[Doodlebug]

When the vet removes a dew claw are they just removing the "nail" part, or cutting the skin off close to the leg? Is there a lot of pain involved for the dog? A friend of mine is having her 5 yr old female's dew claws removed when she has her teeth cleaned because her other yorkie had his removed when he was a puppy and she thinks they should be removed. I don't think I would do this to a 5 yr old unless there was a problem with them. What do you think about removing dew claws from a 5 yr old?