Vets usually charge a puppy exam fee and a dewclaw removal fee for each puppy. Some breeders perform dewclaw removal themselves. Nevertheless, the lidocaine injection hurts, the puppies still cry and feel some pain.Ĭomplications, such as infection or regrowth of the nail, are possible. If dewclaw removal is to take place, this procedure should be done by the time the puppy is 3 days old.Īlthough it’s a simple procedure - over in less than 1 minute - neonatal puppies feel pain, and dewclaw removal in a neonate is done without general anesthesia.įor those vets who still agree to remove dewclaws, many use a local lidocaine injection to block pain. No AKC breed standard has a disqualification for any of these alterations.” If puppies are getting their dewclaws removed, this should happen by the time they are 3 days old. Appropriate veterinary care should be provided.ĪKC rules do prohibit changes in appearance ‘except as specified in the standard for the breed.’ If a breed standard provides for ear cropping, tail docking, or dewclaw removal, it is permitted. “The American Kennel Club recognizes that ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving the breed character and/or enhancing good health. Emma Goodman Milne, BVSc, MRCVS, has lamented that vets “may feel under pressure to perform procedures they feel uncomfortable with purely because a client says the law allows it.” She said she “will continue to exercise my right not to perform any unnecessary mutilations whether the law allows it or not.”Īlthough the American Kennel Club (AKC) condones dewclaw removal in certain breeds, just as it does tail docking and ear cropping, the group says no dog will be disqualified without these alterations: Why remove front dewclaws that most likely do serve a purpose and rarely get injured?įor example, Dr.In the past 10–20 years, however, removing dewclaws has fallen out of favor with many veterinarians, although some breeders still prefer to have the dewclaws removed.įor many vets, it has become an ethical issue: It was also thought that hunting breeds may injure their dewclaws while working, leading to removal. It became customary to show certain breeds at dog shows with dewclaws removed, and this is where many people got the idea that dewclaws should be removed. These front dewclaws have their own nerve and blood supply, muscles and tendons, just like the 4 toes that touch the ground. They are attached to the carpus by a separate metacarpal bone, forming an actual joint with the carpus. There is no valid medical reason for front dewclaw removal and even removal of well-developed rear dewclaws unless there’s a diseased dewclaw or dewclaw injury.įront dewclaws are a normal part of a dog’s anatomy. Photo: Glynsimages2013 Should Dewclaws Be Removed? Dewclaw removal in dogs is unnecessary unless there’s a medical problem. There is probably a benefit to dewclaw removal in these cases since they can get caught and become injured. Generally, however, when there is a dangly, floppy rear dewclaw, it serves no purpose. Rear dewclaws in climbing breeds such as the Saint Bernard and Great Pyrenees are thought to help them while climbing rough terrain.The dewclaw actually does touch the ground in racing and coursing breeds when the dog makes tight turns.For agility dogs, leaving the dewclaw in place helps them with tight turns and most likely prevents arthritis in the carpal joint as they age.More important, perhaps, dewclaws most likely help stabilize the carpus (ankle): Although dogs can hold on to things without a dewclaw, the dewclaw is a helpful addition for grasping. Photo: guvo59 Do Dewclaws Have a Purpose?įront dewclaws help dogs grasp things using their forelegs, such as a toy, ball or food. Dewclaw removal is a procedure where the claw that’s higher up on the dog’s front or rear leg is surgically removed. Rear dewclaws are considered an anomaly except in a few breeds where single or double well-developed rear dewclaws are part of the breed, such as the Briard or Great Pyrenees. Rear dewclaws: Some dogs are born with 1, 2 or even double dewclaws on the rear legs.Front dewclaws: All dogs are born with a dewclaw on each front leg.Think about grass with drops of dew on top: As a dog prances through the field, the claw higher up on the leg catches the dew on the top of the blades of grass - thus the term “dewclaw.” Front and Rear Dewclaws ADVERTISEMENT Why Is It Called a Dewclaw?
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