Can dogs get piercings? What is the purpose of using piercings for dogs? In this blog post we will talk about the use of piercings by dogs and we will find out if there are benefits to using this type of object in dogs.
Dog piercing
Piercings for dogs are used aesthetically, often to make dogs look different. There are two types of piercing, sticker piercings, which are the most suitable for dogs; and conventional piercings, which are not indicated and may be prohibited to use in some places.
The sticker piercing
There are different shapes, sizes and colors. Usually they are applied after bathing and grooming the dog to make it more “stylish”. These types of stickers do not bring any harm to dogs.
However, some dogs may not like a structure nailed to their fur, causing the dog to scratch until the sticker piercing is removed. Some dogs can present a local allergic reaction, and in these dogs the use of the feet should be avoided.
After the dog removes the patches, some animals can eat the patch piercing, resulting in a health problem for the dog. It is necessary to take the dog to visit the veterinarian.
Conventional piercing
Conventional piercings are those that, as in humans, require the chosen body part to be pierced in order to introduce metal pieces that must be sterilized.
Conventional piercings for dogs are banned in many states and countries. And putting piercings on dogs is not medically indicated and therefore it can be considered a practice that should not be performed.
There are no benefits to the use of piercings in dogs and the major problems linked to piercings in dogs are:
- Infections in the piercing application region
- secondary injuries
- nerve damage
Infections in the piercing application region
Piercing dogs is often not a practice performed by a veterinarian. Therefore, in many cases, there is no care with cleaning and sterilization of materials for application.
The lack of care and cleanliness when piercing dogs can lead to a local infection that can result in abscesses. When infections are not treated properly the dog can have a generalized infection resulting in the animals death.
In addition, when piercing a dog without the necessary care, the dog can experience a lot of pain. After the piercing application, if the animal does not receive adequate drug treatment, it can make the animal’s suffering even worse.
Secondary injuries
The piercing can be an unnatural structure which can lead to dogs discomfort. As with sticker piercings, dogs may want to remove them, so they can scratch themselves and even rub against the wall and floor, injuring the piercing application area.
Some dogs that use the ring piercing, when playing, the dogs can hook the piercing with some object, injuring the application region that can inflame and infect.
In addition, ear piercings can lead to serious infections leading to otitis that, when left untreated, makes the animal deaf. In some cases, dogs that already have infectious otitis can favor the infection of the wound region where the piercing was applied, and when untreated, the animal can even lose its ear.
Nerve damage
Often the application of this type of piercing is not done by a veterinarian. Which makes people who are not aware of the dog’s anatomy to apply piercings where they should not be applied, such as in regions where there are nerves and/or blood vessels.
The application in wrong regions can lead to nerve damage that can generate a lot of pain to the animal, and in case of untreated infections can lead to serious consequences for the dog.
Dog piercing benefits
There are no benefits to piercing a dog, in general dogs do not like external structures on their bodies, which can lead to unnecessary discomfort for animals.
In some research animals, earrings with identification were already used, but due to the animal’s discomfort and the chances of injuries and identification loss, these earrings were replaced by collars with identification plates and, more recently, by microchips.
Why do humans want to pierce dogs?
Humanizing dogs causes humans to treat dogs as “mini” humans. Thus adapting clothes, shoes, fur dyes and even tattoos and piercings. The exacerbation of dog humanization can bring several harm to dogs. Because it infringes on the five freedoms that seek animal welfare.
According to the 5 freedoms, dogs must be free of:
- Hunger and thirst;
- Discomfort;
- Pain, injury and illness;
- Freedom to express normal behavior;
- Freedom from fear and anguish.
Piercing dogs causes them to feel unnecessary pain and discomfort that can lead to stress and ill health. That’s why piercings in dogs are extremely discouraged.
Conclusion
With this blog post we could see that piercings are not a good choice for dogs. If some tutors want to pierce their dogs, there are sticker piercings that can add color and style to dogs, but even these piercings can lead to discomfort and stress for dogs. Finally, the idea of having a dog is to provide a minimum of comfort, health and well-being, in addition to letting the animal express its natural dog behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Dog piercing
Can you pierce a dog?
It is not recommended to pierce a dog, it is even a crime in some regions. However, adhesive piercings that do not cause pain and do not need to pierce the animal can be used with caution.
How is piercing done in dogs?
A metal object is introduced through a hole in the chosen region, usually piercings in dogs are made in the ears. But this practice is extremely discouraged due to the dog’s health risks. In some countries it is considered a crime.
How to put piercing stickers on dogs?
Piercings usually come with non-toxic adhesive glue, just place and press the piercing over the desired region with the non-toxic adhesive glue facing the dog’s fur. You can pass the hair puller on the adhesive, so that it has more adhesion.
Reference
Santos, F. S., Táparo, C. V., Colombo, G., Tencate, L. N., Perri, S. H. V., & Marinho, M. (2014). Conscientizar para o bem-estar animal: posse responsável. Revista Ciência em Extensão, 65-73.
de Oliveira, V. M., & Ribeiro, K. V. M. (2022). A lei de proteção aos animais em relação ao abandono; agressões físicas e tatuagens estéticas. Revista Científica da Faculdade Quirinópolis, 1(12), 540-557.
Pictures from pixabay.com
