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And if you don't know what a dewclaw is then you shouldn't need to worry about knowing the answer. (I just bought a boxer pup and had to look up the word, too.)

2006-06-23 09:36:32 · 13 answers · asked by CallMeStupid 1 in Pets Dogs

13 answers

Dewclaws are usually only removed on CERTAIN breeds...usually those having tails docked, because they are done at the same time.
I have and breed Newfies. They have dewclaws on the front feet and they ARE NOT removed. They would only be removed if the claw was not jointed and just "flopped" there. Then it would be a hazard and need to be removed. Unless that is the case there really is no reason for them to be removed. Some breed standards call for dewclaws to be removed...some call for the breed to have them. There are breeds that should have them on the rear legs and they should be double.
Check the Boxer standard. It may say they should be removed. I think it became the "norm" to do it at the time of tail docking, if the breed was having that done. The Boxers that I have seen WITH tails HAVE dewclaws.

Most all vets do not remove them at spay/neuter!!!! Then it bleeds a lot and is like a declaw!!!! They should be done at the 3-5 day old mark. Unless they are flopping around and not jointed, they just need to be TRIMMED when you cut the dogs other nails.

Why is it that "Greatdane Lady" doesn't know that they are called "dewclaws" on the front AND rear legs??????????

2006-06-23 09:57:09 · answer #1 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 4 1

The dewclaw is what's left over from what used to be the thumb on dogs. It's pretty useless, and if left alone, will not bother the dog, UNLESS the animal spends a lot of time in brush and areas where the dewclaw can get caught on something, and torn. Because there is an actively growing nail in the dewclaw, and it cannot be worn down through excersise like the ones on the feet, it must be kept trimmed. On dogs that have their tails docked shortly after birth, these claws are usually removed then. If allowed to remain on the dog past about 4-5 months, removing them now becomed major surgery where the animal must be put to sleep. (no- not forever)

2006-06-23 10:14:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

A torn dewclaw is a mess and painful for the dog. Dewclaws probably aren't a problem if your dog mostly trots around your yard.

Some breeds have very well developed dewclaws (and they are suppose to be left on some breeds) and will use them. Some other breeds are so undeveloped that they can just be flicked off with a finger when they are a couple days old.

If you work your dogs in the field it really is a necessity. I course my dogs and they have to be removed for the dogs safety.

I am lucky to have Vet friends who come over and do it for me. Its just as well....I cry every time. I am much more upset than the pups!

2006-06-23 11:27:13 · answer #3 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0 0

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Most vets are willing to take dews off when the dog is out for their spay/neuter, call your vet and ask for an estimate or quote. The vet may also be willing to to the tail at that time, but most vets shy away from preemptive tail docking and may just recommend that you wait until/if happy tail develops later in life. My main problem with dews are stupid owners. My own dog still has his dewclaws and he's fine. I don't worry excessively about him catching them on things, I just take a peek at them to make sure they're fine after our walks. As a groomer and working in kennels, however, I have met one too many dogs with ingrown dewclaws (ouch!) the dewclaw doesn't wear down like other claws do and many owners never (!!!!) clip it or seem to notice that the nail has actually made a full circle back into the dog's leg (!!!!). If you are going to keep up on nail trimming, I would not consider removal of the dew claws to be a mandatory or necessary procedure at this point. I support both dews and docking when the pups are small enough, but surgery and amputation this much later carry at least as much risk as just leaving them on.

2016-04-10 05:40:41 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

dewclaws should be removed from all puppies. This usually only happens in pedigree dogs. It's simple to have them removed when they are being spayed or neutered, they are out anyway. Why - because the dew claws are really useless, and they hang so loosely, that they easily get caught and torn off, and dogs bleed a great deal to any injury to their feet. So, it's simply for preventative maintenance.

2006-06-23 09:40:55 · answer #5 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0 0

Dewclaws are on the rear legs. They are easly torn when a dog runs through bushes. That is why they are removed, not because it looks better. Some breeders also remove the thumbs on the front legs.

2006-06-23 11:18:30 · answer #6 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 0 1

I am of the new school and do not have the dew claws removed. I find it to be needless mutilation, like ear-cutting and tail-cutting. That's just one person's opinion, though. I couldn't do without my thumbs, myself. The AKC is not requiring some breeds to have it done anymore, though I don't know for sure with the Boxers.

My dogs *do* actually use their dew claws to clean out their eyes, which is important unless you are planning on doing it more often yourself. I have one dog without his, not by choice, he came that way. If I'd have known, I wouldn't have let them do it. Anyway, they did a horrible job. He has scars on the insides of his legs where hair won't grow, and there's actually a little spur of bone that sticks out in one spot. Not only that, but now he is terrified to go to the vet, and won't let anyone touch his feet. *grrrrrrr* (And yes, I do know my own dogs very well... And I treat my own dogs very, very well. And I stay home with them 24/7. Nothing else made him fearful about his feet OR the vet... They probably had them done too late...)

If you do choose to get it done, which is optional unless you plan on showing your dog in *big*shows, make sure you get a vet who is experienced in it...

Check out http://www.akc.org for more information regarding this, and remember, it's your own choice.

Best wishes!

Edit: I see at least one person has an ingrown hair over this... *sigh* The important thing is that you read up on it *yourself*...

2006-06-23 10:07:33 · answer #7 · answered by doldaggabuzzbuzz 3 · 1 0

I think they remove them from Boxers in particular simply due to the dog. Boxers like to strike with the front claws like a boxer, hence the name and it would be easy for one to get caught and ripped out. Having had two Boxers, I can tell you I am sooooo glad they were removed. You can always leave them in but it will be pain full when you catch one on a bare leg or worse if one gets ripped out on accident.

2006-06-23 09:48:40 · answer #8 · answered by mts4life2000 2 · 0 0

Dew claws are NOT"thumbs"!!!Sheeesh,get informed. They are vestigal-look it up. Have NO use,are easily snagged,another nail to trim....are easily & safely removed when pups are only hours/days old. Pups do NOT remember nor are they "traumatised" by removal,nor by docking(not "tail-cutting"!) or cropping(not 'ear-cutting"!).
I'd like to ask the "eeeeewwwwww!" types how many DOZENS of pups *they've* done,that they feel competent to express an opinion w/no fact to back it up. NONE? Gee,what a surprise.

2006-06-23 13:36:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

They should be removed from all puppies not just Boxers. I got my dog without having them removed and they are always snagging on something. If i had to redo it over again I would have got hers removed. I just didn't know at the time. My dog also licks them a lot so I know that they bother her sometimes. Always have these removed~!

2006-06-23 09:53:38 · answer #10 · answered by Lucid_dreams 4 · 0 0

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