecessary surgery. Further they feel the dog may be emotionally damaged by loss of its voice. Most argue that with training, most dogs, even the “barky” breeds can be trained to bark less frequently. They see debarking as a lazy and cruel method for getting a dog to be quieter.
Supporters of debarking argue that the procedure saves the lives of many dogs that might be sent to pounds because of incessant barking. Some people acquire a dog that barks frequently and are soon immersed in struggles with neighbors who must listen to the dog barking at all hours of the day and night.
For some this means trying to find the dog another home, or simply sending the dog to the pound. Since many dogs never get adopted and are euthanized, supporters see debarking as a far better choice.
Additionally, those who support debarking also state they feel there is no significant evidence suggesting that debarking causes emotional damage to the dog. Since the dog can still bark, though quietly, it has not had its main “warning weapon” stolen. Most dogs that are debarked are usually subject to less remonstration and punishment by owners; so proponents of debarking suggest that dogs that are debarked are actually happier."
"Surgical debarking, also known as a vocal cordectomy, is sometimes used as an intervention for chronic barking. In a cordectomy, a veterinarian either makes an incision in the dog's throat or enters through his mouth, and cuts away the animal's vocal cords. Working through the throat provides the surgeon with a superior view, which allows him to remove more of the tissue. Hence, you are likely to get better results with a throat procedure."
I brought this up because I have a very close friend that is a sheltie breeder and sheltie's are known to be chronic barkers. She has had I would say 1/2 of her shelties debarked - the one's that are chronically non-stop barkers. I see a way more relaxed atmosphere for all of her dogs together because the "barkers" and not upsetting and making the other "non-barkers" bark. To me the de-barked dogs do not even realize they have lost the loudness to their bark because they still bark like crazy only its a whisper bark. I do have mixed feelings about an "elective" surgery but then again what is the difference between a tail being docked for cosmetic purposes or say a schnauzers or doberman's ears being clipped to stand straight? Lucky for me Hunter is not a barker! I am not sure what I would do if she was.............
Let's Debate!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY on
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Wow what a topic....I love my furkids and would never think of anything like this BUT, Woody a 14 year old golden could change my mind on this topic. He just barks for no reason..a monatone bark that has a high pitch at the end. It is constant non stop. We can no longer hold a conversation when company is over he has to be put in another room..Too old for training, nothing medically wrong with him...I have had every test done. We can't watch TV..He could make you snap just from the sound. I believe it is his age and it is causing some problem...I would now consider (not sure if I could do it ) but it could be better than after 14 years you don't want to start to dislike your own dog. He started this and is now on his second year of the barking. This does give me something to think about. I have tried everything NOTHING stops that barking.
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Permalink Reply by F, Calla & Luca on
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My cousin's lab started this kind of barking, he actually sounded like a seal and may have had a partial vocal cord paralysis. The barking itself seemed to be a form of "senility"
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This is what the vet has told me he is old but still keeps up with Ozzy and loves the doodle romps (we don't dare tell him he is not a doodle) but sometimes I feel like I could just snap and I would never want to hurt him or any animal but that bark can make you crazy...Sometime he just stares at nothing and barks non stop. I wish I had the answer...It is not like a regular barking dog...it is a different tone and just continues. I for sure believe it has something to do with his age and they can't find the problem yet.
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I know my cousin started Skylar on something and I think it may have been Prozac. I understand about the barking. Skylar was here a couple of years ago and my son was here recovering from some surgery. My son was often threatening Skylar with bodily harm if he didn't quit to no avail. The medication did help. I just sent my cousin an email to see if I can find out.
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Yes, it was Reconcile, the canine version of Prozac.
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Permalink Reply by Adrianne Matzkin on
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Marianne - just give him 3 tennis balls - he doesn't bark with 3 in his mouth - WOL!!!
Has he lost his hearing? I wonder if he doesn't realize he is barking like that - between old age and loss of hearing??????? -
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Permalink Reply by Denise & Hunter!!! on
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Truly I can understand why it would be an option in a case like this. What a difficult decision.
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Permalink Reply by Kyoko on
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I never knew peopel did this! How sick!
Sorry, if I ofend anyone, but to me it is an animal cruelty!!! How would you like someone to do that to you because you talk too much? -
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Adrianne we still only fit 2 balls in the mouth...you have heard this bark at the romps but that was for the ball...that is the same bark that continues at all times now....believe me your head starts to hurt..I am going to look into this medication, before I need medication...LOLwhen he barks like that Ozzy and Zoey are all over him too. I still say dogs know things before us humans and something is wrong the vet is just not finding it yet. -
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He is a very handsome guy. Good luck! I really hope the medication works.
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Cute picture. Prozac for 2?
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I saw this on our local news last night and thought I would post the link. I personally have never seen debarking in the media like this before and had only known about it from my friend that is the breeder. I really hope this doesn't start a storm of people wanting to surgically debark because they didn't know about it before. And what is with what the vet says in the end about it not being as dangerous or invasive as spaying and neutering?! Is that supposed to make it "okay"? The actual news clip video is to the right of the short paragraph about the story. I was intrigued over viewer comments to.
http://www.woio.com/global/story.asp?s=12460583 -
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