5 month old pup, is it a good idea to have the dew claws removed?

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by Claudia Paley, Sep 29, 2018.

  1. Claudia Paley

    Claudia Paley Registered Users

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    My pup is 5 months old and I have read removing the dew claws is a good idea. Thoughts?
     
  2. mandyb

    mandyb Registered Users

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    No, it's much too late now.

    Dew claws are normally removed when a pup is just a few days old and then only if the breeder decides to have it done, many don't bother. The only reason you would remove dew claws from an older dog is if it has repeated problems with ripping the claw out. It is quite a big operation, an amputation in fact. My eldest Lab had to have one of his removed several years ago, he came home with 14 stitches in his leg! It may also be coincidence but that's the leg that's now developed arthritis in the wrist too.

    If you can trim the claws and keep them short the chances are your pup will never have a problem.
     
  3. Jo Laurens

    Jo Laurens Registered Users

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    Dew claws are routinely left on, in Labradors in the UK. Confusingly, they are often removed from Labradors in the US. These are the same breed....

    UK labs have no problems with their dew claws and consequently it's likely US labs won't too! Removing them is more about human aesthetics and what people like the look of, rather than anything else. But it is not an easy or simple procedure in a dog which is not a newborn. The time to remove them, if a breeder wants to, is in the first 5 days of life.

    Personally, I think they should be left on... unless they get ripped or are catching on things and there is a medical reason to remove...
     
  4. Aisling Labs

    Aisling Labs Registered Users

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    Breeders in the U.S. are learning NOT to remove the dew claws as they do indeed still have a purpose. Not only that, but studies have shown that there are health affects that those without dew claws suffer more than those who have them do.

    Most Breeders only have them removed if they are not attached well which would lead to the dew claw suffering injury too easily.

    Owners should simply keep the nail trimmed close to avoid it catching and tearing.
     

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