Dew Claws…?

Do or Don’t we have them removed?

Lately, much has been written about whether or not canine dew claws should be removed. Here, again, we have a subject that seems to polarize dog owners into two camps and, sometimes, heated debate.

On one side is the belief that dew claws are a remnant; like the human appendix, an appendage that has long-since out lived its usefulness. At best, it’s a slightly used digit prone to injury and pain. In the other corner stands the collective opinion that dew claws serve a purpose and their removal is a cruel and barbaric ritual seemingly established by ancient sporting dog druids.

So, what is the solution to this controversy? Does one side or the other possess any clear-cut evidence to support their stance or is it all a matter of choice? And, what are dew claws - what, if any, purpose do they serve? I guess, this is where we should start.

In any discussion it is generally best to start from the beginning, so let’s take a moment to explain just what are dew claws. Dew claws exist as basically the thumb (or big toe) of canid creatures. Of course, they are not opposable like the human thumb and, therefore, do not serve the dog in the capacity of “gripping” objects as we do.

The dew claws on the hindlegs, if they exist at all, are generally a boneless gristle that is attached by a flap of skin, often with a claw. The dew claws located on the forelegs, however, generally consist of a small group of bone, ligament, and muscle that can be manipulated by the dog when the want arises. It is this structure and ability that is the core of the controversy.

Dogs can be wonderfully agile and dew claws may help in that regard.

We will ignore any discussion of the hind claws because any desire one might have to make a dog live with them is purely self-guided and sentimental. The real argument lies with the forelegs and the fact that dogs can use these digits, within varying degrees, to maneuver in situations requiring sharp directional changes at high speed. They are also often used to climb or stabilize an object, such as a bone, while they chew. These observations, and the structure itself, demonstrates that the appendage is more complex and the issue of whether or not to remove them deserves serious scrutiny.

Most often the removal of dew claws takes place within the second to fifth day after birth. These are the days prior to the pup’s eyes being open and other physiology, such as nerves, may fall shy of full development. The major concerns being pain, infection, and, though very rare, the possibility that claws removed at this early stage might grow back.

Once past the fifth day, the structure with its system of nerves and vessels has advanced in complexity. The dew claw removal procedure becomes more extensive and, therefore, more expensive. The removal of dew claws from older pups and adult dogs can be performed but, as you can imagine, that turns into a medical procedure requiring anesthetics, sutures, post-op medication, and longer recovery periods.

Along with observable proofs, there are several, as yet, unverified theories and claims that claw removal can cause repetitive-use wrist injuries (similar to carpal tunnel) and arthritis later in the dog’s life. So, given all this information, why would anyone want to bother removing dew claws from their dog? Well, the research for retaining dew claws are not conclusive and, on some dogs, in some environmental conditions, there may be a down-side to having them.

The life-style intended for some dogs - clamoring about on rocks and brush - can injure snagging dew claws.

Though (front) dew claws can be maneuvered by the dog to some extent, their comparatively (to other toes) diminutive structure limits strength and mobility. These constraints can cause them to catch onto natural obstructions such as brush or rock where claws, ligaments, or muscle can be injured. Many sporting breeds such as gun dogs, herding dogs, and sled dogs can suffer from such injuries. Of course, since these injuries almost never occur in the living room, when it happens, it will most likely be an emergency compounded by time and distance. 

Whether dislocated - bleeding or broken - dew claw injuries often require emergency procedures.

Given the sedentary lifestyle of many dogs, being high-up above the paw, these claws may seldom, if ever, actually contact the ground. The claws on the rest of the toes can be worn down by constant use on hard surfaces such as rock, concrete, or asphalt. However, even under these conditions claws generally require trimming in most living situations experienced by domestic canines. The dew claws are no exception and can develop into extremely sharp – hooked – claws if left unchecked. It is very common for these claws to hang-up in the furniture, clothing – and skin – of the dog’s owner. They can leave nasty cuts and scares on thin-skinned children and the elderly.

Growing up, we had a magnificently large purebred German Shepard with dew claws intact; in the matter of dew claw cuts and gouges, I speak from painful experience!

So, what is the answer? Is there even a set-in-stone resolution to this question?

Pragmatically speaking, this is not a black or white issue and certainly no reason to pit one dog owner against another. Okay, one dog is going to spend its life racing across grassy parks chasing Frisbees. Another, may be relegated to evening walks in the neighborhood and, yet, another may clamor across basalt canyons in search of prey or herding livestock. It’s the environment and the role dogs will play that should determine which decision is best for the dog.

And that’s what it should be about – what is best for the dog. Petty personal issues should have nothing to do with it. Especially when the objecting party has little or no experience in the various endeavors in which dogs may take part. Afterall, there is no malice in the practice – no desire to unnecessarily abuse a dog. Just the opposite, the attempt is to prevent possible injury in less than ideal situations.

Similarly, those electing to retain dew claws on their dog have hopefully made the decision based on the claw’s usefulness and the unlikelihood they will become badly injured. Once the decision to retain them is made, all that’s required is regular maintenance in an effort to prevent an emergency situation.

In either case, whether for or against, we should use our words to convince - not condemn. It should be left to each of us, the owner and caregiver of dogs, to decide what is right for our canine companion. So, do what’s right and…

Enjoy your dog!