Its pretty weird. I was wondering if i just leave it alone?! it doesnt bother him, and when the vet checked him she didnt even notice it because its waayyy on the side and loosely hanging. You can't see it either because he's so hairy. But should i get it removed or something? He's only 3 months old.
2006-11-15 18:28:36 · 9 answers · asked by soul 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
its a shih tzu.
2006-11-16 10:40:40 · update #1
If it is just loose and hanging, it should likely be removed at th same time the dog is neutered. Only because they do tend to tear and injure easily..
2006-11-15 18:54:49 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You didn't say what kind of dog it is. Many breeds are born with Dewclaws which in some breeds are removed as puppies by reputable breeders.
However - I agree wtih Susan - if it is a Great Pyrenese (sp?) for some reason - these dogs have YES an extra dewclaw- sometime paired right beside the regular dewclaw. Research your breed to see if it serves a purpose - or originally served a purpose. GETEMGANG - you are always quoting the breed standard - check out the AKC standard on the Great Pyrenees below - fault is NOT to have double dewclaws - why I don't know - not my breed
Many are dangling there - much looser than a normal dewclaw and they look very vulnerable. If you are going to be doing alot of activities with this dog - I would consider removing it - they can catch on things and rip off easily.
2006-11-16 02:39:30 · answer #2 · answered by dobes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you are describing a "dew claw". I have three dogs and one has dew claws in the front that are functional and she uses them to grip things she chews on. I have another dog that has dew claws that are on all four legs and they are loose in the back, like you described. My vet suggested to leave them alone. They don't bother her and they aren't likely to get ripped or torn. If you take your dog hunting or your dog has some active work that would put it more at risk for traumatic injury, you might want to consider getting it removed by your Vet. There is no easy answer here because either side, for or against removal can be debated. Ask your Vet what she recommends since she knows you and your dog.
2006-11-15 18:53:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it's an additional toe on the paw itself and it's hanging loose it would probably be best to have it removed so it doesn't get ripped off. When you take him in for another surgical procedure you can have it done then. It's easier on the dog and saves money too.
If it's a little further up from the the paw then it's probably a dewclaw. Those can be removed as well. I've seen dogs with them and without them. One of my dogs has them and has not had any problems. My other more active dog had them removed & her tail cropped when she was young (done by the breeder).
2006-11-15 18:36:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it's a Great Pyrenees, it should have extra dew claws on each leg. Don't do anything with them except make sure to keep the nails trimmed.
2006-11-15 18:31:59 · answer #5 · answered by Susan M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your vet probably didn't comment on it because it is a dew claw and perfectly natural. They can get caught up and tear and I believe people used to remove them, but I don't think that is common practice anymore.
2006-11-15 18:49:24 · answer #6 · answered by Ted T 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
LMAO!
**NOT** an "extra"-just a DEW CLAW!!!
ALL dogs are born w/FRONT dews & some w/back as well.
Should have been REMOVED at DAYS old.
Obviously *NOT* from a REPUTABLE breeder.
2006-11-15 23:20:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Polydactyly? It probably doesn't really matter if you get it taken off or not, because if he doesn't use it then it won't hurt him.
2006-11-15 21:18:37 · answer #8 · answered by clouds 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
simple, send it as a gift to your biggest enemy as a gift for any occassion.
2006-11-15 18:37:03 · answer #9 · answered by Ashish S 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋