Dew Claw Removal - Pros and Cons

sgautschi

I have a 3 month old female German Sheperd, and in a couple months we are going to have her spayed. While she is under we're getting her microchipped, and also are considering removing her rear dew claws. Her front ones are fine, and stick very close to her leg, but her rear ones are very floppy and stick straight out. I'm just afraid with how hyper she is, and how much she runs around outside, that they will get caught on something, and I'd hate to take her back in for surgery just for that.It doesn't cost that much, so I'm not worried about that aspect, but I'm just wondering if anyone has any input. Is it a good idea or not?

 I should also add that I have two other dogs, both small breed males that I adopted from a local shelter. One I adopted at 5 months old, and he already had his dew claws removed, and the other was 1 year, and he still has his dew claws, but they are small and stick very close to his leg, so I'm not really concerned about them getting caught on anything, and he hasn't seemed to have a problem since I've had him (He's 2 1/2 now).

 Any input would be appreciated!

spalko

I would highly suggest it. If they are really floppy, chances are they will get caught in carpet or while running outside and rip off. That will be twice as painful and messy than if you have them surgically removed. We do them quite often at the clinic and we use laser surgery so it's quite a quick and painless surgery since everything is cauterized to prevent excessive bleeding and pain.

MissD611

I suggest it if he has a lot of energy as well. We had our lab's removed while he was under for his neuter because he was known to leap head first into bushes and brush. He got one of his fronts caught at one point. It wasn't major, but it was enough for us to realize that it was safer for him to get them removed at the vet's office then risk having him get one caught and hurting himself.

K'lyn

I would have them removed.  It's very painful for a dog if they were to get caught and torn.  I've watched the surgery of removal before and it's quick.  I've also seen when a dog gets them caught and it's not as quick and very painful.  if you do keep them make sure their kept trimmed very short.  Congrats on your puppy!!