Is it cruel to remove dew claws?

Because front dewclaws serve an important purpose, they should not be removed unless there is a very good reason to do so. In rare cases, a dog's dewclaw may be severely injured or develop a disease (e.g., a cancerous tumor) and removal under those circumstances would certainly be in the dog's best interests.


Does removing dew claws hurt the puppy?

There is always a risk of infection and scarring at the removed dewclaw site. In some cases, regrowth of the nail is possible. Removal of front dewclaws can potentially cause issues later in life. Without a front dewclaw, there seems to be a higher likelihood that the carpal (wrist) ligaments can stretch and tear.

Do dogs need their dew claws?

"There is typically no medical need for puppies to have their dewclaws removed. In fact, dewclaws serve a purpose: they help stabilize the carpal (wrist) joint when a dog puts pressure on the front paws and can provide extra traction on some surfaces."


Why do breeders remove dew claws?

Some breeders remove puppies' dewclaws routinely. Sometimes it's for cosmetic reasons to improve the dog's appearance in the show ring. It's for easier grooming and makes the front leg look smoother for judging. Those who opt for removal say it's preventative.

What is the benefit of removing dew claws?

The advantages of removing your dog's dew claws are:

Reducing the risk of dew claw injuries; Reduction of overgrown dew claws and ingrown nails; Like other toe nails, dew claws can get infections. This risk will be reduced.


Dew or Don’t? Considerations for Removing Dew Claws



What is the purpose of a dew claw on a dog?

The dewclaws are not dead appendages. They can be used to lightly grip bones and other items that dogs hold with the paws. In some dogs, these claws may not appear to be connected to the leg at all except by a flap of skin; in such dogs, the claws do not have a use for gripping as the claw can easily fold or turn.

What dog breeds don't have dewclaws?

All dog breeds are born with front dewclaws. Only a handful of breeds, such as the Icelandic sheepdog and Saint Bernard, have them on their back paws as well. If you don't see any dewclaws on your pooch, it's probably because the breeder had them removed shortly after birth, says Marks.

Do dew claws grow back?

After removing the entire toe, the claw should not grow back. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for the toe to grow back. This happens when the procedure wasn't done to perfection. Often, this means the vet or whoever did the procedure didn't get rid of all the cartilage containing the nail bed.


How long is recovery from dew claw removal?

After a dog's dewclaws are removed, the healing and recovery process usually takes up to two weeks. If done at a few days old, the wound should heal in three days, with no sutures needing removal. If removed by a veterinarian and sutured closed, the vet will remove the sutures between 10 to 14 days after the procedure.

Do dew claws hurt dogs?

Dewclaws only hurt dogs if they are overgrown, ingrown, or traumatized. Why do dogs lick their dew claws? Dogs can lick their dew claws for many reasons. If they have a nail bed infection, this can cause them to lick their dewclaw.

How much does it cost to have dew claws removed?

Some breeders perform dewclaw removal themselves. Vets usually charge a puppy exam fee and a dewclaw removal fee for each puppy. Depending on the practice, this cost is around $30–$40 per puppy and up.


Can you cut a dog's dew claw at home?

Run your finger under the nail: a dewclaw needs trimming when it catches or hooks your finger. Trim it back only until your finger slides off it easily. If you cut too far you will cause pain and bleeding. Use good quality bypass clippers and make a quick, precise and confident cut.

What is the best age to remove dew claws?

3-5 days of age is the ideal time for a dewclaw removal procedure because the nervous system of the puppy is not yet fully developed, although the procedure is still possible with older puppies and dogs as well.

Do dew claws bleed after taking off vets?

We tend to see injury of dew claws most commonly in active dogs. If the claw gets caught and torn off, there can be a lot of bleeding. This is because nails have quicks (the soft pink tender flesh below the growing part of the nail), which have their own blood supply.


How late is too late to remove dew claws?

In many cases, dewclaws are removed when a newborn is between 3 and 5 days old. If the procedure is not done during that time, it is recommended to wait until the pet is at least 12 weeks old. Often, dewclaws are removed while the pet is undergoing spaying or neutering. How Are Dewclaws Removed?

When can I walk my dog after dewclaw removal?

No off-leash activity is recommended for 5-7 days following the dew claw injury.

Are there nerves in a dogs dew claw?

A dew claw typically contains bones, nerves and a nail and is firmly attached to the paw, like other digits. However, some dew claws, especially those on the back legs in certain dog breeds contain no bony attachment, rather are attached by skin only.


Can you cut dew claws with nail clippers?

Because the dew claw is on located separate from the other claws and up against your dog's foot, you can gently pull it away from your dog's leg to clip it. Position the claw so that you can easily clip with your nail trimmers. When your dog's dew claw is overgrown, the quick may grow in length with the claw.

How long does it take for a dogs dew claw to grow back?

If all goes well, you should see improvement in 2-3 weeks! Going forward you should keep your dog's nails short and get pet food that contains nail strengtheners. Broken dew claws are a common injury for dogs, and may need to be trimmed or removed.

Does PetSmart cut dew claws?

Dogs also may have a “dewclaw” — basically, a thumb — growing further up their leg. Trim that one just like the others. If you're more comfortable with a pro handling this task, fair enough. Your vet can trim your dog's nails or the academy-trained groomers at the PetSmart Grooming Salon can take care of it.


Does AKC require dew claw removal?

The American Kennel Club recognizes that ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving the breed character and/or enhancing good health. Appropriate veterinary care should be provided.

How late is too late to remove dew claws?

In many cases, dewclaws are removed when a newborn is between 3 and 5 days old. If the procedure is not done during that time, it is recommended to wait until the pet is at least 12 weeks old. Often, dewclaws are removed while the pet is undergoing spaying or neutering.

What is the best age to remove dew claws?

3-5 days of age is the ideal time for a dewclaw removal procedure because the nervous system of the puppy is not yet fully developed, although the procedure is still possible with older puppies and dogs as well.


Can dew claws grow back after removal?

After removing the entire toe, the claw should not grow back. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for the toe to grow back. This happens when the procedure wasn't done to perfection. Often, this means the vet or whoever did the procedure didn't get rid of all the cartilage containing the nail bed.