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07-05-2005, 07:51 AM | #1 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: TX
Posts: 2,799
| Question about dew claws... I have read here about how the breeders take their pups at about 3 days or so to get the tails docked and dew claws removed but what exactly is the reason for this (the dew claws)? The reason I ask is not "Tatum-related" but for our new Australian Shepherd puppy, Stormie. I noticed when she came home to us that she still has hers. My mom's dog also has hers so I'm wondering if maybe it's just a preference thing? Stormie is an outside dog - maybe that makes a difference? Any explanations for me to share with my hubby? Stormie goes back to the vet this week so we're planning on asking him but thought I would get a jump on it and ask the "experts" I know here! Thanks!
__________________ ~ Angie |
Welcome Guest! | |
07-05-2005, 08:00 AM | #2 |
Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD
Posts: 2,985
| MANY breeders do not even know what dew claws are so don't bee too surprised if you find your dog has them. I can only speak about Yorkies. Dew claws are very tiny on a newborn puppy. As the puppy grows and their toes grow, so does the dewclaw except the dewclaw does not have bone as the toes do. So, the nail keeps growing and even a short dew claw can hang in something and pull of. Or the nail can grow and curl back into skin... |
07-05-2005, 08:03 AM | #3 | |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: TX
Posts: 2,799
| Quote:
__________________ ~ Angie | |
07-05-2005, 08:16 AM | #4 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 4,347
| Actually dew claws are best removed from all dogs, regardless of breed or not being a purebred. It is because of the abovementioned....it is VERY painful if they get caught up on something or ripped off. I'm sure we have all seen many injuries of peoples pets while waiting in the vets office. Only a couple of times have I heard a dog crying out in pain...one of them was when a Lab's dew claw got ripped. The poor dog was crying so loud and constant that everyone in the waiting room was affected by its pain. It is more painful for a mature dog to get the dew claw removed and that is why they should be removed so early in the puppy's life. My Rotty doesn't have his removed so I try to watch his activities and try to keep that dangling nail clipped back. |
07-05-2005, 08:20 AM | #5 |
BANNED! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New York
Posts: 446
| There's two sides to the dewclaw issue. For most pet dogs, it is probably best to have them removed - esp. coated breeds. They are hard to trim and can get snagged or ingrown (facing into the poor dog's skin). HOWEVER, new research shows that the dew claw actually helps the dog when galloping and jumping. The only time it is in "action" is when the dog is galloping (full angulation). It catches the ground and gives the dog more traction. For performance dogs, its is advisable NOT to cut it. I am having a little "disagreement" with my mother right now - I am looking to purchase a new performance Yorkie and would prefer NOT to have the tail docked and dew claws removed - she's a purist and feels that a proper Yorkie does not have dew claws and a long tail! |
07-05-2005, 08:25 AM | #6 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 4,347
| You are correct in that there are two sides to everything. That is quite interesting that the dew claws are used in performance dogs. |
07-05-2005, 08:29 AM | #7 |
YT 6000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: CA
Posts: 6,588
| I always touch Coco's leg, and I feel the soft pad, but no nail. Does that mean it's been removed? I didn't even know what they were so i didn't ask but now I know.
__________________ Mommy to Coco and Rocco |
07-05-2005, 08:29 AM | #8 |
Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD
Posts: 2,985
| If a dewclaw is not removed or grows back, it can be snipped and sutured by the vet when the pup goes in for altering and dentals. So, it is not there for life if you do not need it for performance. You would certainly know if you could train for performing by 6 months of age..JMO |
07-05-2005, 08:32 AM | #9 |
Mommy To 3 Poochies Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New York
Posts: 8,287
| My Yorkie had her dew clas removed when she had her tail docked but my Maltese still has his dew claws. I have never felt a nail there. What does that mean?
__________________ Mommy Loves Codie, Tia & Baby Cali RIP My Precious Katie - I Love You |
07-05-2005, 08:52 AM | #10 | |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: TX
Posts: 2,799
| Quote:
Thanks everyone for all the info!
__________________ ~ Angie | |
07-05-2005, 08:52 AM | #11 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bay Area, California
Posts: 1,042
| Missy's dewclaws were removed when her tail was docked, but Max still has his. I didnt even notice until a few days after having him home. I thought about having them removed when he went in to get neutered but I chose to leave them there for now. I trim the nail at the same time I trim the others so its easy to keep short and hasnt been a problem.
__________________ Jennette Missy & Max |
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