When to dock tail

Question
QUESTION: Dear Joyce,
Isabella my 1 1/2 year Cocker Spaniel is due in the middle of July.  This is my first time at this and woundered if you could let me know some things to expect and how I can help her during her pregnancy.
Thanks in Advance,
Annette Beermann
Redding, CA

ANSWER: Hi Annette

First you want to have her diet consist of a good quality dog food.  I don't recommend puppy food until after the pups are whelped as they can grow to big in utero causing complications on the way out.   Salmon oil and vitamins are a great idea.   Also don't let her become a couch potato, daily walks and exercise are important to bounding back after a litter.

You can expect her to become more clingy and needy, she will want to spend every moment she can with you.          

Also you want to get her a whelping box.  You can use the bottom of a large vari-kennel, a professional whelping box or have one made.  It's important to have a safe place where she can whelp her pups in peace.

Good luck



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Joyce,
Thanks for the quick response!  Just one more question. When do I dock my puppies tails?
Thanks again,
Annette

Answer
Are you docking them yourself or taking them to the vet to have them done?

Personally, we band the tails.  It makes for a clean tail without the bald spot on the tip which is typical with docked tails.  

On a side note, docking can cause the spine to recoil up into the neck and cause problems as the dog ages.  Banding, allows the tail to die and fall off within a week, no fuss, no mess and very easy and clean and no health risks.

Either way it should be done at 3 days old.