Dew claws

[CazD]

Are all dogs born with dew claws? What would be the reason for removing them? Only asking as my rescue terrier has one dew claw on a front foot but not on any of her other feet. when I got her from the rescue centre she was also extremely funny about her tail - which is long - but had a sort of scab all around it about three or four inches from the base. A couple of people suggested that maybe someone had tied something around the tail in an attempt to dock it - a bit like they do with lambs - although there was nothing tied to her tail when the rescue centre picked her up. Does this sound likely?

 

[suzysparkle]

Dogs normally have them in front. On the flip side it's uncommon for them to be born with rear dew claws. The reason for removing them is because they are easily snagged and broken which obviously will cause a lot of pain. For that reason it's not unusual to see them removed on working dogs. Lots of mushers remove them, especially in countries where most of the season is on snow. It should be done within a couple of days of birth. I've seen it done before and the pups never made a sound (obviously done correctly). I think it's quite a controversial subject. I know you can also get double dew claws!! Obviously they can be removed at an older age but at that point it becomes an operation.
No idea about the tail. However, sounds like a strong possibility.

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

I got my Patterdale terrier when he was 6 mths old, the previous owners had docked him very short! but left his back double dew claws??? go figure!.... anyway I had those removed under general anaesthetic when he had his castration x

 

[soloabe]

If they are connected they are fine to stayband you will find that dogs use them a lot which is why i don't remove them ever unless they are.flappy and not connected.