Forum Discussion

raindove's avatar
raindove
Explorer
Apr 25, 2016

Traveling with a de-barked dog

I am absolutely against debarking dogs. That said, I have a rescue dog who was de-barked years before I got him.

He has a lot of scar tissue in his throat. His airway gets blocked if he lays flat on his back and he can't breathe. He has issues eating -- the food gets stuck in his throat. I add some water and wet food to his dry kibble and have to feed him from an elevated feeder. It just infuriates me that someone did this to him. If he should ever need surgery, getting an airway down his throat is sure to be an issue. Just throwing this out there, in case anyone considers debarking. There are a lot of long term ramifications that are detrimental to the dog.

At this point in time, he can bark a little bit -- it sounds like a very hoarse, raspy soft bark.

All that said, I know it's illegal to de-bark in some states. Are there any issues about OWNING a debarked dog anywhere? Just wondering if I have to carry a note from my vet stating that the dog was like this when I got him.

My DH always says I worry too much, but I like to be prepared for any situations that might arise.

We've been grounded for 2 years due to health issues, and are looking forward to getting back to camping some time in the next few months.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2016
    I would not worry about it.

    Do you have any paperwork to show it is a rescue dog?
    And yes, get something from your vet showing it occurred before you gained custody of the animal. It will make you feel better. :)
    You're worrying about nothing.

    And thank you for rescuing him.
  • DownTheAvenue's avatar
    DownTheAvenue
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2016
    It sounds like your dog is also suffering from mega esophagus disease which is not related to the cutting of the vocal chords.
  • Mr__Camper's avatar
    Mr__Camper
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2016
    I have to hope everyone here thinks this is a dispicable act but, is there any reason at all for doing this?
  • nineoaks2004's avatar
    nineoaks2004
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2016
    To be honest this is the first time I have ever heard of de-barking a dog. Most of our dogs are hunting dogs and farm dogs so barking is a big part of their life (and ours too). I do think it should be criminal to do that. If the barking disturbs someone than get a cat.
  • CA_POPPY's avatar
    CA_POPPY
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2016
    It's kind of horrible that whoever did this to the dog did not even keep him. Thank you for rescuing him. What breed of dog is he? A few years ago, we had a member here whose dog had esophagus problems. She had to feed her in something that looked like a doll high chair, so the route the food took was mostly vertical. If you research that condition, you might find some helpful ideas on the web.
  • Go_Dogs's avatar
    Go_Dogs
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2016
    I know that labs that use animals for testing-the first thing they do is 'debark' the dogs to keep the noise down.
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2016
    As far as I can see debarking is only illegal in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Other states are considering it.

    No you do not need any document about the dog.

    Yes, IF scar tissue has formed it can be from the procedure. Not often but yes it can. And it is often caused from a vet not performing the procedure correctly.

    Yes, the scar tissue can cause coughing etc.

    Yes some debarked dogs can start barking again. It is not a 100% sure thing surgery.

    A de-barked dog even if done correctly has a soft muffled bark they are not completely voiceless.

    You should have a vet confirm the scar tissue and address the problems.

    And NO I do NOT de-bark.

    I also own one that was debarked BEFORE I got him.
    His de-barking procedure caused scar tissue problems and his full barking voice slowly returned.
  • raindove's avatar
    raindove
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2016
    rockhillmanor wrote:
    As far as I can see debarking is only illegal in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Other states are considering it.

    No you do not need any document about the dog.

    Yes, IF scar tissue has formed it can be from the procedure. Not often but yes it can. And it is often caused from a vet not performing the procedure correctly.

    Yes, the scar tissue can cause coughing etc.

    Yes some debarked dogs can start barking again. It is not a 100% sure thing surgery.

    A de-barked dog even if done correctly has a soft muffled bark they are not completely voiceless.

    You should have a vet confirm the scar tissue and address the problems.

    And NO I do NOT de-bark.

    I also own one that was debarked BEFORE I got him.
    His de-barking procedure caused scar tissue problems and his full barking voice slowly returned.


    He goes to the vet every 4 weeks at this point. We just got him last June. Scar tissue is his problem -- it is not esophagus. He came down with glaucoma, and most recently heart failure. I was really upset about the prospect of losing him so soon after getting him. I'm not done spoiling him yet. Not that I ever will be ready...

    He is a happy boy. And has become quite spoiled and very different from the boy who came here less than a year ago. All I can do is love him, give him his meds, and make him happy as long as I can. I pray that he makes it long enough to be able to go RV'ing with us later this year.
  • raindove's avatar
    raindove
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2016
    gbopp wrote:
    I would not worry about it.

    Do you have any paperwork to show it is a rescue dog?
    And yes, get something from your vet showing it occurred before you gained custody of the animal. It will make you feel better. :)
    You're worrying about nothing.

    And thank you for rescuing him.


    Made me chuckle. My husband's stock phrase is "You worry too much".
    My stock answer is that he doesn't worry enough, so I have to worry for the both of us. LOL

    And the way I worry, of course I have paperwork showing he was a rescue dog. :B
  • SaltiDawg's avatar
    SaltiDawg
    Explorer
    May 13, 2016
    Even in a jurisdiction where de-barking is illegal, owning a de-barked dog would not be illegal. Think jurisdictions that prohibit docking tails or cropping ears... does not make owning of such dogs illegal.

    As a side note. The next County over (Prince George, MD) banned the ownership of "pit bulls." Their definition included American Stafford Terriers - the quintessential "pit bull!" Having a 'pit bull" in a Motor Home or Motel Room would be a violation.

    The American Kennel Club (AKC) cancelled all All-Breed Shows in that County as the County had banned one of the competing breeds. Lots and lots of money lost.

    I no longer exhibit/breed my (English) Bulldogs, but I believe the ban still exists in spite of the financial pressure.

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