why do people remove there dogs do-claw?

Most people remove them because they frequently get torn or ripped off by active dogs while playing, hunting, or competing in trials, etc. I have seen dogs crippled in an agility trial, because one of their dew-claws got caught on the agility chute, or snagged on downside of the A-frame. (This is what prompted me to have my own dog's dew-claws removed).

However, dogs do use their dew-claws if they have them. My dogs used to hold their chew bones with their dew-claws while gnawing on the bones. They also used their dew-claws to remove the grit/sand that builds up in the corner of their eyes after a long nap, and to scratch their muzzles if they had an itch.

I feel bad sometimes that I had them removed, especially when I catch them rubbing their faces with the insides of their front legs, or they struggle to balance a bone between their paws. But I quickly get over it when I think of that poor dog on the A-frame with the ripped-off dew-claw and shattered leg, who will never be able to run an agility course again.

Ultimately, as their current owner the choice to have them removed or not is yours. I would probably leave them on, and let their future owners make the decision whether or not to have them removed once they get them home. For your average pet dog, they will probably never have a problem with them, and more than likely the dogs will find countless ways to use their 5th toes.

I have included a link below I found rather interesting about dew-claws and tail docking. There are a couple of pictures of a rat terrier using his dew-claws in an agility trial while going up the A-frame, and running with his handler on the course. Just something to think about.

Good luck with the new puppies, and I hope they all find loving homes.

Some people remove dew claws because they believe that they can get caught in things and rip. Certainly that is possible but not likely. What they forget is that there is a reason for the dew claws. Watch a dog that tries to move something with their front legs. Often they will sqweeze with the legs and the dew claws can help clasp the object.

When they are very young, it heals faster.

If it gets torn or ripped off in later life, it Will Hurt TREMENDOUSLY!

Also, if I understand correctly, they could Bleed to Death.

Since it is located off the ground while walking & running, it usually doesn't get kept worn down as much as the other nails, & -- as it lengthens -- it curves into a hook, which really grabs onto things & is difficult for the dog to 'undo'! The only wear dew claws get is from either: whole-heartedly digging in some hard dirt, or the owner filing or clipping them regularly. Plus, they usually need filing or clipping much more often than the other nails. So, many people view them as both a bother & danger to their dogs. Some view removal as a protection for the dog, some only care about making it easier to care for them, & others feel both ways about it. I have 2 dogs, both are in their second homes. One came with, & one without, dew claws. The one without doesn't seem to miss them much. Her holes are just as big as the other one's!

You sound like a true animal-lover, so I'd like to share a great series of articles with you:

Animals--A Gift From God

Pets—Keep a Balanced View of Them

Animals—A Pleasure Forever

http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2004/2/22a/art...

Fido Finder - Where Lost Dogs/Cats Are Found

http://www.fidofinder.com/

(You can register your pups here, & if found, you might be contacted before you're even aware they're gone!)

there is no purpose of these,, they are the equivalent to useless thumbs so are sometimes removed if they are at risk of snagging and ripping off on their own which would be very bloody and painful.. not all dogs have them and some are "looser" than others so are removed by a vet

They do not get worn down because the dog does not walk on them and it can be painful to get scratched by them. I did not have my dogs removed because I didn't want to hurt him. I just go around with scratch marks on my arms. We are teaching him not to jump up on people. That helps.

well, the declaw is just an extra claw, and people remove it because it tears easily and is very painful. it gets tangled easily in carpets and other clothes. and it is better to get a puppy's declaw removed when it is younger than having it risk lots of pain. my dog got his declaw removed when he was a puppy and now i dont have to worry about his declaw.

first, it's "their"

second, it's "dew claws"

third, is it more cruel to have them removed by a vet humanely, or have the dog get it caught on something and rip it off?

I would rather to have my pups declaw in a sanicated and safe enviroment than having it torn off in a dirty enivroment and deal with all infection problem.

dew-claws can get hung up on multiple things, and cause the dogs problems.

because they snag on things,and for the record,i have a dog and,call me a hippie,I don't like the vets cuting up my dog unless it's for medical reasons.