11 replies to this topic

[Marci8903]

I decided after our second trip to the vet I didn't like the one I was using. So we switched recently. Our first check up was Monday. Anyway, Cubbie is ready for her spay (she's 5 months) and will go in on March 31 this vet will keep her overnight. Now upon examination the new vet also noted she had a baby tooth that hasn't fallen out yet. So while she is under for the spay they are going to remove it. I also decided to ask about dew claws. Cubbie still has hers. I was wondering if I should get them removed or not? Or I guess how all of you feel about dew claws? Cubbie is a best buddy to my two boys who are 5 and 2 and I'm worried she will get her dew claws caught while running and playing with the boys. But again dogs have had dew claws and played with kids and had nothing happen. If you have had your dogs dew claws removed how long was the healing time? Im really back and forth on to remove or not to remove!

[sheila and Misty]

If the dew claws are floppy-they can remove them easier -if there is a toe there its considered amputation-. not a fast healing thing- plus your dog has already been using them and I just wouldnt go there poor things going to be sore enough. I had to make that decision too- and Toby still has his and uses them to hold things If they are removed within the first 5 days after birth then its not easy to remove alot of them. and its not painfull then because the blood vein hasnt connected,-But now its a way different story.Just make sure you let the groomer know to cut them or who ever does the nails.-They dont hit the ground so the definately need the points trimmed. just like the rest there is also a vein in them.

[kintra]

Almost all breeders I know/deal with take care of the dew claws when the puppies are very young. I've helped many times and the pups don't mind at all. There is really no need for a dew claw in Cairns and I tend to see them more as a risk. I've known too many dogs who had them ripped out/caught on things during play, plus they get sharp quickly since nothing wears them down.

[eastofeden]

I have seen arguments both ways regarding dew claws. Personally, I like them removed. My Dalmatian had hers and we had painful ripped and bloody dew claws quite a few times. I can not imagine terriers with theirs still intact.

I had my girls removed during her spay at 6 months. And the only complication was that during a bandage change the wrappings were wrapped too tight and a minor infection occurred (It was easily handled as I noticed it right away). I will not lie, it is a painful procedure...so if you decide to have it done make sure that your vet provides you with appropriate pain medication post surgery and MAKE SURE YOU USE IT!!!! Also you must take care that paws are kept clean and that your dog does not pull out the stitches. She will want to lick her paws....so you will have to keep her from doing that too.

Dew claws are also a bit controversial and some folks are opposed to it, as many are to cropping & docking. I did find myself defending my decision for removal to an emergency vet (this was when I noticed the wrappings were too tight and the area red...of course it would be a holiday weekend and my regular vet was not available). Despite all the hassle I do not regret my choice. However, I think it is best if you know upfront all the possibilities.

[kittdog]

My first cairn got one of his dewclaws ripped off, it grew back though. They can get caught on things. I wouldn't have a dog go under just for this, but if she is already going to have other surgeries than it might be a good idea than you don't have to worry about them.

[kjwarnold]

Packy had his dew claws when we got him at 12 weeks, Kirby did not. We talked to our vet at that time about removing Packy's. They also said it's like removing a finger by then and would be painful. They asked a lot about where we lived, if there was a lot of brush that he would be running through, if he would be a "working" dog and get them caught on stuff. Since we answered no to all those questions and more, we decided to leave them alone. He has never caught them on anything and has had no problems with them. While I really don't like them and hate trimming the nails on them, I have to say that leaving them was a good decision for us.

[Marci8903]

Thanks! I'm really leaning towards not getting them removed. They don't seem to bother her and she's not going to be working at all and doesn't really dig either. I just think with her getting spayed and her tooth pulled I don't want to put her through anything else!

[carolinaila09]

Paisley has hers. So far no issues, and I'm hoping we won't have any. They don't bother her or me really, until they are sharp like now! Really gotta trim those nails...

[BetsyNoodle]

Our wonderful little rescue Cairn, Murphy, was about two or three years old when we got him and he still has his dew claws. I can understand removing them from a very young puppy before the dew claw has fully developed, but I would never dream of putting him through surgery to have his removed. He is a rough and tumble little boy and we have never had any problems with his dew claws getting hung up on anything. Our Lab mix has her dew claws as well, and they have never been a problem for her either. We just keep the nails short.

[Brianne_Kathrine]

Sally's were removed when I got her. Actually, I am not sure if they were removed or she was one of those rare dogs that was not born with them. My vet said it appears that she was not born with them. Either way, Sally does not have dew claws.

Benny has his. He does not have any issues or challenges with them, but as others have stated his do grow very fast and are very sharp. Benny is very submissive about getting his nails trimmed, but my mom's two terriers put up a fight about having their dew claw trimmed.

[Terrier lover]

Jock had his already removed when we got him at 12 weeks old. But I must admit I am so against all this snipping and cutting off parts of our animals. Ear cropping, tail docking just doesnt cut it in my world and unless the dew claws are bothering a dog or they have injured one why put the animal through this pain. Its a crazy world out there!

[Angieh]

Kimmy has her dew claws. We just check them regularly and give them a trim as needed.