What is the youngest age you can tattoo a pup? - Page 1

I am in the process of purchasing a tattoo kit and was wondering how 
soon after the pups are born are they able to be tattoo'ed, does anyone 
have a pup or grown dog that was tattoo'ed at a very young age.................

I don't know how young you can do them but I do them about a week before they are ready to leave which is 7 weeks old.  Any younger than that and I would think their ears would be too small.

age doesn't matter, size of ears does matter.  In my experience the youngest age that the ears are big enough to fit the tattoo properly is 7 weeks.  More ideal is 8-10 weeks.  With show lines (bigger ears typically) you may be ok with 6 weeks.  Main thing is, you don't want the tattoo to go from base to tip.  Tattoo letters/numbers near the tip will be impossible to read.  The majority of the tattoo needs to fit into the "pink" inside of the ear, and not go near the tip of the ear.

molly

I bought the kit three years ago and Im chicken to try it....I let the vet borrow it and he does them   except hes out of ink   got to find somewhere to order ink refill....

I think I need another person to help me and so far no takers....

YR, you can get ink at most feed stores.  And I would think your vet should be able to order some.  otherwise try here:

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?PGGUID=30e0790d-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5

I couldn't imagine tattooing pups without a helper, but they don't have to have any particular expertise, just that they will be able to hold the pups firmly enough to keep them from squirming, without hurting them, and won't drop them when they shreak, as some will. I nearly did the first time I helped tattoo pups! Poor babies, it's a good thing they forget about it a few minutes later! jh

Thanks everyone!

When I was a teenager, many moons ago, I had over 40 rabbits, Angora, Dutch, New Zealand,
Chinchilla's and I tattoo'ed some of them, but of course, they had those nice big bunny ears!!!

I guess right before they go to their new homes, between 7-8 weeks, good advice MI GSD & eichenluft!,  

should go smooth,
they are pretty good about having their nails done, I do nails at least 3 times before they go, this
is going to be another crazy puppy moment, sometimes, if you do a sneak attack, just after they
wake-up, and are still groggy, they don't know what's going on.............................. (Pretty Good!)

Yellowrose, you could have a tattoo clinic, but have it at that vet's office, you can be the overseer!!

I've helped tattoo pups and the easiest way is to wrap them in a large towel so they don't claw you.  You have much better control and are able to keep them still.

what age is too old to tattoo in the ear?

My 3 "pink papered" dogs were tatoo'd in the 7th week  when the "tatoo man"  comes and the pups are named and recorded against their numbers.  All arrived  with green right ears and it wasn't even St. Patrick's day !   They are all between 2 and 4 years now - and their numbers are all fine and  most or mostly still readable.

I have never tatooed my pups in the ear or elsewhere - and I would not wish to attempt it without an experienced person there to help!!!   All the best .!!