Why do you remove dew claws

Her dewclaw is a digit and it has a purpose, so just care for it like her other toes. Dewclaws are nothing different than her teeth like how I slipped dentistry into this article? I recommend twice monthly at-home, owner-driven physical exams. You should be looking her over, head to toe to see what needs attention; brush and clip and examine everything. And by starting now, as a baby, I promise you that all of your efforts will ensure that she does grow into the wonderful lab that she is destined to become.

Good luck. Send questions for Dr. Sorry , an error occurred. Get Started. Log In Register. You are logged in. Switch accounts. Offers go here. Choose wisely! We won't share it with anyone else.

If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Create Account. Have an account? Log In. Thank you. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Use your hands out in front of you to poise yourself to lunge to one side or another, and you will understand what I mean; you use your thumbs.

Even hard-core fetchers need a little extra help. Keeping dew claws intact can give your working dog an edge and help them get a little extra grip. That is not to say that dogs destined for a life of leisure and warming your feet should have their dew claws removed…which is where consideration 3 comes into play.

This decision, like many when it comes to your pet, is one I encourage you to make after an open conversation with your veterinarian regarding your pet. Every pet and every situation is unique and deserves more than a cookie-cutter policy. So weigh the benefits on your own and talk over your feelings and concerns with us. We are available by appointment, in addition to accepting emergencies and walk-ins.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Born and raised right here in the Mat-Su Valley, Dr. Wallace received her education and veterinary training through her service in the United States Army.

Wallace has extensive experience treating trauma cases in remote areas and with limited resources, bringing a wealth of knowledge and think-on-your-feet experience to the Tier 1 VMC team. Share the love! Check out our collection of more than videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more. Wonder which dog or cat best fits your lifestyle?

Our new tool will narrow down more than breeds for you. If the video doesn't start playing momentarily, please install the latest version of Flash. By Dr. Join the Conversation Like this article? Have a point of view to share? Dewclaws that stick out, instead of being tight to the paw, can get caught in carpeting or brush or when dogs go after prey such as lizards in rock piles. Usually the dewclaws are removed when puppies are only a few days old.

Dog dewclaws: What are they good for? You might be surprised!