Hi. Haven't been here in quite awhile since my PC died. Have limited access at work now. My latest problem:
My dog is a 12 year old BLIND JRT. For the first time since I got him I have to move to an apartment. He WILL bark when left alone. Unfortunately I work nights!!!
What does everyone think about de-barking? Is it considered cruel like de-clawing a cat? Since he is blind I really don't want to make his life any more miserable.
I have several months to think on this. I would love to hear personal opinions, even if you take me to task for even THINKING about this
Cindy wrote:What does everyone think about de-barking? Is it considered cruel like de-clawing a cat? Since he is blind I really don't want to make his life any more miserable.
never heard of debarking before....the opinion of declaw in terms of cruel or not is not acceptible here btw, thanks.
Cindy, given his age, I wouldn't proceed with the procedure, the anesthesia risk and risk for infection post-op may be greater due to his age. I'm not sure you would find a vet willing to do it anyway. Even if you did, the vet would probably be very reluctant to do so.
Just wondering...you may not have as large a problem as you think....if he is normally content and sleeps through the night, he may feel comfortable enough with your absence at night. In the meantime, I would suggest making his environment as comfortable as possible, provide in his room the things he associates with comfort (favorite bed, blanket, toy, etc).....and maybe leave on a radio playing soft music when you're gone (or the tv on low volume)
I agree with Traci... another aspect being that in older dogs especially, voice and change of voice can be a valuable diagnostic tool for a vet... if a dog can't bark, any illness related change of voice would go unnoticed.
i did many when i was in research but only did one in practice...my own "pigpen dog" cause we lived in vets village snd she kept every one awake...after it was done she would still "bark" but just make a wooshing sound...never did it again to a patient though...
