Dew Claws
- Thread starter KrinaK
- Start date
OntarioSheltie
Forums Celebrity
Dew claws on the front legs are normal and not usually removed. There was a study that showed dogs that had their front dew claws removed were prone to arthritis in the bone that was cut (the nail is attached to bone). I can't find the article but if you do a search you might find reference to it on the forums.
Dew claws on the back legs are the ones to worry about. Because they're not supposed to be there they're usually not attached to the bone and just hang there. They can easily be ripped off if they stick out. They usually get removed when the dog is spayed/neutered.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewclaw
Dew claws on the back legs are the ones to worry about. Because they're not supposed to be there they're usually not attached to the bone and just hang there. They can easily be ripped off if they stick out. They usually get removed when the dog is spayed/neutered.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewclaw
OntarioSheltie
Forums Celebrity
Mine were removed when they were little.
I think the main issue is getting them caught on things if they're weakly attached. Unless your dog is routinely in an environment where a claw might get stuck and ripped off, I think most breeds are completely fine leaving it. That's just my take on it though, I'm sure there are much more knowledgable people here!
I think the main issue is getting them caught on things if they're weakly attached. Unless your dog is routinely in an environment where a claw might get stuck and ripped off, I think most breeds are completely fine leaving it. That's just my take on it though, I'm sure there are much more knowledgable people here!
take4roll10
Moderator
Bailey's were removed at birth.
I think there are a couple of people on the forum, who had their pup's rear dew claws removed when they were spayed or neutered.
I think there are a couple of people on the forum, who had their pup's rear dew claws removed when they were spayed or neutered.
Justicemom
Forums Celebrity
Dewclaws according to the sheltie standard should be removed on the rear legs if present and can be optionally removed on the front.
Justice and Ember have their front dewclaws, Diva does not. Justice had double dewclaws on the rear that were removed at 3 days, Ember didn't have any dewclaws on the rear, Diva had single dewclaws removed from her rear legs at 3 days.
I personally never recommend removing front dewclaws in adults.
Justice and Ember have their front dewclaws, Diva does not. Justice had double dewclaws on the rear that were removed at 3 days, Ember didn't have any dewclaws on the rear, Diva had single dewclaws removed from her rear legs at 3 days.
I personally never recommend removing front dewclaws in adults.
labgirl
Forums Sage
Cadbury has front dew claws. I was concerned they were getting long and was going to ask my trainer if I should clip them.
The next day when I went to ask her about them they appeared to have been 'clipped'. I was surprised, my trainer explained that Cadbury had probably chewed them down himself. She said this is normal among dogs.
I notice now with Cadbury doing agility that his dew claws naturally wear down, I think it has something to do with the way he clambers over the A-frame.
So I think if they don't cause a problem don't worry.
The next day when I went to ask her about them they appeared to have been 'clipped'. I was surprised, my trainer explained that Cadbury had probably chewed them down himself. She said this is normal among dogs.
I notice now with Cadbury doing agility that his dew claws naturally wear down, I think it has something to do with the way he clambers over the A-frame.
So I think if they don't cause a problem don't worry.