Dew Claws- to remove or not?

[Samantha & Bennett]

Hi everyone-

Bennett just got his nails trimmed, and the groomer mentioned that it was important to ask the vet to remove his dew claws when he gets neutered. She said that keeping dew claws can often lead to issues and it is more difficult to keep trimmed than the others.

Benny will not be getting neutered until he is almost 6 months old per vet instructions. What do you think about removing dew claws this late? I keep seeing such controversial opinions.

Thanks in advance.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It was never suggested by my Vet or my Groomer to remove the dew claws from my Doodles, and it has never been an issue.

[Christine & Shelby]

Ditto in my household... Never recommended and never a problem.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Ditto for us too.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I have one without and two with dew claws--no issues and they are usually taken off a few days after birth--when it is very easy to do. I groom doodles with dew claws and they are a bit trickier to get to, but not that bad. Just don't let them grow and grow or they will circle in on themselves. 

[Stella]

Don't remove them. The dew claw is the canine equivalent of our thumb, it is very important for paw and leg function. The dew claws have their own muscles and nerve supply, are used for gripping objects, and for digging in to the ground to help when braking or turning. Research is showing that dogs who have had their dew claws removed develop arthritis of the carpus (wrist) earlier than dogs that have retained their dew claws. Just make sure you keep the nail trimmed, don't let it get overgrown.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree. My dogs certainly use their dew claws.

[Stella]

Great explanation from Chris Zink:

http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/dewclawexplana...

[Jennifer Tramell]

This is excellent - thank you for posting!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Im wondering what "issues" she is referring to? They were born with dew claws for a functional reason, and any issues are minor that I can see compared to arthritis or carpal issues later in life. More difficult to trim? Compared to what? The others that are just as thick and long and hard to reach? Im just not seeing the reason? My Vet never mentioned it and even when Murphy did split one and we had to have her trim it very short, she never said anything about it being better if her didn't have his dew claw. 

But, yes, people do remove them, and people dock tails and clip ears and feed purina. Like anything else, do your research and make the best decision for your dogs life and health. Im sure you will.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

I have two who's dew claws were removed at an early age. I also have one who still has hers and my daughters Golden still has hers. I worried about it a little but after a little research and watching them use their paws to hold onto things, I think I am more worried about the two that don't have them. Maybe your groomer is just trying to make her job a bit easier instead of actually being concerned about your baby. I don't think its worth the risk.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Dew claws are usually removed in the first few days after birth. Many dogs that are going to be used in hunting and Field Trials have them removed to prevent them getting caught or snagged. Enzo's Breeder had them removed...have no idea why...but it has never hindered her in the least . She holds bones and toys with her two front paws, over her head, while on her back, all the time..

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Both of mine have their dew claws and they have had no issues.