Dewclaws or no dewclaws?

Question

i have a boxer who is 14 weeks old they docked his tail but left his dewclaws on and the scratch more than his other toe nails would it be a good idea to take them off or leave them on we use the pedicure on his nails it works much nicer than clippers so they are not sharp but the dewclaws always scratch

Answer 1

Unless they are loosely attached it may be best to leave them.  While many breeds have dewclaws removed to prevent injuries in working dogs, many working breeds do not bother to remove front dewclaws and most pet dogs are not as likely to catch the dewclaws resulting in injury.  If the dewclaws are firmly attached (with a bone connecting them to the rest of the foot and a pad and everything) then removing them could be quite uncomfortable for the dog while they are healing.  Firmly attached dewclaws are not at a significantly higher risk of tearing than any other toe or nail on the dog's foot.

Now, if his dewclaws are loosely attached (ie just little chunks of flesh dangling off the foot with no bone connecting them to the rest of the foot) then it may be a good idea to have them removed rather than waiting for an injury that would force you to have them amputated.  Since at this point removing the dewclaw is an amputation it is generally recommended to wait until your dog is already under anesthesia for his neuter and remove the dewclaws at that time rather than putting him through two separate surgeries.  

Answer 2

you will have a hard time finding a vet that will do it now without anestisia

Answer 3

  Have them removed when you have your pet neutered, as he will be under anyway.  There are many things a dewclaw can hang on, chain link fence is one, playing a bit roughly with a dog with a long thick coat is another.  

  I have them removed on my dogs, as my yard has a chain link fence.  I would rather have them removed in a planned, controlled situation than as an emergency situation.

Answer 4

One of my dogs still has his and they have been ok (he's a wild boy too)

The dewclaws are going to be just as sharp as his other nails if you don't keep them maintained.  

Answer 5

declawing is a form of animal abuse.

Answer 6

We were having them removed from my female as the vet suggested and the morning of the event she tore one and he said he would have had to take it after that anyway. Its safer to remove them.

Answer 7

Dew claws are usually removed because they get caught easily on things and can be extremely painful of ripped off or torn.  I think it is up to you whether or not you remove the dew claws.  You could try keeping them trimmed so they don't scratch you, but that won't help your dog if he gets them caught on something.