Rear Claws

[Tonka's Dad]

Hello all: At the time I adopted Tonka the shelter said I might want to consider removing her rear doo claws. The vet also recommended it. They do hang out there and look awfully fragile. She will be living and roaming around on 20 wooded acres. I just wanted to hear other people’s thoughts and opinions.

Thanks in advance.

[spidey]

Is she spayed? If not, I'd have them removed when you have her spayed - loose and dangly dew claws can catch on things and tear, or get infected (I went through this with my Beagle X). Otherwise, I'd wait until she needs an anaesthetic for something else (like dentistry) and get them removed then. I would definitely get them removed, but wouldn't necessarily give her an anaesthetic just for that, unless there's some pressing reason to do so (like one becomes infected or something). :)

[Tonka's Dad]

Thanks Spidey: Yes she was spayed prior to leaving the shelter. I have considered Docing her tail But wonder if that is too much for one vet visit....


Thanks

[spidey]

Well, I have pretty strong opinions about docking tails after two days of age, especially on a rescue (they don't dock in Europe, why not just tell people she's European if that's what's worrying you). :) If she were my dog, I'd just wait until she needed an anesthetic for a medical reason (likely dentistry), and have them off then (it's very minor if they're loose, just a snip and one or two stitches).