Is Debarking Cruel to Dogs?

If you’re thinking of debarking your dog, just know that we’re not judging.

You probably don’t mind your dog’s barking. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have a dog in the first place, so there must be another issue at hand. Nevertheless, you’re thinking about it, and luckily, you stumbled upon our article.

In short, yes, debarking is cruel. The good news? You have other options! Below, we’ll explain why debarking isn’t ethical and provide better solutions, so let’s dive right in!

Although barking is one of the most common behavioral problems in dogs, debarking is still not a good solution because it’s a surgical procedure that includes removing a large amount of laryngeal tissue from the vocal cords.

The worst part? It comes with postoperative pain.

Vets perform this surgical procedure under general anesthesia to decrease the volume, intensity, and pitch of the dog’s bark. The medical name for it is ventriculi cordectomy, and dog owners can choose a partial or total devocalization for their pets.

Luckily, since it’s a cruel, unnecessary, and invasive procedure, many vets condemn it, refuse to perform it, and say debarking should be illegal. In fact, they suggest that dog barking is natural; it’s a dog’s means of communicating their fear, pain, frustration, boredom, and even joy.

Simply put, debarking your dog is taking their voice away, which we couldn’t describe as anything other than animal cruelty.

Some would say it’s not cruel to debark a dog but think of it like this: would you want someone to cut your vocal cords because you’re being “too loud?”

Is it Cruel to Stop a Dog From Barking?

If you’re asking about devocalization, also known as debarking, bark softening, or devoicing, yes, it’s cruel. You can reduce your dog’s barking in other ways, non-invasive ways. Typically, dogs bark for the following reasons:

• Loneliness
• Territorial protection
• Frustration or boredom
• Stress or anxiety, including separation anxiety
• A response to external stimuli (other pets or people walking by outside). This is also one of the most common reasons for barking at night.
• Social isolation
• Lack of training

• Bring your outdoor dog inside to be part of the family for companionship.
• Connect with a humane trainer, behaviorist, or vet through the local humane society. They can help create a treatment plan for you and your pet, including behavioral changes, with or without medication.
• Avoid shock or citronella collars as solutions.
• Consider a dog walker, doggie daycare, or a local dog park for socialization.
• Prevent boredom by taking daily walks in the park or around the neighborhood, hiking with your dog, and playing with your pet regularly. In other words, ensure your dog gets enough mental and physical exercise.
• If facing a court order for debarking, euthanasia, or relocation, consult a lawyer.

Can a Debarked Dog Still Bark?

A debarked dog can still bark to some extent because this surgical procedure doesn’t eliminate barking entirely. In fact, there’s a chance that the surgery may not be effective at all, and you would be putting your pet through so much pain for nothing.

The HSVMA reveals that debarking doesn’t have a high success rate, often requiring multiple surgeries for better vocal outcomes or addressing unintended consequences from previous operations. It also comes with side effects, such as the following:

Debarking your dog isn’t painless or harmless. On the contrary, there’s a wide range of potential side effects of devocalizing your puppy, depending on the surgical approach. If you choose the oral one, there’s a higher incidence of webbing (scar tissue regrowth), resulting in increased respiratory risks.

The reason why dog owners go with this approach is that it’s cheaper and less invasive. However, it’s still inhumane.

Now, let’s discuss the other surgical procedure called laryngotomy, which is more invasive and expensive than the former. It’s usually performed as corrective surgery if the oral procedure fails or causes unexpected issues.

Here’s a summary of the most common side effects of debarking, in general:

• Bleeding and infection due to the inability to make the larynx and trachea completely sterile during surgery.
• Swelling of the dog’s airways.
• Scar tissue and narrowing of the throat, requiring potential further surgery.
• Chronic coughing, gagging, and pneumonia from breathing in coughed-up material.
• Increased risk to the dog’s physical safety and ability to alert others.
• Increased frustration, potentially leading to destructive behaviors or aggression.
• They have elevated stress levels.

Do Vets Still Debark Dogs?

While some vets may still offer debarking, many professionals and associations discourage it. The American Animal Hospital Association is against it, and more vets refuse to do the procedure because it’s seen as unnecessary and potentially harmful to dogs.

Ethical concerns and a better understanding of dogs’ needs have led to a move away from debarking. Pet owners should consider alternatives like training instead of surgery for excessive barking.

Is Debarking a Dog Illegal?

Although not illegal everywhere, some states have laws against devocalizing dogs. For instance, debarking is banned in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maryland, except if deemed medically necessary by a licensed veterinarian.

Pennsylvania and Ohio also ban the debarking of a canine regardless of the reason, unless it’s performed under anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian.

On the other hand, Rhode Island and California ban requiring the debarking of canines as a condition for real estate occupancy.

Some states even ban the devocalization of felines.

In a nutshell, while the frustration of a barking dog can be real, you should never choose debarking. It’s cruel, unnecessary, and comes with many potential side effects.

Additionally, most vets condemn this surgical procedure and refuse to do it, which is a clear indication that it’s not the most humane solution to intense and consistent barking.

Instead of silencing your furry friend, which could turn out unsuccessful, consider addressing the root causes of their behavior through training, companionship, and professional guidance.