Pros and Cons of Dog Bloodline Breeding: A Balanced Vie
Trimming a dog's nails to the root of the paw, effectively severing the blood vessels and nerves, is known as "blood line trimming."
Why is blood line trimming necessary?
Not trimming a dog's nails can lead to a range of issues, from minor changes in walking posture to more severe consequences like impaired bone growth in the feet. Neglecting this can result in deformities and other serious complications. Long nails can cause pain during movement and may lead to misalignment of bones.
Can't regular nail trimming suffice?
Indeed, regular nail trimming can prevent many of these issues. If you also ensure your dog gets daily walks with consistent exercise, the natural wear and tear on the nails can help maintain their length.
Is that all there is to the reasons for blood line trimming?
Not at all. Many domesticated dogs struggle to meet their daily exercise requirements. Look around; how many people are truly able to dedicate 12 hours of walking and exercise to their dogs each day, beyond the time spent on bathroom breaks?
While some may do so, it's certainly not the norm. This is where the benefits of blood line trimming become apparent.
It's important to note that dogs that have undergone blood line trimming as puppies experience a slower nail growth rate, and the blood lines may even recede into the paw. This means that even if nail trimming is done excessively, there's less risk of blood line damage and infection, as the blood lines have learned to stay more protected.
Moreover, many dogs with long blood lines, especially small breeds, have their index and pinky fingers grow outward. Blood line trimming is particularly beneficial for these dogs.
Long nails can cause the dog's body weight to shift to the back of the paw, leading to pain, abnormal walking posture, and various other health issues.
Should you consider blood line trimming for your dog?
Firstly, if you have a small breed dog and are unable to guarantee daily exercise, it might be worth considering blood line trimming.
Of course, age is a significant factor. Older dogs should not undergo this procedure, as it can be quite painful for them. In simple terms, it's a very uncomfortable experience for a dog.
Just like appearance, dogs inherit traits from their ancestors, including nail characteristics. If your dog's parents, grandparents, or other relatives have had issues like nail deformities or long blood lines, it's advisable to consider blood line trimming to prevent these problems from recurring.
Is the cruelty of blood line trimming justified?
From any perspective, blood line trimming is indeed cruel. However, its benefits can make it seem worthwhile. Performing the surgery during puppyhood can provide lifelong benefits for the dog, as some may never need it again due to the cessation of blood line growth, keeping the nails at their shortest possible length.
Blood line trimming is a surgical procedure.
Although it's a minor surgery, it's recommended to have it done in a professional veterinary clinic rather than at a pet store that may not even have a valid business license.
During blood line trimming, especially in dogs with mature nail nerve development, there can be significant bleeding, even spurting. Don't rely on overthecounter止血 powders; while veterinary clinics may use them too, they cannot replace the professional equipment and environment that ensures regular sterilization.
Therefore, it's crucial to have the procedure performed by professionals in a professional setting.
So, if your puppy is just a few months old and is a small breed, take some time to consider whether blood line trimming is the right choice for your furry friend after reading this article.
