Dogs are known for their incredibly powerful vocal cords, but sometimes they can go too far. If your dog’s barking has become too much to handle, you may be wondering if it’s possible to remove dog’s voice box.
But what does removing dog vocal cords entail? And is debarking safe for your dog? Here’s everything you need to know about removing your dog’s voice box.
How to remove dog’s voice box
Removing a dog’s voice box or vocal cords is commonly known as debarking, bark softening, or devocalization. Debarking is a surgical procedure that should be performed by a veterinarian or a specialist.
Debarking surgery, Ventriculocordectomy, can be done using two techniques: oral approach and laryngeal approach.
In the oral approach, the veterinarian will make an incision in the dog’s mouth and remove the vocal cords. The laryngeal approach is done by making an incision in the throat and removing the vocal cords.
Dog voice box removal cost
The cost of debarking surgery will vary depending on the veterinarian, the location, and the type of surgery. The oral approach is typically less expensive than the laryngeal approach.
Pros and Cons of debarking a dog
Pros
There are a few reasons why dog owners may choose to debark their dog. For one, it can be very helpful for training purposes. If a dog knows that it cannot bark when its owner is trying to train it, then it will be much easier to teach the desired behaviors.
Additionally, some people may find it necessary to debark their dog in order to keep them from barking excessively and disturbing the neighborhood.
Dogs that are constantly barking can be a nuisance and can even lead to fines or other legal penalties if they are deemed a noise disturbance.
Cons
There are several side effects of debarking a dog and they include:
• Difficulty breathing – the dog’s airway may be narrower after surgery.
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis – this is a rare complication that can cause the dog to lose the ability to bark.
• Infection – the surgical site may become infected.
• Bleeding – the dog may bleed from the surgical site.
If you are considering debarking surgery for your dog, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Talk to your veterinarian about the best option for your pet.
Tips to Preventing the Debarking Surgery
Dogs use barking as a way to communicate. They might back when they’re feeling territorial, fearful or anxious. If you’re having trouble with your dog’s barking, here are some tips to help stop the behavior:
- Provide your dog with plenty of exercise and stimulation. A tired dog is less likely to bark.
- Teach your dog basic commands such as “sit”, “stay” and”quiet”.
- Provide your dog with plenty of appropriate chew toys to keep them occupied.
- Make sure your dog is properly socialized and trained.
- Seek professional help if the problem persists. A qualified trainer or behaviorist can help correct the problem behavior.
- Consider breeds that are known for being less vocal, such as the Basenji or the Shih Tzu.
Debarking surgery should only be considered as a last resort. There are many things you can do to help stop your dog’s excessive barking. Talk to your veterinarian about the best option for your pet.
FAQ
Is removing a dog’s voice box cruel?
There is some debate over whether or not removing a dog’s voice box is cruel, but most people seem to think that it is. After all, dogs use their voices to communicate with us and other animals, so depriving them of this ability would be pretty cruel.
That said, there are cases where removing a dog’s voice box may be the best course of action. For example, if a dog has been seriously injured and can no longer bark or make any noise whatsoever, then surgically removing the voice box may be the best thing for him. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to remove a dog’s voice box is up to the pet owner.
How much does it cost to remove a dog’s voice box?
The cost of surgery to remove a dog’s voice box will depend on a number of factors, including the size and breed of the dog, the surgical facility, and the anesthesiologist. Generally speaking, though, the cost will start from $100 for an oral approach.
Is debarking a dog real?
Yes, it is a real procedure that is performed on some dogs. Debarking (also known as devocalization or bark softening) is the surgical removal of the vocal cords. It is used on some dogs to reduce barking.
Some people believe that debarking a dog is inhumane, while others believe that it is the humane thing to do when a dog’s barking becomes excessive and disruptive. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument, so it really comes down to personal opinion.
Is debarking legal in the US?
It depends on the state. In some states, it is illegal to debark a dog. In other states, it is legal to debark a dog if the procedure is done by a veterinarian.
Is it ethical to debark a dog?
There is no one answer to this question as it depends on individual ethical beliefs. Some people may believe that debarking a dog is unethical because it involves altering the animal’s natural appearance and/or vocalizations.
Others may believe that debarking a dog is ethical if it is done for the purpose of preventing harm to the animal or others, such as in cases where a dog has been known to bark excessively and excessively loud barking could lead to the dog being euthanized.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to debark a dog ethically lies with the individual owner and should be made based on what they believe is in the best interest of their pet.
Final Thoughts
Debarking won’t stop your dog from barking altogether, but it will reduce the noise level. The surgery should only be considered as a last resort after all other methods of controlling barking have failed.
There are many things you can do to help stop your dog’s excessive barking, so talk to your veterinarian about the best option for your pet.
If you want a quiet dog consider getting a quiet breed.
Note: Some vets don’t perform the debarking surgery because of ethical reasons and potential complications.