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...
Forum Discussion
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.
