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What are a dogs dewclaws for And why do they need to be removed from some dogs2007-11-25 2:50:27

Is it painful for a dog to have their dewclaws removed? If the dewclaws are not removed, do they need to be trimmed like normal claws?

Answers:

Some feel they were used to help hold game, or help with digging, etc. Most breeders (responsible ones anyway) have them removed at birth as some dogs can catch them things and tear them off. Lots of pain and blood if that happens. You can have them reoved on older puppies or dogs, but it is a more stressful procedure.

Yes -- definitely trim or grind them when you do the rest of the dog's nails. Like other nails --they will just continue to grow unless trimmed.

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They don't need to be trimmed.

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sure its painful to be removed, it would be like chopping of a knuckle. the only reason some get removed is because some are more "dangley" than others, and active dogs can have a tendancy to catch them and tear them. i've never had a problem with my dogs who have dangley ones tho.

i think of them as the thumb for a dog. and if you watch my dog, thats what she uses it for. she hooks her paws around things to grab better and that dew claw comes in handy all the time for that. if the nail is getting long, then yes trim it, or else it is more likely to get torn

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Some dogs are declawed for medical purposes,others well if there in side they cant scrach furniture or people.But I think they need them cause if somthing attacks them they need to defend themselves,same with cats.

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The dewclaw has no purpose. The dewclaw has a tendency to get caught up in carpet and other things and hurt the dog so some people opt to have them removed. Yes the dewclaws need to be trimmed just like the normal claws or it will curl around and grow into the skin just like any other nail on the dog.

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The dewclaws are meant to hold onto prey. I guess you could say sort of like a thumb. They are VERY sharp.