Should these claws be removed?

[TizerandBailey]

Hiya there can anyone tell me if the front and back dew claws should be removed?
Have never had a rottie before so have never really come across such huge dew claws.
He has a docked tail which in itselfe I think is cruel (sorry me being soft)im sure its needed and doesnt hurt when it is carried out ( was already done when we got him) but I am afraid incase he knocks these huge claws handing off his legs , can anyone advise?

[Ayoka]

I have a friend who had her Border Collie's dew claws removed because one accidentally got torn...I believe it was done with sedation and local anesthetic and healing was OK.

I have also heard that it may be wise to leave front dewclaws on, especially for dogs that will be involved in sport as it the dewclaws assist with balance etc. I'm not sure where this comes from sop don;t take it as gospel...maybe others can chime in here... if it was something you wanted to have done, I'd have it done at the same time as your dogs neuter, if he is still intact.

[TizerandBailey]

He is only 5 mnths old so no he is not neutered yet. Another worry as I am told by soem to do this at 6 months but told by another not to until 12 months as this can deter the chest growing? Must be UK people havnt a clue!
I will ask advice from the vets with reagrds to neuturing Tizer but unsure whether to get his back claws done at the same time. Another said these should have been removed from the breeder?

[spidey]

Hind dew claws are often what are called "unattached", where they're just like a little bag of skin, a bone and the claw attached to the leg by skin. These can get caught and torn or infected really easily and I would have them removed when the dog is neutered.

Front dew claws are usually "attached", where they're like any other toe, they're attached properly by ligaments and many dogs actually use them when making sharp turns and at other time (Dr. Chris Zink did a study of this and is firmly against removal of front dewclaws). I've never had a problem with front dewclaws, so I would not remove them, especially if they were not removed at a very young age.

[TizerandBailey]

They make no dif to me whether they are there or not its only for Tizers concern so if you think the back one needs to be removed for safety then that is what we will do. Sincere thanks for your help.

[buddysdad]

they shud be removed especially the back cos they can catch them and make a nasty cut.

[amontague]

I talked to my vet about rear dewclaws when I was having Baby Bear neutered (he was a rescue, 17 months old). She said it wasn't a problem removing them, especially since he'd be under anyway, but that the only time she had seen a dewclaw torn was 1) when the dog was tied out on a rope or chain and got it caught; or 2) when a dog spent a lot of time hiking off-trail and got it caught on something. Because Baby Bear is a suburban dog, I chose to leave all 4 dewclaws intact, I just wish he original owners had left his tail undocked.

[buddysdad]

when jumping up they can be nasty aswell. kids watch out.

[damp]

I personally find rear dewclaws ugly and much more prone to injuries than the front dewclaws.

In my country, it's not allowed to do any cosmetic surgeries to animals. Removing of dewclaws is considered cosmetic and therefore not allowed but our dogs live fine with the dewclaws. Now and then, a dog will injure a dewclaw and now and then, the dewclaw has to be removed.

I would not pick a Rottweiler with rear dewclaws, because according to the FCI standard: rear dewclaws are a fault!

[damp]

Originally Posted by TizerandBailey

Another said these should have been removed from the breeder?

Yes normally the breeders take care of the hind dewclaws if they are allowed to!
However as already said... don't remove the front dewclaws. It's the dog's thumbs.

Some months ago my dog injured a front dewclaw and after some weeks of treatment the vet said, the only cure was to remove it.
It's a surgery (9 stitches and I am $ 1000 "more poor")
When I see him now e.g. with a bone or a toy yes he is missing something... one of his thumbs!

[bleh60]

I agree. If its a back one and its just flopping around, it could be a problem thats avoided and have it easy removed when he is neutered. I dont think there is any reason to remove the fronts and personally i think the dogs paw is stronger and more natural if you leave it. my dog uses his front dews all the time when chewing on bones or toys and it makes his paws stronger. As long as the front ones dont grow incredibly long, there is no need to remove them.

[damp]

Originally Posted by bleh60

As long as the front ones dont grow incredibly long, there is no need to remove them.

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[targonrotts]

i do not remove front dewclaws in my dogs. i do nails regularly and do agility and flyball and prefer a strong front paw.
as for rear dewclaws, i remove them between 2-4 days of age if present. more than 75% of my pups are usually born without them.
if presented with an older dog/pup with rear dewclaws and they are loose and possibly troublesome, i would suggest removal of them when other surgery or dental gets done(under general anesthesia).
as to neutering age, we recommend anytime after 6 months...but with all the new studies about possible link to growth plates/possible cruciate damage, we prefer between 12-18 months.

[targonrotts]

Originally Posted by damp

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i believe they meant lenght of nails.
but if pet is groomed on a regular basis and nails done at least once monthly, that should not happen.

[damp]

Originally Posted by targonrotts

i believe they meant lenght of nails.
but if pet is groomed on a regular basis and nails done at least once monthly, that should not happen.

Yes I agree...
but there is quite a difference to cut/remove the dewclaw.... to JUST groom and CUT the nail, if the dog doesn't understand to trim that nail itself.