texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics536,999
Posts9,719,315
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? #6900917 09/27/17 05:39 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,508
My stand is pink camo Offline OP
Kickingbird
OP Offline
Kickingbird
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,508
Just wondering. We have a 18 week old lab we are training. She gets spayed next week and we are considering having her dew claws removed.


I will take a good rain or a new calf whenever I can get it -Jack Ratjen
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6900927 09/27/17 05:44 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,268
B
BradyBuck Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
B
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,268
I don't think it's a big deal and wouldn't bother with an 18 week old.

Most breeders have them removed at just a few days old.

I have a 12 year old that has always had hers without issue and my almost two year old had them removed at just a few days old.

I know of one very reputable breeder (Watermark Retrievers) who has now decided not to remove the dew claws from their future litters.

Last edited by BradyBuck; 09/27/17 05:48 PM.

HRCH Washita's Kimber Locked N Loaded
GRHRCH Firefly's Rally The Troops MH
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6900931 09/27/17 05:47 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,189
CCBIRDDOGMAN Online Content
Bird Herder
Online Content
Bird Herder
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,189
I have it done when they are 1-3 days old. It's much more invasive after that. I had to have one removed from a pup about that age that was missed by the vet, wasn't a big deal but way more than when they are newborn. I honestly wouldn't do it at this point if I were you. Just keep an eye on them and have some EMT gel handy in case one gets torn.
Some breeders don't have them removed, they claim the dog needs them.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
Haven't had it in years but never spit any out.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I am a sucker for happy endings and strapped cowboys.
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6900941 09/27/17 06:01 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
I've always removed mine. It' really helps when booting dogs.


Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill


[Linked Image]




Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6900992 09/27/17 06:37 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,695
C
Cochise Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
C
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,695
It would be pretty invasive and painful at 18 weeks. About like removing a finger/toe...at this point I would just leave them personally.

Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6900995 09/27/17 06:39 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,573
L
Leonardo Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
L
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,573
The reason I wouldn't remove the declaws at that age would have to do with sedation. If you are already putting her under for another procedure then I wouldn't hesitate to do it at the same time.

I also strongly encourage you to read on the spaying of your pup at this early age. Most new research is against it. When I worked at a vet clinic for 4 years in college protocol was 6 months of age. Now most people are saying to wait until 1 year or older.

Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: Leonardo] #6901017 09/27/17 06:54 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,189
CCBIRDDOGMAN Online Content
Bird Herder
Online Content
Bird Herder
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,189
Originally Posted By: Leonardo
The reason I wouldn't remove the declaws at that age would have to do with sedation. If you are already putting her under for another procedure then I wouldn't hesitate to do it at the same time.

I also strongly encourage you to read on the spaying of your pup at this early age. Most new research is against it. When I worked at a vet clinic for 4 years in college protocol was 6 months of age. Now most people are saying to wait until 1 year or older.


+1


Originally Posted by bill oxner
Haven't had it in years but never spit any out.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I am a sucker for happy endings and strapped cowboys.
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6901106 09/27/17 08:15 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,508
My stand is pink camo Offline OP
Kickingbird
OP Offline
Kickingbird
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,508
Thanks for all the comments and advice. I talked to a vet and we've decided to wait and let her mature before we get her spayed. And won't remove her dew claws.


I will take a good rain or a new calf whenever I can get it -Jack Ratjen
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6901116 09/27/17 08:22 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,716
T
tigger Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,716
If it is going to not have to wear boots I would not have dew claws removed. I remove them myself the day the pup is born.


Tigger
If it isn't white it is not a birddog.

KC
Lying is lying. Don't bitch about one doing it and condone another. That's called hypocrisy.
_________________
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6901122 09/27/17 08:26 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,716
T
tigger Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,716
If it is going to not have to wear boots I would not have dew claws removed. I remove them myself the day the pup is born. I did have a rat terrier that was always catching and tearing his when he had them. We had them removed at 2 yo. Pretty sore for about a week.


Tigger
If it isn't white it is not a birddog.

KC
Lying is lying. Don't bitch about one doing it and condone another. That's called hypocrisy.
_________________
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6901166 09/27/17 08:53 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,562
6
68rustbucket Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
6
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,562
I had one removed from 16 week pointer pup that breeder missed. Pup had to wear cone of shame for a month to keep from chewing out the stitches



Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6901282 09/27/17 09:50 PM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,591
P
Pointer Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
P
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,591
I watched as a breeder removed dew claws and docked the tail on an eight week old pup one time.

The pup was supposed to be under some anesthesia, but it came alive and squalled with every bone crunch. It wasn't pretty, and I sure wouldn't want to repeat the experience!

As for my dogs, if they come with dew claws, they keep 'em. I've never known of one to cause a problem.

Last edited by Pointer; 09/27/17 09:52 PM.
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: Leonardo] #6901684 09/28/17 03:10 AM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,859
C
Cow_doc.308 Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
C
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,859
Originally Posted By: Leonardo
The reason I wouldn't remove the declaws at that age would have to do with sedation. If you are already putting her under for another procedure then I wouldn't hesitate to do it at the same time.

I also strongly encourage you to read on the spaying of your pup at this early age. Most new research is against it. When I worked at a vet clinic for 4 years in college protocol was 6 months of age. Now most people are saying to wait until 1 year or older.


This is true to some degree. Age at spay is fairly heavily debated. All depends on what research you read. I haven't personally read all of what's come out, and I haven't spayed a dog in over 2 years.

On the dew claws, I think you made a good choice to leaving the dew claws on. I did read an article a while back by a vet (surgeon I think) that talked about the number of dogs she sees with carpal arthritis. More (most?) of the dogs she saw with the condition had had their dew claws removed. She was talking about hunting dogs specifically. I'll try to find and share the article.

Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: Cow_doc.308] #6902007 09/28/17 02:29 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,573
L
Leonardo Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
L
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,573
Originally Posted By: Cow_doc.308
Originally Posted By: Leonardo
The reason I wouldn't remove the declaws at that age would have to do with sedation. If you are already putting her under for another procedure then I wouldn't hesitate to do it at the same time.

I also strongly encourage you to read on the spaying of your pup at this early age. Most new research is against it. When I worked at a vet clinic for 4 years in college protocol was 6 months of age. Now most people are saying to wait until 1 year or older.


This is true to some degree. Age at spay is fairly heavily debated. All depends on what research you read. I haven't personally read all of what's come out, and I haven't spayed a dog in over 2 years.

On the dew claws, I think you made a good choice to leaving the dew claws on. I did read an article a while back by a vet (surgeon I think) that talked about the number of dogs she sees with carpal arthritis. More (most?) of the dogs she saw with the condition had had their dew claws removed. She was talking about hunting dogs specifically. I'll try to find and share the article.



It is highly debated and I come no where close to being up to date on the information. Just wanted to make sure she had a chance to make an informed decision on her part.

Regarding the dew claws, is the condition based on where the claw is located on the wrist? Trauma to that area causes the issue? Most people believe they aren't good for anything. Interesting to hear.

Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6902596 09/28/17 10:01 PM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,859
C
Cow_doc.308 Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
C
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,859
Here is her explanation. I thought it was a bigger sample size than 30 dogs but none the less it does make some sense.

Dew claws

Personally, even before I read this, I've always been more in the camp of leave then until they cause a problem. And I have seen some problems, not just in working dogs. But I'd say the majority of animals never have a dew claw issue.


ETA: the article is not a real research study, it is the observation of her experience in practice.

Last edited by Cow_doc.308; 09/28/17 10:24 PM.
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: Cow_doc.308] #6902709 09/29/17 12:12 AM
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,868
C
Chet Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
C
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,868
Born with them, meant to be there. Mine are staying on.

Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6902947 09/29/17 03:47 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,573
L
Leonardo Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
L
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,573
Interesting especially the torque on the leg. Provoked a thought regarding ligament issues. Acl ect...

Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: bill oxner] #6903699 09/29/17 11:07 PM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,591
P
Pointer Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
P
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,591
Originally Posted By: bill oxner
I've always removed mine. It' really helps when booting dogs.


Aww Bill, I thought you wouldn't hunt where you had to boot a dog.

I will say, its gotta be pretty rough country (meaning, the dog just refuses to run), before I will

Last edited by Pointer; 09/29/17 11:09 PM.
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6904707 10/01/17 01:50 PM
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,864
B
blanked Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
B
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,864
How do you boot the dogs with dew claws. Been a real PITA for me

Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6925751 10/19/17 02:32 PM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,107
C
catslayer Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
C
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,107
I wish mine had here cut just so I didn't have to deal with that talon of a claw


Sombody smells like fried borritos...
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6925806 10/19/17 03:18 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630
Cast Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630
I leave them unless they stick way out, then they're prone to injury, so they go.


Cast

[Linked Image]

I have a short attention spa
Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: Chet] #6925911 10/19/17 04:44 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 35,409
Guy Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 35,409
Originally Posted By: Chet
Born with them, meant to be there. Mine are staying on.

What purpose do they serve?

Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6927024 10/20/17 04:51 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 332
S
Sweese Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
S
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 332
I leave them on for my retrievers. They can be useful to climb out of obstacles when swimming such as logs, or ice. To-date, this has not been a problem or hassle when upland hunting even around cut corn and milo.


Regards,

Jay
Photographer Afield
www.jayschwisow.com

Re: Do y'all remove your hunting dogs dew claws? [Re: My stand is pink camo] #6941109 10/31/17 07:19 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,410
R
reeltexan Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
R
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,410

I leave 'em. Never been an issue.


[Linked Image]

"Give me an Army of West Point graduates and I'll win a battle... Give me a handful of Texas Aggies and I'll win a war." - General Patton


Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3