You may have read on social media that The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has released a statement condemning cosmetic alterations on animals, or so called ‘tweakments’. But what is a “tweakment”, and why would you do one to a dog or a cat? So, let’s take a look at what that actually means.
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What are ‘tweakments’?
‘Tweakments’ is a term used to describe physical alterations made for appearance or for behaviour modification, rather than for a medical reason. Much like cosmetic surgery in people. Although ‘cosmetic surgery’ (without medical cause) is illegal for pets in the United Kingdom (UK), sadly, it is still allowed in some countries. So, on 14th February this year, the WSAVA issued a statement condemning ‘tweakments’ in dogs and cats.
Common tweakments seen in dogs and cats include:
Ear cropping in dogs
This describes a procedure usually carried out on very young puppies, where part or all of the pinna (ear flap) is removed. Some people claim this reduces the risk of infection and of damage to the pinna. However, there is no medical basis for this, and it simply isn’t true. It’s usually carried out because people like the appearance, and believe ear cropping makes their dog look tougher. Sadly, some celebrities on social media have fuelled this trend, ‘normalising’ the appearance of dogs with cropped ears.
The truth is that ear cropping serves no benefit to the dog at all. It is a painful procedure which permanently mutilates the dog, and interferes with their ability to communicate with other dogs. This means it can actually lead to anxiety and behavioural issues. There is also the potential for chronic pain issues, especially if the procedure is not carried out properly.
Declawing cats
Declawing in cats is actually a much more invasive procedure than most people think. It involves the amputation (removal) of a bony digit. Cat owners may be tempted to seek declawing to prevent their cat destroying furniture or carpets. However, declawing is actually an amputation, like amputating the tip of your toe. It’s a painful procedure to recover from, and can also leave a cat experiencing chronic pain. Just as importantly, it prevents the cat from exhibiting their natural behaviours, and can affect their balance. Declawing has been known to cause cats to have aversions to their litter trays, meaning they toilet inappropriately around the house, and to lead to behavioural problems.
Debarking
Debarking is a surgical procedure to damage or remove the vocal cords, medically termed ‘ventriculocordectomy’. While some may see debarking as a convenient fix for a dog that barks excessively, debarking of dogs poses a huge welfare issue. Debarking inhibits a dog’s natural ability to express themselves. This usually actually leads to escalation of unwanted behaviours, as the dog becomes more and more frustrated and anxious, and seeks other (often more destructive) ways of expressing themselves.
Tail docking
A dog’s tail is a functional limb, which plays a key role in communication, amongst other things. Tail docking describes amputation of all, or part, of the tail. While this procedure may sometimes be necessary to treat injury, infection or cancer, it should never be performed for cosmetic reasons. Tail docking is still legal in the UK, but ONLY for certain working dogs, with strict criteria to meet.
Other procedures
The report also condemns dental cropping (cosmetic dentistry), body piercing, and any other forms of cosmetic physical alterations as “ethically inappropriate”, stating:
“Physical alterations to animals are unacceptable unless performed by a licensed veterinarian for reasons of health, or welfare.”
What about neutering?
The statements specifically exclude spaying, neutering and methods of identification (such as tattoos or microchips) due to their welfare benefits. The statement also proceeds to encourage Kennel Clubs and other groups to phase out any breed standards which require “cosmetic mutilations”.
Vets are welcoming the statement from the WSAVA as a step in the right direction for animal welfare. Many pet owners may well be considering these ‘tweakments’ with the best intentions, not knowing of their detrimental effects on welfare. So, education statements like this are key in spreading the word.
If you have any questions about any procedures you’re considering for your pet, even something seemingly simple like dental cleaning, it’s always safest to have a chat with your vet first. Sadly, not everyone offering pet services are qualified (or even allowed) to deliver the services they offer.
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