Can I have my dogs voice box removed? A Complete Guide

The larynx is sensitive and prone to edema (swelling) when handled. A swollen larynx can close over the airway and suffocate the dog, therefore close observation during the days following surgery is necessary. This can be done at home for indoor dogs, so long as the owner stays with the dog at all times to watch over them.

The procedure is also linked to increased stress in the dog, because he is no longer able to exhibit a natural behavior, barking. It is also pertinent to note that barking is often due to underlying issues such as boredom, lack of exercise, separation anxiety, or challenges to their territory. A more rational approach is therefore to address these underlying causes so the dog no longer feels the need to bark.

The laryngeal approach has a better outcome, but is more complex and costly. It is also linked to a greater likelihood of infection, since the larynx is not a sterile site. Also, with part of the laryngeal structure removed, there is a greater risk of the dog inhaling food or liquid down into the lungs and setting up aspiration pneumonia.

Debarking is controversial because barking is normal behavior for a dog and an important way of communicating with those around them. Morally and ethically, the dogs welfare is best served in addressing trigger factors such as boredom, lack of exercise, or territorial behavior which are the root cause of the need to bark.

In addition, the outcome from ventriculocordectomy can be disappointing from the owners perspective. Rather than render the dog silent, debarking can alter the volume or tone of the bark. This can result in a dog who makes bizarre sounds when vocalizing and is additionally distressed by their lack of ability to sound an appropriate warning as they feel necessary.

How Do You Debark a Dog?

There are two surgical approaches: oral and laryngotomy.

In this method, the surgical instruments are inserted through the dogs mouth and into the vocal cord region. While this is less invasive and typically less expensive, “it is often less successful in terms of achieving its vocal goals,” according to the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA).

It also causes a higher incidence of webbing, or regrowth of scarred vocal cord tissue. This leads to an increased risk of respiratory problems (more on health risks later).

This approach provides greater access to the vocal cords, as the surgery is performed via an incision directly into the larynx. However, since it involves an additional procedure—the laryngotomy—there are extra risks and potential complications, said the HSVMA.

The laryngotomy approach is more invasive and usually more costly than the oral. It is often performed as corrective surgery when an earlier oral procedure has failed to achieve the desired results or led to unintended consequences.

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Debarking, also known as devocalization, devoicing, or bark softening, is a surgical procedure that involves removing laryngeal tissue from a dog, which renders them unable to produce normal sounds when barking. This procedure has been met with much controversy and considered by many to be unethical or cruel. Certain U.S. counties and states have even gone so far as to ban the procedure entirely.

Barking is one method of dog communication. Barking serves many purposes, including:

Alert or alarm barking: When dogs bark related to sight and sound, often without context.

Attention-seeking barking

Boredom barking: Due to lack of mental stimulation and exercise.

Compulsive barking: In relation to compulsive behavior.

Dementia: Barking due to confusion or fear.

Frustration-induced barking: Usually occurs during confinement.

Greeting barking: When dogs bark to say “hello” to other dogs or people.

Noise phobia barking: Occurs in response to thunderstorms, fireworks, or other jarring noises.

Pain-induced barking

Play barking

Separation-anxiety barking: Occurs when dogs are left alone.

Socially-facilitated barking: Barking in response to other dogs barking.

Territorial barking : In response to outsiders approaching or invading a dog’s territory.

Barking is a normal canine communication method, however, when barking is excessive, it is important to understand what your dog is trying to communicate and consider methods to reinforce their needs in more appropriate ways. Learn more about why dogs bark here and how to deal with excessive barking.

There are a variety of opinions surrounding debarking surgery. Debarking is referred to by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) as a “cruel surgery of convenience,” while other groups refer to debarking as an unnecessary “mutilation.”

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that “devocalization—or debarking—should be used only as an alternative to euthanasia, after efforts to change a dog’s behavior have failed.”

Here are some facts to consider:

It is estimated that 3 to 8% of dogs have been evaluated by veterinarians or behaviorists for excessive barking. These numbers represent a fraction of the real problem as many clients do not seek professional help for this behavioral issue.

Although debarking is considered a “treatable” behavioral problem, some dogs can be difficult to train.

Veterinarians are not trained in veterinary school to perform this surgery and many refuse to learn.

Debarking is most often performed at the request of an owner due to complaints from neighbors. The debarking procedure may also be the final alternative to relinquishment of pet ownership or euthanasia.

Debarking surgery does not address the underlying cause for the barking.

Excessive barking behavior can lead to poor adoption rates at shelters.

Surgery has variable success. It won’t stop the urge to bark, but modify the sound produced. The results can vary from no bark to a hoarse, muffled, softer, or altered sound. Some estimate that the debarking surgery decreases the loudness of the bark by 50% in about half of dogs. Some dogs will regain the ability to bark as tissues heal.

There are both supporters and opponents of this procedure:

Court Orders Couple to Debark Their Dog?

A veterinarian in China has been caught performing operations on dogs to cut their vocal cords so that they won’t be able to bark. He allegedly performed the horrifying surgeries on the street, using unsterilized equipment. He has been banned from performing operations after officers from the Qingbaijiang Forestry Bureau asked him to stop while they investigate.

Barking is a dog’s means of communicating many feelings—fear, frustration, pain, or even happiness. Debarking surgery is a cruel procedure that strips dogs of their natural ability to vocalize and communicate. Depriving them of their primary means of expression is unjustifiably cruel, and it’s horrifying that so many dogs have endured this procedure at the hands of this unlicensed veterinarian.

Condemned by many professionals, debarking surgery involves a great deal of post-operative pain. The procedure is also unnecessary and inherently cruel.