A modern veterinary dictionary notes that vaginal placement is more effective than anal insertion, because the irritant is likely to remain in place longer, and concludes gingering "would be considered to be an act of cruelty in any civilized community".
A contemporary veterinary reference states that vaginal placement is superior to anal insertion due to the substance's prolonged presence, and views gingering as a form of cruelty that would be considered unacceptable by most societies.