Is my dog too old for dew claw removal, or is there an age limit?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on August 20th, 2019

  Dew claws are typically removed between 2 and 5 days of age. If it isn't done then, you can wait until she is spayed, but you will have to take care that she doesn't get it caught on anything that would cause injury.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 22nd, 2017

  It will be up to the vet to decide if they are willing to remove her dew claws. That's because it's considered a cosmetic surgery and not necessary, and there are vets who will not do it due to ethical reasons. Keep in mind as well that at her age, she will have to be fully anesthetized to have this done, and because at her age it's basically a fully grown toe, it will be an amputation procedure. Dogs do fine without having their dew claws removed, and it's something that isn't necessary. If dew claws are removed, it's best to be done when the puppy is three to five days old because at that point, the dew claw is more like fingernails, they are easily removed, and stitches aren't required. If she hasn't been spayed yet, you can ask your vet to remove the dew claws at the same time so she only has to be anesthetized once. You will have to speak to your vet to see if they will be willing to remove them or not.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful