1. Ear cropping: This is one of the oldest forms of plastic surgery for dogs and is completed to conform to traditional breed standards. The procedure is typically performed on dogs between 8 and 12 weeks of age and involves cutting off part of the ear to create ears that stand erect. Erect ears are a breed standard in dogs including Dobermans, Boxers and Great Danes. There is absolutely no medical benefit for having this surgery; however, people have come to expect this type of look in certain breeds. While ear cropping was once extremely popular more and more Veterinarians are refusing to perform the procedure on the family pet.

2. Tail docking: Tail docking is similar to ear cropping in that it is done at a young age to comply with certain breed standards. A veterinarian surgically removes the tail of a week old puppy using a local anesthetic. Tail docking began in the United Kingdom during the Georgian times because there was an extra tax levied on working dogs with tails. People docked or bobbed the tails to avoid the tax. People dock now simply because people like the look and have come to expect it on certain breeds.

3. Skin fold removal: Some breeds such as Shar-Peis, Chows and Bulldogs have pronounced skin flaps that cover their faces. The recesses between these flaps can become infected and are sometimes hard to treat with antibiotics. Surgical procedures to correct this include eyelifts, full face lifts and even nose jobs. These procedures are not medically necessary; however, are becoming more popular.

4. Chin lifts: Chin lifts are popular in Mastiffs, Bloodhounds and other breeds famous for excessive drooling. They are also popular among Pugs and Boston Terriers who often produce a labored sound when breathing. Chin lifts help with breathing problems and help prevent excess drooling. While some dogs can develop mouth infections there is no pressing medical need to stop drooling and heavy breathing. Despite this fact the procedure is now quite common.

5. Cosmetic Dentistry: Dogs are now able to select from a variety of dental services. There are orthodontic braces, teeth whitening, bands, retainers and even root canals and crowns available for today’s mutt. Healthy teeth are very important to the overall health of a dog so many owners feel that these procedures are necessary.

6. Neuticles: Neuticles are testicular implants that are placed in the genital area of neutered male dogs. These implants serve no medical purpose and are used solely in cases where the owner of the dog wants their male dog to look and feel like he is 100% male. The dog has absolutely no need or desire for this upon completion of the neuter; however, some dog owners insist upon them.

While there are some medical benefits to these surgeries, many of them provide no medical benefit whatsoever. When evaluating the need for elective surgeries people should consider the risks involved. All surgeries carry a risk of death when anesthesia is involved. Dogs can also develop infections as a result of surgery. Considering these risks people should ask consider if it is their concern for their pet that drives them or there own vanity projected onto the dog. After all, are erect ears and fake testicals worth losing your best friend over?