Have You Gone Barking Mad? Information On Debarking Your Dog
If you have a dog that barks all the time and without provocation then it can get to a point where they are causing you a lot of problems. Not only can a dog that barks often create chaos in your home, but it can also cause you to have problems with your neighbors and in some instances put you at risk for an eviction.
Professional training may work on some dogs, but others may still not yield you the results you would like to see after completing a training program. A veterinarian can debark your dog through a process known as devocalization which will make the bark much softer. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, you can learn more about it in this article.
How is debarking done?
The process of devocalization involves the veterinarian using a surgical tool such as a biopsy punch, scissors or a laser to take out a small portion of tissue from both sides of the dog's vocal folds. The most common procedure that's considered to be the most humane involves the veterinarian going down the dog's open mouth, rather than making incisions in the neck. This procedure is considered to be non-invasive and generally only takes about two minutes.
What is the healing process like?
Your dog will be put under general anesthesia for the procedure, so they may come out of it slowly and be a bit groggy for a while after the procedure. Most times a pain medication is given to ensure the dog's comfort when they go home. A sedative is also provided to the owner to help keep the dog from trying to bark for the first few days so the area heals correctly.
What will the dog sound like after being debarked?
Each dog will have a different sound, just as they have different barks. However, you can compare it to the difference of a yell to a whisper. Your dog will still be able to make some noise, but it will not be a piercing bark. It will be more of a quieter hacking sound.
If you have tried other options and your dog is still barking so much it's causing problems for you, then you may want to consider taking them in to have the devocalization procedure done. This will allow you to continue enjoying your dog without the problems that come with the constant barking.
For more information about how to best take care of your pets, contact a vet such as the East Valley Animal Clinic.