Cutting Canine Teeth in Dogs

Position

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is opposed to the practice of cutting canine teeth in dogs.

Background

The cutting of sled dog teeth to reduce the severity of bite wounds, especially in children, has been proposed as an alternative to responsible pet ownership. This disarming technique poses a serious animal welfare concern.

The actual procedure involves manual restraint, the use of a mouth gag, and breaking off the four canine teeth near the gum line using metal snippers (large bolt or wire cutters). Typically, neither anesthetic nor analgesic is used during the Cutting, and no care is provided to the dog following this extremely painful procedure. Infection and chronic pain are the major complications arising from this procedure. The procedure conducted in this manner is inappropriate and inhumane. Disarming sled dogs could only be considered humane if current veterinary dental techniques (such as crown amputation and partial pulpotomy), anesthetic and analgesics are used.

Proper management of dogs, such as proper housing and restraint, would reduce the risk of bite wounds. For example, reducing child exposure to dogs may be accomplished by housing dogs in areas inaccessible to children.

(Revised July 2003)