Advice

[kybossdog]

Pups are 6 days old today.

Is it too old to dock tails?

Need to know ASAP..

Thanks,

JJ

[KENNY DAVIS]

Contacted my vet he said within five days of birth is best, but could be done dont wait much longer.

[gmacleod]

It is too late. Puppies tails need to be docked within 2 or 3 days of birth - before their nervous systems have developed and they're able to feel pain.

By six days old, you're looking at a full amputation surgery, requiring general anasthetic.

And six day old pups are too young for that - better to either wait until they're somewhat older, or else just to leave their tails intact. The latter option is probably the best one - their future owners can decide whether or not to amputate at the time the pups are spayed/neutered. General anasthetic is risky enough without putting them under any more often than necessary.