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Should Dew Claws be Removed |
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What are
Dew
Claws
Dew claws are a dogs thumbs. They may be present on both hind and forelegs. For some dogs they are complete toes, with joints and attatchment to the skeleton, in others they are loosely attached by skin alone. A small number of dogs bear weight on their front dew claws when running - this can be seen in their paw prints. Other dogs may use them for digging.
Problems Associated with Dew Claws
As with other toes, dew claws are easily injured. Whether, as in most cases, the dew claws appear to be redundant or whether they are helpful, the claws easily snag and can be torn. This is especially the case in loosely attached hind claws. This may be more likely when the nail is allowed to grow long. Routine clipping is needed if the nail is not worn down through use.
The Age at Which to Remove Dew Claws
Dew claw removal is most often carried out on puppies when their eyes are still closed. This is done to prevent future damage to the claws. At this age, any bony attachment to the skeleton is quite soft. Whether the benefits of removal out weigh the pain suffered at the time is debated. I would rather remove nails in young puppies then operate later on an adult dog to achieve the same result.
The Law on Dew Claws
Dew claw removal is not illegal if carried out by layman on puppies whose eyes are still closed. Clean, ideally sterilised, sharp scissors are used. Puppies seldom appear to suffer prolonged discomfort. Older dogs are given an anaesthetic. Surgery is relatively straightforward but pain seems more prolonged and wound healing takes 10 - 12 days. Regulation of Dew Claw removal may be reviewed in the future.
Harvey Caruthers
Opinions on this are polarised in that people are either very much in favour or decidedly against removal of dew claws. The risk of injury depends on the work the dog does, the terrain it does it over and its foot conformation.
I like to see rear dew claws removed, because they are almost always loosely attached lumps of gristle that serve no purpose. Front dew claws, however, are used by dogs when holding items to be chewed, holding lively game when picking up, by a dog mating a bitch, for extra grip on steep slippery surfaces, and in the faster breeds for cornering at speed. Most of my own dogs have been able to move their dew claws independantly of their other toes and have made frequent use of them. Therefore I conclude that they are better with than without them.
Dew claws can suffer injury, but in my experience no more so than any other toe. Owners should check the nails on dew claws regularly and trim them when necessary.
Jackie Drakeford KCAI(B)(WLSA)
Dew claws are a dogs thumbs. They may be present on both hind and forelegs. For some dogs they are complete toes, with joints and attatchment to the skeleton, in others they are loosely attached by skin alone. A small number of dogs bear weight on their front dew claws when running - this can be seen in their paw prints. Other dogs may use them for digging.
Problems Associated with Dew Claws
As with other toes, dew claws are easily injured. Whether, as in most cases, the dew claws appear to be redundant or whether they are helpful, the claws easily snag and can be torn. This is especially the case in loosely attached hind claws. This may be more likely when the nail is allowed to grow long. Routine clipping is needed if the nail is not worn down through use.
The Age at Which to Remove Dew Claws
Dew claw removal is most often carried out on puppies when their eyes are still closed. This is done to prevent future damage to the claws. At this age, any bony attachment to the skeleton is quite soft. Whether the benefits of removal out weigh the pain suffered at the time is debated. I would rather remove nails in young puppies then operate later on an adult dog to achieve the same result.
The Law on Dew Claws
Dew claw removal is not illegal if carried out by layman on puppies whose eyes are still closed. Clean, ideally sterilised, sharp scissors are used. Puppies seldom appear to suffer prolonged discomfort. Older dogs are given an anaesthetic. Surgery is relatively straightforward but pain seems more prolonged and wound healing takes 10 - 12 days. Regulation of Dew Claw removal may be reviewed in the future.
Harvey Caruthers
**************
Opinions on this are polarised in that people are either very much in favour or decidedly against removal of dew claws. The risk of injury depends on the work the dog does, the terrain it does it over and its foot conformation.
I like to see rear dew claws removed, because they are almost always loosely attached lumps of gristle that serve no purpose. Front dew claws, however, are used by dogs when holding items to be chewed, holding lively game when picking up, by a dog mating a bitch, for extra grip on steep slippery surfaces, and in the faster breeds for cornering at speed. Most of my own dogs have been able to move their dew claws independantly of their other toes and have made frequent use of them. Therefore I conclude that they are better with than without them.
Dew claws can suffer injury, but in my experience no more so than any other toe. Owners should check the nails on dew claws regularly and trim them when necessary.
Jackie Drakeford KCAI(B)(WLSA)
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair
Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750