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Does voice removal surgery really work? Learn about the true effects of this surgery and common misconceptions!
Voice de-voicing surgery (also known as vocal cordectomy or de-barking in dogs) is a widely discussed issue in the field of veterinary medicine. Many dog owners hope to use this surgery to solve the problem of their dogs' excessive barking, but what are the actual effects and ethical issues of this surgery? As society becomes more aware of animal rights, let’s explore the reality of this surgery.
What is voice removal surgery?
Elochosurgery is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of an animal's vocal cords. This surgery is usually performed at the owner's request to reduce the animal's barking or meowing noises.
The effect of devoicing surgery is not to completely eliminate the voice, but to make the voice softer and reduce its volume. In most dogs that have surgery, their barks become more muffled, usually about half their original volume.
Why choose this surgery?
Many pet owners choose this surgery mainly because:
- Community and neighborhood complaints.
- Want to avoid legal issues related to barking.
- Provide a peaceful environment that does not cause disputes.
Effectiveness of voice removal surgery
While this surgery is viewed by some owners as a quick fix, it will not completely eliminate your dog's barking behavior. According to research, most dogs will still bark after surgery, but the volume and quality of their bark will change significantly. Dogs that have undergone voice-silencing surgery will produce a deeper bark that can be heard about 20 meters away.
As veterinary experts have observed, while vocalization can reduce the volume of barking, it does not address the underlying cause of barking in dogs.
Alternatives and non-invasive interventions
Reasons for barking in animals may include poor socialization, anxiety, boredom, etc., so before considering vocalization surgery, other non-invasive methods should be tried:
Training
Seeking a professional dog trainer to correct excessive barking behavior through training is one of the most effective ways.
Environmental Adjustments
Reducing your dog's stressors, increasing interaction with your dog, and engaging in more playtime and walks can help reduce his anxiety and restlessness.
Punishment Collar
For example, automatic or manual punishment collars can have a certain training effect, but if used improperly, they are likely to cause controversy and legal issues.
Social and legal controversies
The legal and ethical evaluations of voice removal surgery vary greatly in different countries and regions. In some states, such as Massachusetts and New Jersey, the procedure is restricted as unnecessary surgical cruelty.
SummaryMany animal welfare organizations strongly discourage surgical de-voicing and recommend that other behavioral modification methods be tried first.
Voice removal surgery may be an option in some cases, but it is definitely not a panacea for all excessive vocalization issues. Given all the risks and consequences, should such a potentially harmful option be chosen over retraining or adjusting the environment?
