100 count Orthodontic Bands for low trauma Tail Docking. Bands are available in either amber, or in a package of assorted colors to allow you to see the bands better as you work with them.
Medium Weight is usually easiest to work with. This is the brand, weight and size that we recommend for use with newborn animals. 100 per sealed bag. These are the smallest bands available on the market. Very stretchy yet strong. Works with all breeds.
To use these bands, you need proper equipment to apply them. Order the Tail Docking Kit that includes instructions for use, or order the Elastrator if you already know how to band.
These bands cannot be applied by hand. Booklet with instructions and full Docking Kit can be ordered on this page. If you need instructions on how to use this equipment for docking, we suggest that you purchase the instructional booklet or the full kit.
Very important note on band sizing - Please note that the 1/8" bands that come with the Tail Docking and Dewclaw Removal Kit work for the average medium to larger breed such as Boxers or Dobermans who are docked fairly near the body. If you have a small breed, puppies with thinner tails, preemies, or are removing only a small part of the tail from the tip (such as some pointer breeds), we recommend adding a package of the 3/16" bands so that you can double them over to prevent sliding. (Think of a rubber band doubled over a pony tail.)
How do I choose band size for my puppies?
Most medium sized breeds will use the smallest band on the market, which is 1/8". This is why this band size comes standard with all docking kits. If you have a smaller breed that may have a thinner tail, or a premie puppy with a thinner tail, you will want to use the 3/16" band which is a little bit larger, but double it over the elastrator prongs. If you are banding a breed with a really fat tail such as a Rottweiller that is docked really close to the body, the 3/16" band may be your first choice, and you would not double it over the elastrator prongs. When you drop bands so close to the body on a breed with a fatter tail, the 1/8" band may be too tight and cause them to cry excessively. I always recommend that you order the 3/16" as an add-on so you can try both sizes on your puppies if needed. It's better to have them both on hand ahead of time.
Band size choices:
1/8" - The bands that come with the kit are 1/8” diameter and have been used successfully on small to medium tails as well as on large breed tails. A package of 100 1/8" bands comes with all versions of the kit.
3/16" - This is a larger band used on thinner tails so it can be easily doubled over. Bands are typically doubled over the elastrator prongs for thin tails to prevent sliding. Those who have tried doubling over the smaller 1/8" bands have found it difficult, as well as more painful (too tight) unless puppies have thin tails. Please order an additional package of 3/16" bands if you have think you may need to double the bands over. Having a slightly larger band makes it easier to double the bands over the prongs and more comfortable on the puppy. If you are unsure which size you will need, we recommend that you order a package of 3/16" bands in your cart, so you can try both to see which you prefer. If you need help, you can order a color booklet with detailed instructions by itself. Just choose the Instruction Book only from dropdown menu here.
We have worked with many different brands, materials and weights of bands over our five decades in breeding. Please do not order bands from places like Amazon, as they are often the wrong size/type for newborn puppies. We regularly field calls from clients who have done this and are having problems such as gangrene from using the wrong bands on their puppies that they bought from another place, including medical and vet supply houses that advertise them as tail docking kits. Please buy your bands from us to be certain that you have the right ones.
NOTE ON EXPIRATION DATES: The manufacturer is required to put short expiration dates on these bands. We order in large quantities to keep stock for our customers, and sometimes the expiration dates have passed. We have kept bands here and used them on our own puppies that are 15 years past the expiration dates. As long as the packages are kept sealed and out of heat, they should be fine. If you do not wish to accept bands with short expiration dates, please do not order. These are prescription items and very difficult to obtain.
