Debarking Dogs: A Controversial Quick Fix for a Complex Problem

By Dr. [M.N.], DVM

Debarking, also known as devocalization or bark softening, is an elective surgical procedure that reduces the volume of a dog‘s bark by removing all or part of the vocal cords. The surgery is most commonly performed on dogs who bark excessively to the point of disturbing neighbors and risking the owner‘s housing situation. While it may seem like an easy solution, debarking is highly controversial within the veterinary and dog training communities.

History and Legal Status of Debarking

The earliest known debarking surgeries were performed in the 1930s and the procedure gained some popularity in the 1960s-1980s. However, the practice has always been a topic of debate. A number of countries have banned devocalization in recent decades, viewing it as a purely cosmetic surgery that causes unnecessary suffering:

In the United States, debarking is still legal in most states. However, a few states have restrictions:

• Massachusetts: banned since 2010 unless medically necessary
• New Jersey: only allowed if medically necessary as of 2014
• Pennsylvania: illegal for landlords to require debarking as of 2016
• Washington: cannot be performed for non-therapeutic reasons as of 2018

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes the use of debarking except as a final alternative to relinquishment or euthanasia after behavioral modification efforts have failed. They stress the importance of informed consent and full disclosure of risks.

How Debarking is Performed

Debarking surgery is performed under general anesthesia, typically by a veterinarian though it is unregulated in most states. There are two main surgical techniques:

1. Oral approach: The vocal cords are accessed through the mouth. A portion of the vocal cord mucosa and tissue is removed using a surgical scissors or laser.

2. Laryngotomy: An incision is made in the neck to access the larynx (voice box). The vocal cords are cut or a section of the cords is removed entirely.

The laryngotomy approach is considered more invasive but allows for more complete cord removal. With either method, the dog is able to bark post-surgery but the volume is significantly reduced. Most dogs stay overnight for monitoring and go home with pain medication and antibiotics.

Potential complications of debarking surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Swelling and difficulty breathing
• Infection
• Scarring causing airway obstruction
• Regrowth of vocal cord tissue
• Aspiration pneumonia from inhaling food or water
• Chronic coughing

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Dogs bark to communicate. Barking is a deeply instinctive behavior that developed through domestication as dogs learned to get human attention. Dogs may bark for many reasons:

• Territoriality
• Alarm/fear
• Boredom/attention-seeking
• Excitement/play
• Anxiety (separation anxiety is a common cause of problem barking)
• Physical needs (hunger, needing to eliminate)
• Health issues (pain, cognitive decline)

Some breeds are more prone to frequent barking, particularly hunting dogs like beagles, terriers with a strong prey drive, and herding breeds. However, all dogs will bark to some degree as it is a normal means of communication.

The Humane Society estimates that up to 35% of dogs bark excessively, meaning longer than 5-10 minutes multiple times per day. But even a few minutes of daily barking can lead to neighbor complaints and issues for owners in apartments, condos, or rental houses.

The Ethics of Debarking

Those who oppose debarking argue that it is unethical to surgically alter a dog for human convenience. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, veterinary behaviorist and co-founder of the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, equates it to declawing cats – an invasive, painful procedure that may address a symptom but doesn‘t get to the root of the behavior problem.

Dr. Dodman explains, "Debarking is never the right answer. It‘s masking the problem rather than dealing with it. If we debark dogs, what will we do next – devocalize babies? The dog is trying to tell us something and we need to listen, not cut out its ability to communicate."

There are also concerns that debarking could lead to an increase in other problem behaviors like destructive chewing or biting, as a dog‘s ability to warn by barking is diminished. A debarked dog may be at higher risk of getting lost, being hit by a car, or biting someone due to an inability to communicate fear or discomfort from a distance.

Additionally, there is evidence that debarking is more common in some dog populations than others. A study of 197 devocalized dogs in Israel found that 66% were companion dogs kept in apartments or small houses. Working or hunting dogs living outdoors or on farms accounted for 34%. This disparity suggests that debarking may be used as a quick fix for unsuitable owner/environment pairings rather than training or rehoming to a more appropriate lifestyle.

Alternatives to Debarking

In the vast majority of cases, problem barking can be significantly reduced or resolved with behavioral modification, environmental management, and/or anti-anxiety medication – without the risks of surgery.

The first step is to determine the underlying cause of the barking. A dog barking for attention will need a different approach than one barking out of separation anxiety. Keeping a log of when barking occurs and the environmental triggers can help pinpoint the cause.

Once the motivation is identified, a customized training plan can be implemented. For example:

• Attention-seeking barkers should be ignored when barking and rewarded with treats and praise only when quiet. Puzzle toys and frozen stuffed kongs can keep them occupied.
• Alarm or territorial barkers may need to be desensitized to people passing by windows using positive reinforcement. Window film or barriers can also help.
• Separation anxiety often requires a systematic program of gradually increasing alone time, paired with an anti-anxiety medication in severe cases.
• Boredom barkers benefit from increased exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to tire them out. Daycare or dog walking services may help.

Working with a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT) or veterinary behaviorist is recommended for severe cases. They can create a detailed plan and coach the owner through proper execution.

In difficult situations such as an owner facing eviction over a barking complaint, rehoming the dog to a more suitable environment, such as a detached home rather than an apartment, may be the most humane choice. Breed-specific rescues can help match the dog to an experienced owner and appropriate home to set them up for success.

Conclusion

As a society, we must shift away from viewing debarking as a quick fix for problem barking. It is an invasive, potentially harmful surgery that suppresses a vital means of canine communication without addressing the underlying distress.

In the rare cases where all other options have been exhausted, debarking should only be performed by an experienced veterinary surgeon with full disclosure of risks to the owner. Ongoing training is still necessary post-surgery to resolve lingering anxiety or behavioral issues.

Ultimately, the best solution is prevention through responsible pet ownership:

1. Thoroughly research breed traits and needs before selecting a dog. Working with a responsible breeder or rescue group can ensure a good lifestyle match.
2. Start positive reinforcement training and socialization from puppyhood to build good habits and prevent future issues.
3. Provide ample daily exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation appropriate for your dog‘s age, breed, and energy level.
4. Use pheromone diffusers, calming supplements or anti-anxiety medications as needed to curb fears and phobias.
5. Never leave a dog alone or bored for long periods. Hire a dog walker or try daycare if your schedule keeps you away.
6. Address any barking or behavior concerns immediately with your vet and/or a certified trainer. Don‘t wait until complaints escalate.

As dog lovers, we must be our pets‘ advocates. It‘s up to us to understand their needs, communicate on their behalf, and make decisions in their best interest. No surgery can replace the hard work and lifelong commitment of responsible dog ownership. But with dedication, compassion, and creative problem-solving, we can manage even the barkiest dog – no vocal cord removal required.

Sources and Further Reading:

• American Veterinary Medical Association literature review on the welfare implications of debarking
• Humane Society guide to barking causes and solutions
• ASPCA behavioral guide to barking
• Atwood-Harvey, Dana. "Interspecies Conflict in the Technological Age: The ‘Debarking‘ of Dogs." Anthrozoos, 2019, 32:3, 341-356.
• Harel, Yael & Kelmer, Efrat. "Long-Term Follow-Up Owners‘ Survey after Surgical Treatment of Barking in Dogs." Animals 11.3 (2021): 895.