what is the purpose of removing the dew claws off dogs?

Question

i would like to know the reason for that. i don't see that it makes them look any different.

Answer 1

i dont know but i agree. i dont see the reason to remove anything or cut anything from a dog. i think humans should think of it like......how would they like it if somebody cut they ears or clipped their tail or removed their claws or did any of that crap they do to dogs, and say it looks cool. well come here, let me cut yo ears off and then u can see firsthand how cool it is. right?

Answer 2

Dew claw removal is becoming a thing of the past... it is primarily done for cosmetic reasons and a surprising number of vets will no longer perform this procedure (but they'll still crop ears and dock tails? In my opinion it's a price issue... vets don't like doing anything for less than $20)

That can be good and bad... certain breeds and certain dogs really should have this done within 5-7 days of birth because it is an extremely simple procedure at that time and can become much more complicated in adulthood... actually a lot of breeders do it themselves. Working dogs as well as dog who compete in lure coursing and hunting are at a legitimate risk of tearing their dew claws... it is very painful and usually requires anesthesia and a quick surgery to fix... in some cases it really is a preventative health measure, but in most cases it is purely cosmetic.

Answer 3

Both of my dogs have had injuries to their dew claws, but I still would not remove them. If you can find some super slow motion video of a dog running you will see that dogs actually do use that claw. When their foot is fully depressed on the ground the dew claw grabs the ground and helps the dog move forward. My dogs participate in sports, and I want them to be able to move quickly and efficiently and the dew claw helps them do that.

Answer 4

Dew claws are easily snagged and torn off. You'd see just how easily if you've ever groomed a long hair dog with a slicker brush or did herding in tall brush. They are removed so they don't cause issues later on. Tails were originally docked for similar reasons. Working dogs tore up their tails in the field. Amputation on a 2 day old puppy is a lot less of a big deal than on a fully grown adult. Tails are docked on guardian breeds so the tails don't provide a "handle" for an intruder. Nowadays the breeds are docked for traditional purposes, to conform to an overall look or breed type.

Answer 5

I remove dew claws so that the dog does not catch the dew claw on something and injury itself. But we live in the country and there is more to get caught up on.

Answer 6

Sometimes, if they aren't "tight" or if they flop around, people will take them off so they don't get caught on anything. If a dog jumps off a step or a couch and catches the dewclaw, it'll be really painfull! In hunting dogs, they do it so they don't get it caught on trees and brush and things like that. My dog isn't a hunter and his dew claw is attached firmly. He still has them. I guess you could look at it as an extra finger. if it isn't flopping all over and getting in the way, leave it. Ok, that sounded weird, but I hope you get what I mean

Answer 7

The vets I've spoken to say they're very sharp and that the dew claw can cause injury to the dog, other dogs or individuals should they jump up on them... I don't know how legitimate that is though!

Answer 8

Here's the pros and cons of dew claw removal. Hope this helps.

http://www.dogfocused.com/dog-health/removing-dew-claws.php

Have a great day!!!

Answer 9

I think it a purely cosmetic reason. There is no logical reason i can see other than if it was a hunting dog or a dog that was in the brush often. It could then get caught on a branch and ripped out, but other than that i think there is really no reason for it.

Answer 10

It is a safety issue for the dog. They are not seated in the bone like the rest of the dog's digits. They can get caught on things and rip easily and become a painful injury for the dog.