Hi, you are right to be concerned. Declawing is something that is done to cats and is essentially an amputation of the first part of their toes. This is never done to dogs but I can see where declawing and dewclaws could be mixed up.
Yorkies and other dogs are born with dewclaws on the inside upper part of their lower foot (ankle area). These dewclaws can catch on things and rip or be "lost" under the hair where owners forget to cut the nail. This dewclaw nail grows very quickly and can even grow back into the leg if not trimmed often. To prevent these problems most breeders remove the dewclaws on Yorkie puppies when the puppy is 3-5 days old, it's a very quick and easy procedure. I have had dogs in the past with dewclaws and without and I would always choose to have them removed if possible. Once the puppy is over 5 days old it is too old to have the dewclaw removed.
I hope this answers your question.
Teresa
Magnum Yorkies |