Does anyone have experience with removing dew claws in adult dogs?
Urgency:Need to know
Category: Health & Wellness
For: dogs
Asked by: Stephanie B. (stephanieb) 9 months ago
I have a two year old terrier mix that has dew claws on his back legs. I know these are supposed to be removed when they are puppies, but his never were as he was in rescue for the early part of his life. He is always snagging them on the carpet and tearing off the nail, which is a very tricky nail to cut. Has anyone had their dog's removed in adult hood? What is the procedure like?
I want to know if the procedure will outweigh the pain he goes through when he tears the claw off, he limps on that leg for a day or two afterward and I'm afraid he is just going to rip the whole toe off soon, not just the nail.
Answers from Zootooers
Answered by: heatherzopff 9 months ago
my old dog has hers, front and back. personally i think its stupid/painful to remove the front ones because they are usually always attached by bone. the back ones are sometimes hanging on by just skin and its very easy to remove them. if they are attached by bone i would not do it. thats just my opinion. my vet will not remove front ones and will only remove back if they are hanging by skin. she said shes never seen a problem with them being there.
Answered by: Peggy W. (ratterriermom) 9 months ago
My rescue dog was over a year old when I adopted him & still had his dew claws. Since he is a very active dog, I had the dew claws removed -- the vet would only remove the front ones, so he still has the back. There was a bit of redness for a couple of days - had to spray bitter apple on the areas so he wouldn't lick it the wounds. I am glad I had it done - he would have torn them for sure.
Answered by: Courtney H. (LifesRuffK9) 9 months ago
I would refrain from having them removed from an adult dog.
Answered by: jennifer r. (jjenika1) 9 months ago
We have had some of the dogs (adults) at the shelter done during adulthood!
Answered by: Zachary G. (Oropasofino) 9 months ago
Yes it is done as an adult. It you pet is needing any other procedure like a dental, spay/neuter it can be done in conjunction with it. Under anethesia the dewclaw/ extra toe is removed. Usually the wound is stiched and those are removed in 7 days.
It can be done as a procedure on its own. Contact your vet. In the meatime you can take some atheletic tape and cover the nail so that it does not snag.
Answered by: CARLA L. (CARLALEE) 9 months ago
I have never had them removed as adults, however I did when they were puppies. I think it would be more painful in an adult dog.
