“Because front dewclaws serve an important purpose, they should not be removed unless there is a very good reason to do so. However, from my research, the vast majority of veterinarians tend to be on the side of leaving them be and not removing dew claws. I’m not a veterinarian, so it’s not my place to tell you what’s the best decision for your individual Goldendoodle. Lastly, those against dew claw removal state that not only are they beneficial, but removing them can actually cause further issues such as a greater risk of arthritis. Dew claw injuries are few and far between, so many people argue that it doesn’t make sense to put all puppies through the emotional and physical trauma to prevent such a rare occurrence. Not only are the ethics of this practice debatable, but there’s a case to be made that it’s largely unnecessary. In fact, dew claw removal is actually banned in some countries.Įven though a local anesthetic is typically used to numb the pain, if you’ve seen videos of puppies getting their dew claws removed, it’s a bit hard to watch. It’s looked at as cruel and often compared to tail docking and ear cropping. The first argument made by those against dew claw removal is that it’s inhumane. Some show dogs have their dew claws removed for a more “ideal” appearance. There is also a cosmetic component to dew claw removal. They make the case that compared to their minimal usage, it’s not worth the risk that they may snag, tear, or otherwise be injured. Should a Goldendoodle’s dew claws be removed? This is a somewhat controversial subject, so let’s take a look at the argument from both sides… Advantages of Dew Claw RemovalĪdvocates of dew claw removal point to their limited usability. Goldendoodle Dew Claw Removal Pros and Cons Here’s a video that provides a great demonstration: The dew claw provides your dog with a bit of extra traction and stability while zooming around! You may not realize it, but the “wrist” of your Goldendoodle flexes so much while they’re running that both the dew claw and the “stopper pad” (located up their leg a bit more) touch the ground. Oftentimes, this involves them using their dew claws.Īnother use of dew claws is for stability while running. A prime example of this is when they’re chewing a bone and use their paws to hold it in place. While Fido won’t be picking up a fork or spoon anytime soon, the dew claws do help your Goldendoodle grasp objects. While our opposable thumbs allow us the ability to grab and hold objects, dew claws aren’t quite as useful. You can think of dew claws as the dog equivalent to human thumbs. While some breeds have dew claws on their hind legs as well, this isn’t the case with the Goldendoodle as neither the Golden Retriever or Poodle have these.ĭew claws have two joints, three bones, and a nail just like any of their other toes. Here’s a video on how a dog uses their dew claw.Keep reading, as we’ll discuss what dew claws are used for, how to care for them, and whether you should have them removed! What are Dew Claws?ĭew claws are one of your Goldendoodle’s “digits,” (a fancy word for fingers or toes) located on the inside of their front paws. We have decided at Heart Song Standard Poodles to leave the dew claws on our puppies unless there is a clear medical reason to remove them.ĭew claw removal has been banned in several countries. There is no medical research that a dog is healthier or less likely to be injured if their dew claws are removed. Dew Claw Videoĭew claw nails need to be trimmed just like the other nails on the foot and require no special care. Dew claws help to stabilize the wrist and may be helpful in reducing injury. The dew claw will grab the ground or slippery surface and help them turn when running, playing chase and moving. The second purpose is to give them traction, extra grip when they are running. Poodles without dew claws have a harder time holding items. When you watch a poodle holding onto a object (stick, treat or toy) they will position their leg to use the dewclaw as a thumb to give them a firmer grip. The purpose of a dew claw is to act as a thumb. Many breeders routinely remove dewclaws 3 days after birth when they dock tails. Standard poodles typically are born with only the front dew claws. Certain breeds are known for having multiple dew claws such as the Great Pyrenees. Dogs may be born with dew claws only on the front feet, on the front and back or with multiple dew claws. Dew claws are located on the inner part of the leg slightly higher than the foot. Most dogs are born with 4 toes and dew claws.
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