puppy dew claws?

Question

I have a 11 week old Border Collie/ Aulstrailian Mix. I have just noticed that she had Dew Claws. I had a Border Collie before but she didn't have Dew Claws. I was wondering If I should get them removed because I don't want her to be in pain if it gets ripped off???????????

No!! I got my other border collie from my sister... She is 10 and lives with her dad... I got my dog when she was 3 weeks old cause her dad was going to get rid of em anyway!! Too early I know... And they didn't get them removed.

Answer 1

Just have it done when you get her spayed. the vets don't charge much for doing this at that time.
Your other had his removed as a newborn, as it is usually done at 3-5 days old. Doing it later is a surgical procedure, and it does cause a lot of pain as they heal. However, as she will be kept quiet, after a spay surgery, she can recover from both at the same time.

None of my dogs have had their dewclaws removed, as their breed standard doesn't require it. They have never experienced any problems with them, even when they lived in the woods, and did a lot of running and playing. So it isn't really necessary to have it done.
Some breeds can't even be shown if the dew-claws have been removed..

Answer 2

You don't need to get them removed, but MAKE SURE TO TRIM THEM! Sorry for the caps, but it is very important that dew claws be trimmed regularly, because they don't get filed down when the dog walks the way the rest of the claws do. If they're not trimmed, they will grow curled and eventually dig into the pad that is near the dew claw, causing your dog a lot of pain. It could become infected and you may need to take it to the vet because of this. I'm not trying to scare you, but I've seen this happen to dogs because the owners just didn't realize what could happen. My dog (also a mix, we think lab and pointer among other things) has dew claws, and we have never had a problem with them getting ripped out or anything.

Answer 3

11 weeks is kind of old to get dewclaws removed, but you can if you want. Ask your vet about options... they can possibly apply a local anesthetic and remove them, but they may have to do a general. Most breeds have front dews but none on the rear legs. Some breeds do have rear dewclaws. Ask your vet about pain management for post-op if you do get them removed, too. We have had may dogs that had dew claws without a problem. Some breeders will have dews removed at a few days old. This is also when tails and ears get cropped. They think that the puppies either can't feel pain, or recover faster (it still hurts!!)

Answer 4

It depends on a number of things. Here is a website that explains dewclaws (which are actually small thumbs), and the pros and cons of removing them. Hopefully it will help. In the end, you should talk to your vet before you make a final decision. Good Luck and Blessings

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

Answer 5

I don't know how her dew claws would get "ripped off" unless somehow she got into a fight with another dog or something. The dogs I've had have never had their dewclaws removed and they did perfectly well with them attached. In fact, the dewclaws helped them hold onto stuff (i.e. their toys) while chewing.

Answer 6

Most of my dogs have had dew claws. It's overhyped about the nail getting ripped off. I've not had any problems with any in any of my dogs/foster dogs. (fostered MANY, owned 12 between my husband and myself)

One of my dogs actually uses her dew claws. She itches the top of her nose with it, hooks things on purpose with it, and helps hold toys while she chews on them.

I'd leave it alone on the front legs. I did have one dew claw removed on a puppy...it was tiny, and way high up on his back leg.

Answer 7

You just now noticed that she has dew claws?!?! Your other dog probably had them removed before you got her. Oh well, its too late now. That should be done on or before they are 3 days old. Just be sure that you keep them trimmed, or they will curl up into her skin. this happens because thay do not walk on them to keep them filed down

Answer 8

You can have it done when she is spayed. I wouldn't anesthetize her specifically for that procedure, but it is pretty simple if she is already sedated for her spay. Just let your vet know you would like it done at that time. Usually they are removed at about 3 days of age when they aren't fully formed, are mostly made of cartilage and skin and the nerves (supposedly) aren't fully developed and it doesn't hurt that much. Pretty much the same idea and circumcising babies.. it's not supposed to hurt at that age. Now that they are fully developed, they need to be sedated to have them removed. It's pretty common for people to have it done at the time of the spay, especially if she is going to be an active dog.

Answer 9

Check with the vet and other collie owners on the possibility of this.

Sometimes, a little pain now saves a lot of pain later.

Answer 10

That is totally up to you. My husband had our German Shepards removed in order to keep her from "holding on to you" when she puts her paws up. (which is like 24/7) But my golden retriever/ australian shepard has hers. Like Chetco said usually they are removed at 3-5 days, but if you are going to get her fixed they can remove them at that time. IT is a lot more painful to have them snagged and torn than it is to have them surgically removed. You can talk to your vet when you take it in for its next puppy boosters about whether your vet thinks they pose a threat of being snagged. The vet will let you know if they think it is necessary to remove them. Good luck