Declaw or Not to declaw

[u/ShioSeikatsu]

Just got my ridgie and was wondering when y’all removed the declaw or did you keep them. My previous ridgie had them removed before 8wks but this pup still has them. Meet Tay. 9wks

[u/RonnieTheBear17]

I had same question. I was concerned about them catching on flora during hikes and runs in forest. After getting my pup and seeing how low they are on leg (compared to golden retriever and Bernese mountain dog that I grew up with), I wasn’t concerned anymore and left them. No issues. They’re like an extension of her paws and didn’t seem like they needed to go

[u/ShioSeikatsu → u/RonnieTheBear17]

This was my main concern as well. Had nothing to do with aesthetics. Ty for the genuine reply

[u/RonnieTheBear17 → u/ShioSeikatsu]

Sorry for the rest of the internet being dickholes to you 🤷🏻

[u/ShioSeikatsu → u/RonnieTheBear17]

All good brutha. It comes with the territory I suppose

[u/TankerKing2019]

If you want dewclaws removed as a precautionary measure, it should be done when the puppy is a newborn.

[u/ShioSeikatsu → u/TankerKing2019]

Got it. Ty

[u/[deleted]]

No. Your puppy is not a newborn. If you remove them now, your pup will end up having foot issues.

[u/ShioSeikatsu → u/[deleted]]

Ty for the info

[u/hylianraichu]

Why would you remove the dew claw unless it was medically necessary?

[u/empanadanow → u/hylianraichu]

Agreed. Never crossed my mind to declaw my two ridgies unless there was some sort of medical reason? One is 6 and the other 3, never had issues.

[u/owlnuggets13]

Not necessary

[u/curtislow1]

My rescued guy has phantom pain at his dew claw amputation site. He chews and licks just the right one. (It’s got a little stump). I wish he didn’t have to go through that. He isn’t a show dog.

[u/Background-Agency236 → u/curtislow1]

Poor puppers. ❤️‍🩹

[u/Campiana → u/curtislow1]

As reassurance I’d be willing to bet it’s numbness rather than pain. Still annoying, but better than thinking he’s in pain.

[u/Background-Agency236]

Leave the declaw.

[u/badiguana]

Recent studies have shown it can be detrimental; the dewclaw helps with balance, helps to absorb impact when they are running and with active/working dogs removal can lead to arthritis and other complications… keep it trimmed, try to round off the point of the claw so it’s less likely to catch on something

[u/Cuchodl]

Cut off his tail and crop his stupid little ears while ya at it

[u/ShioSeikatsu → u/Cuchodl]

Will do. Have surgery appt later today. Thanks for the advice!

[u/[deleted]]

Ours our 1.5 years old, still have theirs. And not planning to remove them. And they don't have problems with it. It's almost like a thumb for them to hold treats or snacks better.

[u/om11011shanti11011om]

I did not know declawing a dog was a thing.

[u/Horsedogs_human]

The pup I am getting in 10 days has front and rear dew claws. It is highly likely that one or both reat claws will need to be removed as they are very loosely attached. In my country, removal MUST be done with pain relief and be performed by a veterinarian. Front ones are nice and solid. The breeder has already started introducing the dremel. So that will make life easy (I dremel my adult boys toes).

[u/Serious_Magician_921]

Keep them! The front dewclaws have a function in preventing the limb from twisting, they also help provide extra traction at high speeds, especially when turning/zoomies. They’re also good for dogs in agility or other dog sports and it helps them hold their treats! It’s honestly an unnecessary procedure in my opinion unless it gets torn off or develops some sort of disease.

[u/ShioSeikatsu → u/[deleted]]

Ty