Strange thought-declaw dogs

[SweetLifetime]

Originally Posted by chachi

All this lasting pain cats have and then not using the litter box because of the declawing I sorry i just didnt see it with my cats and I had 5 of them declawed. They lived happy healthy indoor cat lives. Thats all I have to say. I dont think someone is selfish either because they dont want their furniture clawed up. There are alot of cats in shelters so do I think it is better for them to live a declawed life or end up euthanized at a shelter yes I do.

So, let's apply the same logic to other situations. I too have had 5 cats. None of them ever got cancer. So using that logic, cats never get cancer right?

I'm sure your cats are fine and they are well-loved in a good home. I'm definitely not implying otherwise. But just because they got through the de-clawing okay doesn't mean it's not common for cats to have issues. It just means yours are lucky.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by SweetLifetime

So, let's apply the same logic to other situations. I too have had 5 cats. None of them ever got cancer. So using that logic, cats never get cancer right?

I'm sure your cats are fine and they are well-loved in a good home. I'm definitely not implying otherwise. But just because they got through the de-clawing okay doesn't mean it's not common for cats to have issues. It just means yours are lucky.

Well it goes the same way here that just because a few on here had issues doesnt mean its common. I would have to hear from some vets or case studies of many cats before I would accept it is common.

[hugz4all4]

Originally Posted by Britster

Lol, if dogs were supposed to have docked tails, they would be born with them docked, right?

We humans decided dogs need docked tails. And back then, it WAS for a reason. Terriers went under and hunted vermin and the tails would get in the way or a rat could bite onto it, etc. Makes sense back then. How many of us today are breeding Yorkies to be ratters? I am assuming, like, none. I just would only do certain things for a reason.

I don't really care about people who choose to do things to themselves. I don't have any piercings or tattoos, but I have nothing against those who do. They chose to do it to themselves and that's all fine with me, I'm pretty open minded.

It's not really even so much that the animals don't "get a choice" or anything, because they are animals... and pets... they don't really get a choice about a lot they do. We choose what they eat, when they eat, when they potty, etc, so it's not really even about that to ME. I just find certain procedures completely unnecessary, it's kind of like, why even bother? I find spaying and neutering, for example, to be necessary in the society we live in. Others don't spay and neuter their pets, and I am fine with that, so long as they are responsible with it. There are health benefits to leaving in tact as well.

But, just because I don't like tail docking, doesn't mean I won't own a dog with a docked tail. I happen to like a lot of terriers, who often have docked tails, but I will do my best to have my next dog have his tail just out of personal preference. I do get that we as humans care about cosmetics. I wouldn't own or seek out a dog that I find to be unattractive, I am admitting that. So I get the appeal of course in preferring one look over the other. But it doesn't take away the fact that I think it's a completely pointless procedure. And I always see people trying to pull the "it has health benefits" thing when it comes to docking tails.... I just wish people would admit it's just purely cosmetic and they simply like the look better. Nothing WRONG with that.

Sorry I should of made myself a little bit more clearer... Dogs that are suppose to be docked because of breed standard, then In MY opioion they should be docked. My brother and sister in law have a toy poodle also and the tail insnt docked..its this thin little string like thing that just hangs off his body it looks like a rats tail and to me it looks silly .So I will admit and always have that I pefer the look of the nub than a tail that looks like a rat's.

[SweetLifetime]

Originally Posted by chachi

Well it goes the same way here that just because a few on here had issues doesnt mean its common. I would have to hear from some vets or case studies of many cats before I would accept it is common.

Totally understandable. If you're interested, I'd encourage you to do more research. I know cat rescues and shelters have put out a lot of good information.

And, for what it's worth, thanks for being cool and allowing this to be a conversation. I love that we all can express opinions and yet still be polite and get along even when we disagree. Go YT!

[chachi]

Originally Posted by SweetLifetime

Totally understandable. If you're interested, I'd encourage you to do more research. I know cat rescues and shelters have put out a lot of good information.

And, for what it's worth, thanks for being cool and allowing this to be a conversation. I love that we all can express opinions and yet still be polite and get along even when we disagree. Go YT!

I agree it was nice that a hot topic like this stayed a civilized debate and everyone just expressed their opinionsand no one resorted to name calling or tearing someone down. It showed it can be done

[concretegurl]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

On the same note, I've always found it kind of ironic on the breeding threads, how much careful attention it paid to who our dogs breed with, but many humans seem nilly-willy about who they themselves produce offspring with.

I beleive every once in awhile this thing called over rules a genetic testing regiment and a family history of disorders...hm interesting point though. I wouldn't say Willy-nilly in that respect it makes people giggle!

[concretegurl]

Thanks Teresa you jumped right to the point :no you don't think a dog shoudl be declawed.

Thank you for your insite Chachi, it's nice to hear from someone with some experience here. I think more people here probably have experience with declawed cats but won't post. Anyways it was really about the idea of declawing dogs, but since you posted your experience people are really getting on the cat and dog tail docking ideal rather.

Surprised no one jumped in on debarking...it's also being done to dog both by vet in a surgical procedure and of course as we all know by pup mills in very less humane procedures.

[concretegurl]

I do want to add although I understand the medical necessity of some procedures or at least the point of them:tail docking ear cropping dew claw removal, I do myself wonder if we are going to far with things like declawing and debarking being elective medical procedures.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by concretegurl

Thanks Teresa you jumped right to the point :no you don't think a dog shoudl be declawed.

Thank you for your insite Chachi, it's nice to hear from someone with some experience here. I think more people here probably have experience with declawed cats but won't post. Anyways it was really about the idea of declawing dogs, but since you posted your experience people are really getting on the cat and dog tail docking ideal rather.

Surprised no one jumped in on debarking...it's also being done to dog both by vet in a surgical procedure and of course as we all know by pup mills in very less humane procedures.

Sorry it went off topic. Good threads often do. Debarking is another controversial subject that most people are against then you may here one or two why it was needed. There was a thread once and a show breeder explained why it was needed by some breeders. I dont know how I feel about it because I can see the breeder perspective but I also see how its abused by puppymillers. Anyway this was a good thread on discussing surgical proceedures and alterations and peoples views on them

[concretegurl]

No worries I was more concerned you may have felt attacked.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by concretegurl

No worries I was more concerned you may have felt attacked.

No not in any way Im just the minority opinion and your gonna have that sometimes in controversial threads that are debated. You should see some of the debarking threads weve had in the past because the majority are going to be against debarking and then a show breeder came on and stated why it was needed. It was really an interesting thread to me

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Never heard of it being done to a dog. They don't use their claws the way cats do anyway.

If they did it and if I had a dog that was being extremely destructive with their claws, I would do it (fronts only). I would do a cat too. Everybody has their opinions on what is right or wrong. IMO, it's okay to do it and I don't see me having a cat without doing it.

Well I've had cats over my lifetime, and they have never been declawed. As kittens they are taught, and my experience cats learn a lot faster than dogs, that they have their scratching posts to scratch on. As kittens I usually have three posts in the house. So if they start scratching at something not allowed they are taken to what is allowed!. Also their nails need to be trimmed regularly, and if so they don't scratch so much.

I would never declaw a dog. The dogs so need their nails and they do use them in different ways to cats.

Of particular importance is the front dew claws. Watch a dog working; particularly over teeter board, or A frame, or climbing, or descending steep hills. The pads spread out, and the front dew claws are used as a "hooking" action to help stabilize and balance them.


But at the end of the day, if you have animals in your home, then you have to put up with a bit of this n that in terms of the pristine nature of your home. Cats/dogs shed have accidents, puppys need to learn, and they do so at the cost of furniture and walls. I'm not advocating that you allow bad destructive behaviour of your animals, but hey accidents happen, as training needs to happen concurrently.

IMO if you are not OK with that, don't get animals period.

[Buster Brown]

Originally Posted by concretegurl

No I was just pointing out my hypocrisy here...but I really like your points here.

LOL old hippie-organic planet or henna hair dye!

But strange to me (not pointing at anyone here there just everywhere) we balk about this with our dogs but maybe not our kids?

Anywho that was just my whole dime on some food for thought


I do think buster brown should see another Dr. IO'm worried about your feet!

I forget who was teasing me about the Yorkie tatooe saying it says, " I love my mom call her at ###-###-###"
I was like seriously a heart with mom and wth if your phone # changes!?! I totally was lost on that!

Sadly I did consult another Dr and he said the damage could not be undone as they removed too much bone. As with certain of the declawing stories on here the procedure is as good as the Dr performing it. It just has made me wary of any surgery that is optional and/or cosmetic based on personal preferences. I just wanted to mention my father is a retired surgeon so I have nothing against surgery.

[Ellie May]

I would not declaw a dog because it is completely inappropriate medically. If it was like declawing a cat, then I wouldn't be totally against it (although with dogs there is way less of a reason to).

We have had lots of cats also. I used to (when I was really young and didn't get direction to be more careful) overhandle them and get scratches all over myself. Now I realize how dangerous that is. If I was so inclined to handle my cats excessively now and they didn't like it, then yes, I would consider getting rid of the claws. There are things that do need to be done to keep them healthy, and if they were going to claw my arms to death while doing it, then I'd get rid of the claws. I don't see it as being the end of the world. As for dogs and dewclaws, both of mine have them and I hate them. Not going to go removing them (bc they are adults) unless they are causing a problem for them, but if they were causing a continuous problem, they would be removed.

[Tesajoyner]

To me one of a cats greatest enjoyment s in life is using its claws. I have 6 cats in our home right now and none have been declawed, they all have learned very quickly what they are allowed to use their claws on and really have a lot of fun attacking and climbing their posts. I opt for training rather than surgery when dealing with any pets behavior problems. However I don't judge if you decide to have it done.
I do think hind dew claws should be removed on infant puppies to prevent later accidents and pain if the toe gets caught on something. I have never had a problem with a pets front dew claws and have also always been able to clip the nails of even the most scared or nippy dog with enough time and patience. Sometimes a foot at a time at first
Just my two cents