The Importance of Puppy Dewclaw Removal: Understanding the Process and Benefits

When caring for puppies, dewclaw removal frequently arises as an essential topic among breeders and veterinarians. While not a requirement, this procedure can offer significant benefits for a dog’s long-term health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the importance of dewclaw removal, the reasons behind choosing this option, and the process involved.

What Are Dewclaws?

Dewclaws are small, often non-functioning toes located on the inner part of a dog's leg, typically situated higher than the other toes. Nearly all puppies are born with dewclaws.

Although dewclaws usually do not contribute to a dog's mobility, they can lead to issues as the dog grows. For instance, injuries can occur, resulting in painful tears or infections.

Why Consider Dewclaw Removal?

1. Injury Prevention

One of the key reasons to consider dewclaw removal is to prevent injury. Dewclaws can easily get caught on various objects, such as fences and thick brush. In fact, statistics show that around 30% of dogs with dewclaws experience injuries at some point in their lives. This can lead to painful tearing, which often requires costly veterinary intervention.

Dewclaws can also be injured during grooming for breeds such as Cavapoos and Mini-Goldendoodles that require hair cuts.

2. Decreased Risk of Infection

Injured dewclaws expose dogs to bacteria, increasing the risk of infections. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 15% of injured dewclaws can lead to severe infections requiring antibiotics and treatment. Keeping the surrounding area clean can be a challenge, especially for active dogs.

3. Aesthetic Considerations

While aesthetics may not be a leading reason for removal, some breeders and dog owners prefer the look of dewclaw-free dogs. This is particularly relevant for show dogs, where breed standards may favor a more streamlined appearance.

4. Breed-Specific Recommendations

Some breeds may have a greater need for dewclaw removal. For example, working dogs, such as Border Collies, and agility competitors often perform better without dewclaws. It is essential to evaluate each dog's specific needs based on its breed and activity level.

The Dewclaw Removal Process

Consultation

This is not an instructional post for how to remove dewclaws, and I am not a veterinarian. So, consulting with a veterinarian is a crucial first step if you are interested in dewclaw removal. A vet can assess the puppy or dog's overall health and provide tailored recommendations based on breed characteristics and health history.

Timing

The best time to perform dewclaw removal is within the puppy's first few days of life, typically between three to five days old. During this time, the bones are still soft, leading to quicker healing. Generally, all of the puppies born at Harvest Creek have their dewclaws removed on day 3 or 4.

Surgical Procedure

Dewclaw removal is a straightforward procedure for puppies in their first 3-5 days of life.

Although dewclaw removal may sound hurtful, there is minimal pain as their neurological system is not fully developed. It is a quick procedure and generally the puppies fall right back to sleep after they are placed in back in the warmer with their litter mates.

For older dogs, your vet will generally perform a surgical procedure while the dog is under anesthesia. Often, if you find your dog has dewclaws before they are spayed or neutered, you can ask the vet to remove the dewclaws during their spay/neuter procedure.

Aftercare

Post-dewclaw removal care is vital to ensuring a smooth recovery. This includes keeping the area clean and monitoring for any signs of infection or discomfort, such as swelling or excessive licking.

Alternatives to Removal

In certain cases, some owners may decide against dewclaw removal. Proper grooming and regular monitoring can help minimize the risks of injury and infection. Checking dewclaws consistently for signs of damage is vital if they are left intact.

For more active dogs, keeping nails trimmed can further reduce the likelihood of dewclaw injuries, though it does not entirely eliminate the risk.

Breeders and Dewclaw Removal

Responsible breeders often take a proactive approach to dewclaw removal, especially in breeds predisposed to dewclaw issues. By incorporating dewclaw removal into their health protocols, these breeders help ensure the health of the puppies they sell.

When acquiring a puppy, it is important to discuss with breeders their policies on dewclaw removal and health practices. A clear understanding of a breeder's approach can play an important role in promoting the long-term well-being of the dog.

We have bought two puppies over the years from breeders that did not remove the dewclaws. Although the two puppies we bought were great dogs, we would not buy a puppy from breeders that do not remove dewclaws. The lack of dewclaw removal is simply a sign of other things that are possibly going on with that breeder such as not investing the money into their puppies to set them up for life-long success or they are simply too lazy.

Final Thoughts

If you have a puppy or dog with dewclaws, deciding whether to remove dewclaws is a personal choice influenced by several factors, including breed, lifestyle, and health. While dewclaw removal can help prevent injuries and infections, it is vital for dog owners to consult with veterinarians to make informed decisions.

Caring for a puppy involves many responsibilities. Understanding dewclaw removal is an important part of that process. By carefully considering the reasons for removal, the procedures involved, and potential alternatives, you can ensure a happy, healthy life for your cherished canine companion.