What is the purpose of the dew-claws? Should they be removed?
Posted by Dog Supplies Advice in Dog Supplies Q&A, Dog Supplies Tips, tags: dew-claws, dog Q&A, dog supplies advice, Dog Supplies Q&A, Dog Supplies Tips, dogsWhat is the purpose of the dew-claws? Should they be removed?
The fifth, or innermost digits (the equivalent of human thumbs and big toes) are very poorly developed in the dog and when the dog is standing they do not come into contact with the ground. The claws associated with these digits are known as dew-claws, and do not serve any useful function.
Dew-claws occur on the forelegs of all dogs but on the hind legs of only about a quarter. In many instances the hind dew-claws have no attachment to the skeleton but are merely fixed to the skin and can be moved about quite freely. There is a good case for removing these hind dew-claws, three or four days after birth, because often they get caught (on undergrowth or wire netting), causing tears in the skin. The Pyrenean
Mountain Dog (Great Pyrenees), Briard and Beauceron are exceptions, however, as they usually have double dew-claws on their hind legs, and for show purposes these must be retained. The front claws should not be removed; they usually have a firm attachment and seldom cause problems.
Like other claws, dew-claws continue to grow and because they receive no wear they will eventually grow round in a circle and begin to re-enter the skin, producing pain and lameness. From time to time they should be checked and if necessary trimmed.
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