Yes, people often remove dew claws from dogs, particularly from purebred puppies shortly after birth. This practice is common for various reasons, ranging from cosmetic preferences to injury prevention.
What Are Dew Claws?
Dew claws are the small, vestigial digits found on the inside of a dog's leg, analogous to a human thumb. While some dogs have them only on their front legs, others may have them on both front and rear legs.
There are generally two types of dew claws:
- Attached Dew Claws: These are connected to the leg by bone, similar to other toes. They are typically found on the front legs and are often more functional, providing grip and stability, especially when a dog is running, climbing, or holding objects.
- Unattached Dew Claws: More commonly found on the rear legs, these are usually only connected by skin and soft tissue. Because they lack bony attachment, they tend to flop more and are considered by many to be more prone to injury.
Why Are Dew Claws Removed?
The decision to remove dew claws is a topic of ongoing discussion among veterinarians, breeders, and dog owners. However, several key reasons drive this practice:
Common Reasons for Removal
- Cosmetic Appearance: Many breeders remove dew claws, especially from purebred puppies, because they believe it contributes to a "cleaner, straighter look" of the dog's front legs. For certain show breeds, a specific aesthetic standard might influence this decision.
- Injury Prevention: A significant concern for many owners is the risk of injury. Unattached dew claws, in particular, can easily snag on objects, tear, or break during play, exercise, or outdoor activities. Such injuries can be painful, lead to infections, and require veterinary attention. Removing them early is seen as a preventive measure against future trauma.
- Breeding Practices and Traditions: Historically, removing dew claws has been a routine practice in many breeding lines and specific breeds. This tradition continues, often passed down through generations of breeders.
The Procedure and Timing
Dew claw removal is typically performed on puppies when they are very young, usually within the first few days of birth (often between 3 to 5 days old). At this age, the procedure is relatively simple, quick, and causes minimal discomfort as the nervous system is not fully developed, and the bones are still soft cartilage. It is generally performed by a veterinarian or an experienced breeder.
The Debate: To Remove or Not to Remove?
While dew claw removal is a common practice, it's not universally accepted. Many believe that dew claws, especially attached ones, serve a functional purpose and should not be removed unless medically necessary.
Here's a quick look at the arguments surrounding dew claw removal:
| Aspect | Argument for Removal | Argument Against Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Injury Risk | Prevents painful tears, snags, or fractures, especially for unattached rear dew claws. | Removal is an unnecessary surgery; proper nail care can prevent most injuries. |
| Cosmetic/Show | Achieves a desired "cleaner, straighter look" and meets certain breed standards. | It's a natural part of the dog's anatomy; removing it for aesthetics is not ethical. |
| Functionality | Rear, unattached dew claws have little to no functional purpose. | Front dew claws can provide grip, stability, and aid in maneuvers like turning or climbing (American Kennel Club (AKC)). |
| Pain/Recovery | Performed on neonates with minimal pain and quick recovery; less invasive than adult removal. | Any surgery carries risks; adult removal is more invasive and requires anesthesia. |
| Breed Standards | Required or preferred in some breed standards (e.g., Great Pyrenees often have double dew claws). | No reason to remove if not specified by breed standard or causing issues. |
Some breeds, like the Great Pyrenees and Beauceron, actually require double dew claws on their hind legs as part of their breed standard. For these dogs, dew claws are considered functional and an essential characteristic.
Caring for Intact Dew Claws
If a dog's dew claws are not removed, proper care is essential to prevent problems. This includes:
- Regular Trimming: Just like other nails, dew claws need to be trimmed regularly because they don't wear down naturally from walking. Overgrown dew claws can curl into the paw pad, causing pain, infection, or snagging.
- Monitoring for Injury: Owners should regularly check dew claws for any signs of injury, such as redness, swelling, tearing, or tenderness.
- Professional Advice: If there's any concern about a dew claw, consulting a veterinarian is always recommended.
Ultimately, the decision to remove dew claws is a personal one, often influenced by breed, lifestyle, and individual philosophy, ideally made in consultation with a veterinarian.
