When do you remove dew claws

This makes them the equivalent to the thumb and big toe in humans. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to The Charleston Gazette-Mail. Click isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Q: We are getting a new lab puppy soon and want to do everything right for our new family member. I was reading that dewclaws should be removed from these dogs because they could get caught on things and cause pain when they tear.

Do you agree with that and at what age should they be removed? A: Congratulations on your new family member! Dewclaw removal can be a divisive topic for people.

We no longer remove claws in cats but are still recommending removing dewclaws in dogs — even before they ever cause an issue. It really does not make a lot of sense. These digits are different than the other four digits on their paws in that they are made up of two bones versus the three bones that they rest of the toes have. They are also typically located higher on the paw and do not come in contact with the ground under normal walking situations.

Like the other toes, dewclaws have their own nerves, blood supply, muscles and tendons and can be moved to some degree voluntarily by the animals. Interestingly, if you watch most dogs holding a ball or a bone, they will use their dewclaws with their other claws to stabilize that object so they can more easily hold and chew it for extended periods. Another time dewclaws will come into play is for active dogs — labs included.

Again, looking closely, as active dogs run and play they use their dewclaws for stabilization when they cut and turn. Their legs shift on turns and their dewclaws oftentimes come into contact with the ground to help them grip better and keep them balanced on sharp turns. These are very important parts of their anatomy for all working, agile and sporting dogs.

The rear dewclaws can be different based on breed. They are not as closely attached to the paw usually and can be doubled in certain breeds like Saint Bernards and Great Pyreneeses. It is thought that these larger working dogs have more toes again for stability and to aid in gripping as they are working to herd and protect their farms and people.

Most pets eat, drink, and behave normally after surgery. Also notify your veterinarian if your pet seems uncomfortable or if any other problems are observed. Dewclaw removal may be recommended if the dewclaw is deformed or if extra dewclaws are present. Dewclaw removal may also be recommended for hunting or working dogs or if there is a risk of trauma to the toe. Dewclaw removal is frequently performed when pets are very young between 3 and 5 days old.

What Are Dewclaws? Why Are Dewclaws Removed? It is more common for veterinarians to remove loosely attached double or rear dewclaws to prevent injury. The actual incidence of these types of injuries is still quite low, so the value of these surgeries is up for debate. Typically the surgery is scheduled at the same time the dog is being spayed or neutered while it is anesthetized.

If you choose to have this procedure performed it should done when a puppy is under 5 days of age and only after the area has been numbed with a local anesthetic e. Keep in mind that removing the dewclaws in other breeds, like Great Pyrenees , disqualifies them from the show ring.

While dewclaw injuries are relatively rare, they certainly do occur. Any nail can become partially or completely pulled off, broken, split, infected, or ingrown if not properly trimmed. He or she can remove damaged nails or trim ingrown ones under sedation, if necessary , and prescribe any needed antibiotics and pain relievers.

Dogs who are extremely active may wear down their nails, including their dewclaws, to the point where nail trims are not necessary. But for most pets who are relatively sedentary, regular trims are needed to keep their nails at a healthy length.

Keep an especially close eye on the dewclaw. Learn more. Some dogs also use claws to hold objects, climb trees, or climb out of the water after breaking through ice. The only issue with dewclaws is the possibility of them getting caught on something, especially for dogs who like to spend their time outdoors or on rough terrains where trees, roots, and other hazards are common.

Consequently, some dog parents will have them removed to reduce possible tears, injuries, and infections especially for working dogs that frequent forests and craggy areas. And in certain dog breeds, the removal of the dewclaw is thought to boost appearance for the show ring. Besides, the blood vessels and nerve endings of day old puppies are not yet fully developed, so they feel less pain. Given that the anesthetic is often one of the most costly parts of the procedure, you will save a lot of money if you have the dewclaw removed while your pup is under the general anesthetic for other procedures like spaying or neutering.

Additionally, if a puppy has injured his dew claws before he is ready for spaying or neutering, it is certainly worth having the claws removed to prevent more cases of injuries. However, it is not only more costly but also more painful and traumatic to the dog because the tissues are already too hardened.