Dew claws??

**Beej** · 10-25-2006, 10:16 AM

Does any one agree with getting a dogs dew claws removed. My husband wants to train Woody to hunt. The vet says it helps to get them removed if you want to hunt. I am having serious issues with this. Please help...

**justadoptedlabsnok** · 10-25-2006, 10:20 AM

I would have had my boys dew claws removed if I had them as puppies. They get them caught on so many things it is much safer in my opinion to have them removed. Just think about if they get it caught on something and it gets ripped partial out. I would never want to put my labs in that kind of pain ever. I have to put tape on my boys dew claws when they swim at the lake. You just never know what is out there. you can't tape a hunting dog cause it has an odor and the animals will see it on your lab.

I say Yes just to avoid injury.

good luck with this discission.

**jzgrlduff** · 10-25-2006, 10:34 AM

Hmm, I have no idea. My first lab ripped his completely out at one point and had to have surgery.

**ruff n tumble crew** · 10-25-2006, 10:34 AM

I have no problem with it when it's done at 3-5 days of age. At your pups age, it becomes quite a painful surgery. I wouldn't do it now unless your youngster has dewclaw injuries.

**Dawson Creek Girl** · 10-25-2006, 11:09 AM

Rowan was done before I brought her home from the breeders at 7 wks.

Kathryn · 10-25-2006, 11:22 AM

If I remember right after 3-5 days it starts to become like an extra finger and attaches to the bone.
IMO if it wasn't done at 3-5 days leave it.

**blacklabelias** · 10-25-2006, 11:32 AM

Elias has his and we have never had any problems with them, he is 2 years old. We don't use him for hunting but he's very active playing and hiking in the woods often.

**jzgrlduff** · 10-25-2006, 11:33 AM

Code:

after 3-5 days it starts to become like an extra finger and attaches to the bone.

Eek! If that's the case, I say leave it! Do you keep them trimmed?

Kathryn · 10-25-2006, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by jzgrlduff

Code:

after 3-5 days it starts to become like an extra finger and attaches to the bone.

Eek!* If that's the case, I say leave it!* Do you keep them trimmed?*

Yes you trim them just like the other nails (unless you are like Dakota and then you only trim them when she is on "rest" because shes sick)
If you don't trim it the nail will grow right into the leg and then you have a big prob. on your hands!

**theboysmom** · 10-25-2006, 11:39 AM

I think its supposed to be done when in the 3 - 5 day range only. Both of my boys have them and we have been hunting for years with them without any problems to their dew claws. (The worse thing to happen so far was a bloody nose becase Kody was more focused on flushing the pheasant then the sapling directly in front of him.)