There really is no benefit one way or the other if you have it removed at this point. I personally would IF the dog were already scheduled for a procedure, but that's just because I had a dog injur one and don't want to do it again. If you leave it, as already stated, just make sure to keep the nail trimmed. Again, really doesn't matter one way or the other.

My friends doggie was at the park & some how pulled a dew claw - it was a mess & she had to run her to the Vet to take care of it. I'm for not having them on as well.

tails and dew claws
 

Hey - our three Yorkies all have docked tails. None of them have their dew claws removed.

I have only once seen our oldest female catch her dew claw in her beard and she got mad but got out of it right away.

I would be comfortable removing the dew claws when they are babies just as with the tail, but at the time of spaying/neutering I would find it upsetting.

I guess it is the same as circumcision - which is so normal in my culture. I don't remember it, but if it were done when I was 13 it might be a life long trauma that kept me up at night.

Where your dog is well into the memories stage of life, I might pass on the dew claw removal unless there appears to be a reason to do it for health and wellness.

I've just read through this thread and I am just so thrilled that you decided not to have the tail docked. I also think that the short docked tail is kind of cute. But if it involved hurting my baby for even a second, I would never ever do it. And I know for sure that I would get used to the long tail and even grow to love it, especially when the hair grew in.

When it was time to spay Cassie, I thought I was going to have a stroke, I was so worried about putting her under. I couldn't sleep for a week. I did it for her health, and thank goodness she came out of it fine. But I would do anything in order to avoid putting her under anesthesia if I could help it.
Just too too scary. I love her so very much, I would never do anything that would cause her pain, especially for cosmetic reasons.

And I have to say, I have always thought that docking the tail was strange and unnecessary, even though I thought it looked cute. I've always wondered why it is the breed standard. I do hope they change the breed standard, because I think our babies are absolutely the cutest, most beautiful in the world. Their faces alone are enough to capture any heart and hold it captive forever. Your little one is so very very adorable. What a face!!!!!!!!! Good luck and I'm so happy he gets to keep his tail.


XOXOXOXOX Shellie and Cassie:):)

Tail docking after a few days of birth is not a good idea is what I heard. De clawing, I can not comment on that, just doesn't sound right. But if you do go along with it, why not install a lunar excursion module at the same time. I am sure the pup won't mind it, hell he cannot even speak!!!

Remus,
Your message is dripping with uncalled for sarcasm. If you had read through this thread you would see that I decided against the procedures.
Thank you for your concern. And since Skeeter has no voice I will thank you on his behalf as well.

Hi Lou,

I just want to tell you I think you are awesome!!!!
:D
You posed a question here that you were really struggling with, seeking genuine caring input to help you make a decision that was best for you and your little one. I am very happy you made the decision that you did. But even if you didn't -I think it is so important that we are civil and charitable to one another even if we agree to disagree on a particular issue.

I'm sure you did a thoughtful contemplation of all the answers you received, some I agreed with and some I did not. But I think everyone has a right to their opinion and to be heard.

I think you were very restrained in your previous response. :love:

XOXOXO

Thank you Broodizt; You are too kind.
When you read posts from people like Kezza you appreciate respectful disagreement. She couldn't have disagreed more than she did with what I was thinking about doing but she did not offend me. Bless her heart.

I personally am more inclined to be abrasive. I'm learning though! LOL

P.S. The shih tzu in my avatar is also named Cassie!

;):p:thumbup:

I agree, good decision. :thumbup:Especially with docking the tail, just IMO, I think its just unnecessary if the puppy is too old. Removing the dewclaws, I'm not sure, my baby has her dewclaws, and I'm going to discuss with my Vet about POSSIBLY removing them (if she thinks its in the best interest of Cookie) while she is already under anesthesia for when she gets spayed. :thumbup:

My humble opinion........ Lexilyn was spayed last month at the age of 6 mos. At that time, they also removed 2 baby teeth and her 2 front dewclaws. Prior to that she caught them on the sofa twice (loose weave cloth!!) The vet wrapped them after surgery (see photo album) and we took off the wraps the next day. She did lick them a bit but otherwise they healed nicely. I made what I hope was a decision in her best interest since she can't make all her own decisions. Though she seriously thinks she should. I'm glad we did it, though I would have liked a new sofa.....

What is a new couch? LOL
I haven't had one of those in years! Just about the time I think I will buy one a new dog comes in to the picture and I decide to wait until it is house broken. LOL (I rescue)