Dewclaw question.. - Page 1

Hi,

I was wondering if you had the dewclaws removed from puppies? I have never heard of it done for the GS as I have other breeds.

Thank you, ruse.

only if they are rear dewclaws

Ok, thank you, that's what my friend thought, but I wasn't sure if you did front ones or not.

I am sure that I am going to catch some flak for this one, but we take them off. After talking to a few K9 trainers in various parts of the country, I decided to remove them. Being that most of the puppies I breed I keep to raise specifically for police K9, and after hearing horror stories of them being ripped out I feel that it is in the dogs' best interest that they not have them. I don't know which pups at 2 days old are going to have the drive so I remove them all. It saves the dog unnecessary pain and/or surgery later on. Just my .02

Melissa

Years ago, I had to have the (front) dewclaws removed on a 7 month old terrier.  I never realized how horrible the surgery and recovery were and would never do it again.  If there's any possibility that they could become a problem, front or rear, better to do it when they're pups.

In the GSD I feel you should remove the front dew claws and of course, the rear.  I agree with the possibility fo having them ripped off accidentally, that becomes a main artery and can bleed profusely if ripped off.  My old vet removed them the day of birth, when you take mama dog in for her checkup after whelp and the puppy well check she removed them then, before they were even 24 hours old.  It is not at all as traumatic for the puppies, they don't get as fussy and all is well.  Thought I would pass this on. 

I have never heard of removing front dewclaws on dogs.  I can see it for working dogs, but would that be a disqualifier in the show ring?  Just curious.

Crys