To keep DewClaws or to not keep?
- Thread starter ChiBree
- Start date
I guess it depends on how big the pups get. Tinker weighs only 1.3 lbs. at 8 years old. There is no tool that I can get in there to properly clip her little wee dew claw, I'm stuck with using slanted human nail clippers and I do it as quickly as possible because I know it pinches. Tia is tiny too, only just over 3 lbs. and she too has extremely tiny "close fitting" dew claws. The way I see it is that I've been putting Tia through the "pinch" for 15 years now and Tinker for 8 years, if I had it to do over again, I'd have had them removed as early and as painlessly as possible.
If a Chi is a bit bigger, and the dew claws are not oddly tiny and fragile, I see no reason to remove them either. I've never know any (and I met and trained so many Chi's) to actually tear a dew claw, the biggest issue is really being able to maneuver a clipper in there to clip without causing pain.
If a Chi is a bit bigger, and the dew claws are not oddly tiny and fragile, I see no reason to remove them either. I've never know any (and I met and trained so many Chi's) to actually tear a dew claw, the biggest issue is really being able to maneuver a clipper in there to clip without causing pain.
My rescue Sheltie Max never had his removed and he is 7 or so years old. He actually has extra dewclaws I guess you would say. Where there is normally one dewclaw, there is also a second shriveled up one with a pad and everything. I am not sure what exactly is normal, but I am pretty sure his isn't 
His hang out and flop around and stuff and I always worry he will get it caught on something. But he is not active at all so he doesn't jump and play a lot.
His hang out and flop around and stuff and I always worry he will get it caught on something. But he is not active at all so he doesn't jump and play a lot.
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it depends, how old is the dog/pup, how well are they formed? do they just barely hang there or are they well attached, is it front or back?
One of my working dogs has her front ones, they weren't removed at the breeders, who know's why we've gotten many good working dogs from this place, but it happens I guess. They're well attached, she's going on 7, and has zero problems, sure she could develope something, but she could also break her leg climbing an 8 ft wall. You're vet may be right and the risk of putting your dog under just to have them removed isn't worth the risk.
Now if i'm way off and I think you may have just or are expecting pups, get them removed. Its very very easy when they're young and could save some potential hassels in the future. My above reply only applies to dogs that are gotten later in life and they may or may not need to be removed, but there isn't any reason no to have it done to young puppies IMO.
One of my working dogs has her front ones, they weren't removed at the breeders, who know's why we've gotten many good working dogs from this place, but it happens I guess. They're well attached, she's going on 7, and has zero problems, sure she could develope something, but she could also break her leg climbing an 8 ft wall. You're vet may be right and the risk of putting your dog under just to have them removed isn't worth the risk.
Now if i'm way off and I think you may have just or are expecting pups, get them removed. Its very very easy when they're young and could save some potential hassels in the future. My above reply only applies to dogs that are gotten later in life and they may or may not need to be removed, but there isn't any reason no to have it done to young puppies IMO.
I was wondering the same as Summit, if your vet refuses, what choice do you have? Are you comfortable with using a different vet for the purpose of removing their dews?
My sister had a Chi with dews, and they were a pain to remove and one was partially ripped out in grass. That's my experience, atleast.
Fozzie has his dews, but they are well attached and large enough that I can keep them cut short.
My sister had a Chi with dews, and they were a pain to remove and one was partially ripped out in grass. That's my experience, atleast.
Fozzie has his dews, but they are well attached and large enough that I can keep them cut short.