I noticed my beagle puppy had some little scars on his feet and asked my mum about it. She said he had had his dew claws removed as in tradition with all hunting dogs. Is this a. legal, b. normal and c. cruel? When would it have been done and was it done by a vet or the breeder?
Merry Christmas!!!
2006-12-25 01:21:41 · 15 answers · asked by Bagel the Beagle 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It's legal, it's not cruel, and it's actually better for the dog. Dewclaws are not used for anything, and they can catch on things and tear off, which is very painful. Removing them when they're puppies is the safest thing for the dog. Your mom did the right thing.
2006-12-25 01:25:26 · answer #1 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
It could have been done by the breeder or a vet, but most likely was done by the breeder. The dew claws are removed so that when they are running thru the brush, chasing whatever animal they are hunting, the dew claw does not get hung on something and get ripped off. It is much more humane for the claw to be clipped, than to have it ripped off while hunting. Don't worry, the puppy isn't hurt because of it. Merry Christmas.
2006-12-25 09:27:02 · answer #2 · answered by GAgirl 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My beagle has them as well. It was most likely done under anaesthesia, and yes by a vet. I'm not too sure about the breeders doing it though. I bought my beagle from a reputable breeder and his were not removed, so I'm skeptic about the breeder doing it. Whether they're hunters or not, the dew claws are just useless to them and could cause some problems in the future if not careful. By keeping the dew claws they can have a very bad accident and tear it off, which would cause the pup to have a lot of PAIN So by the vet removing it, there just doing the pup a favor. It's like us getting a ingrown toenail removed. It's for our safety. I would not worry, it is normal and legal. Very GOOD QUESTION
2006-12-25 09:28:34 · answer #3 · answered by Lulu 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I see that a lot of people are confirming that this is legal, but can I point out that it is NOT legal for a layperson to carry out this procedure. The law has changed, and will be reinforced even further in April when the new Welfare legislation for animals (including companion animals) comes into effect. The procedure MUST be carried out by the time a pup is 3 days old, and ALWAYS by a qualified, practising veterinarian. So many people don't seem to be aware of the big changes coming regarding animal welfare. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons recently struck of a practising vet because he docked a litter of puppies. This practise is now illegal. It is considered to be mutilation. I've had dogs with dew claws removed, and dogs with them left alone, so I don't have an axe to grind, just making the point that nobody should be doing their own.
2006-12-28 20:35:51 · answer #4 · answered by denimlady1999 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its normal to do this as the claw has no use and will only grow long and have to be regularly trimmed, it never touches the ground so doesn't wear. It can, however get caught on things and in some cases get ripped off, causing a lot of pain and a lot of bleeding. Most responsible breeders have the dew claws removed within a few days of birth
2006-12-25 11:08:29 · answer #5 · answered by mike-from-spain 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dew claw removal on dogs that are in the field is indeed legal and kind. That claw is mostly useless and when running through the brush can get ripped off, causing the dog pain and potential for infection. I believe the vet does it at a very young age. I don't think the dog is traumatized by it at all.
2006-12-25 10:01:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
most dogs have their dew claws removed around 2-3 days of age. it is normal, many hunting breeds have it done because of when they're in the field they can catch the claws on brush, etc..and tear the claws. it's not completely standard any more, especially on beagles and most people do not hunt with their beagles in this country. hopefully it was done by the vet, but breeders also do it theirselves to save a few extra bucks. before the bone calcifies they take a pair of scissors and cut below the joint on the dewclaw and then cauterize it with silver nitrate or septic powder.
2006-12-25 09:26:23 · answer #7 · answered by cagney 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
dewclaws are the thumb-like nails that dogs have. They are usually removed when the pup is 2-3 days old before the bone has formed. the dewclaws sometimes get caught on things like carpet etc. This is a known practice and not cruel. It is legal and really not a big deal
2006-12-25 13:49:00 · answer #8 · answered by leftygirl_75 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A. It is legal.
B. It is normal
C. Some use anesthetic, some don't.
D. It can be done by the vet or the breeder.
The dew claws can often become loose and bleed. That is why they are removed.
2006-12-25 09:31:39 · answer #9 · answered by Barbara 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is legal,,yes it is normal,,and if done within a few days of birth,,it is not cruel.Some dogs have very loose dew clays and can become a major problem when they get older,would be like you having a toe that is attached to your foot by skin only.So it is best to remove them with-in a few days after birth,
2006-12-25 09:29:51 · answer #10 · answered by dbaker61 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋