Have a 14 month old boxer who never had his dew claws removed can this still be done?

Answer 1

Dew Claws are generally removed when the puppy is born to make it painless. Why would you like them removed? Talk to your vet there could be a surgery he would be willing to do.

Answer 2

The larger they are, the more serious the surgery becomes. I know some people who had dew claws removed at an older age and the dog took a very long time to recover.

There has been discussion among performance participants and canine sports medicine practitioners that the dew claw (while possibly being torn and causing problems) may play an important role in the dog's use of it's feet especially in manuevers that use the entire foot. The jury is still out on that one but more and more people are opting to keep the dew claws on their dogs rather than removing them.

Answer 3

Yes. Usually we remove dew claws at the same time we dock tails (about 3-5 days after birth) but it can be done later it is just more painful. If you havent already neutered him and are going to neuter him it can be done at the same time. Whether you need to or not is up to you and the vet. If they are loose ones then they probably need it so they dont snag on something and rip off (that is a lot more painful than surgically removing them) however some that are close to the leg can get caught too. I have my German Shepards dewclaws removed (my husbands idea) and she does fine with out them. My Golden Retreiver mix has hers still and havent caused a problem. But I keep their nails trimmed regularly and make sure they dont get into place (if I can help it) that they can snag them on something. If you and your vet decide that you should do it the sooner the better so it causes him less pain. They should have pain meds to give him after the surgery. And dont worry they are removed under general anesthesia. good luck

Answer 4

has your boxer had problems with his dewclaws? scratching you and others? do you keep the nail short so it doesn't catch on things? if you're not having any trouble i would say don't worry about it. discuss it with your vet, they will be able to tell you how difficult removal will be (such as if the claw is loose and not really attached to the bone, or if attached to the bone) those things make a big difference. if the claw is attached your looking at a more difficult procedure than just taking scissors or the laser to remove the skin that's attaching it. dogs who have this done later tend to chew the incision, unless you are willing to put up with an e-collar (those lampshade things) on your dog for 2 weeks post removal anytime you can't directly be watching your dog. plus they really hurt when they run into you from behind with this collar. your vet has had experience with this with many dogs and will give you an honest answer as to wether this is the best thing for your dog or not. most dogs have no trouble with a fully attached dewclaw and it's more a pain than anything to have it removed. good luck.

Answer 5

If the dog has not yet been neutered, most vets would consider doing the dew claws at the same time. But it is a surgury at this point, not an office visit. Unless the dog will be engaging in an activity which puts it at particular danger of having one torn (field training for hunting dogs being the most common reason) it probably isn't worth doing a surgury just for that. The important thing is to keep them trimmed.

Answer 6

No, you do not do this to dogs after the 1st week of life. It's like if we were to amputate your thumb. It can be done in pups up to 7 days of age because their pain receptors are not fully developed yet.

The only other time dew claws are removed is if there is a medical emergency like the dog has damaged it and is in pain.

Answer 7

Yes, they can, but at this age it's surgery. I've had a couple of dogs who have caught and torn their dew claws - it's painful and bloody. Talk to your vet about it - depending on the dog, it could be a good idea.

Answer 8

You can have it done, but it is very painful the dog and he'll have to be put under anesthetics. We had a great dane come in and had to do this when he was full grown. The only reason dewclaws should be removed other than showing is if they are bothersome to the dog, like perhaps getting caught on things causing bleeding and pain.

Answer 9

Yes, it can still be done. I just assisted in a dewclaw removal on a full grown beagle, the other day. Of course there may be some vets that won't do it, so you'll have to ask your vet if he/she will perform the surgery.

Answer 10

What in the world could Pets Mart Do????Maybe cut the nail only.But unless they are causing him trouble no I would not do that.This would be a surgical procedure now and could be costly.This is usually done a day or so after birth by the breeder or vet.If they give him no grief I would not do it.Good Luck!!!