Hello all!

Being that Nala is the first dog I have ever owned on my own I have heard it all when it comes to spaying, shots, grooming, etc. BUT one thing I was curious about is, are you supposed to get the dew claw removed as a pup? I have heard yes, and no, but I've noticed that Nala is now chewing on hers i stop her as soon as it happens but some times she will get aggressive as if it irritates her. So, my question is should we have gotten it removed and is it safe to do it now if so. I have also noticed that it gets caught on things and scratches the heck out of me and my fiance. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Also, I love sharing pictures of her so here is an updated picture of Nala and I

Usually as a puppy this is done, and for the reasons you have stated. I think they could still be removed but I can't say for sure.

I'm getting both Keyto and digger done.

Aslong as you can find a vet that is happy to do it - they can do it while they are being spayed/neutered which makes it cheaper on your pocket.

Keyto has had nothing but problems with her dew claws, and has ripped the claw's off the quick twice.
(it was keyto who did this, they got a bit knocked about and irritated her so she ripped them off.)

Unfortunately I already got her spayed, so I will have to fork out almost the same amount to have her dew claws removed.

I got told to wait until Digger was over 10 months old as the anesthetic can be tricky with husky pup's and it's better to wait till they are at an age where the risks are less.

If they are done as a puppy it is usually within the first 2 weeks by a 'specialist' vet as not all vets agree with it at this age as there is no use of anesthetic at this age.

Well, that's what it is like here anyway.

I was told that getting the dew claws removed when they are older is a very extensive surgery, especially if it has become bone bound. If it's just fleshy material, it can be removed. Some breeders will not remove the front dew claws though because it provides more grip when the dogs are running.

Here is another topic from earlier last year about this topic: https://www.itsahuskything.com/t8465-dew-claws

It can be painful when they are older - It's supposed to happen around day 3 of life.

The Vets don't mind doing it later in life if there are medical grounds to do so, like Keyto ripping them off and making them bleed (Boy does it ever!)

I have never gotten it done with an older dog myself. From what I understand the recovery can be quite difficult and painful. However, if it was a problem or was causing my dog any pain or discomfort, I would have them removed.

I think the best thing for you to do would be to schedule a consultation with a vet surgeon to get their advice. They should also be able to give you an estimate of cost.

Yeah I know they can help with traction and also when there climbing like with agility or hiking also a breeder I spoke with claimed that she had noticed removing it affected there gate and it wasn't as smooth as the ones with it.

Why would you wait until Digger is 10 months?? It would be much easier on him to do it the younger he is. The longer you wait, the more painful it is.

What a great smile on Nala. I would ask your vet for their recommendation. Sounds like something with Nala's dew claws are bothering her, and that's why she's chewing on them.
Lexie is 9 1/2 years old, still has her dew claws and isn't bothered by them. You could try wrapping them.
I bought a set of therapeutic wraps to help with Lexie's arthritis in her right "wrist". I believe the company was Back On Track. If you want the url, PM me. I'm new here, and not sure it's ok to post a url for a product I purchased.
This wrap also covers her dew claw. So this might help Nika.

Sheba&Kennedy wrote:

Why would you wait until Digger is 10 months?? It would be much easier on him to do it the younger he is. The longer you wait, the more painful it is.

The VET said to wait until he is this age because it reduces the risks of anesthetic.. their is a high risk of complications caused by anesthetic in immature pups, and because huskies can alter their metabolism, this increases the risks further.

Just cuz she chews them doesn't mean they are bothering her. It could be boredom or some quirky thing she just does. Kind of a nervous habit. I wouldn't worry unless they appear sore. My girl bites all of her nails.

THANK YOU EVERYONE! Sorry it took to long to reply to everyone its hard to reply on my cell, but i think your right Jill it may just be a nervous habbit they havent gotten to the point where they bleed or anything serious, i get them trimmed as well at the groomers so that helps I dont want to put her into surgery if it will cause her alot of pain in the long run i will ask the vet his opinion though when she goes to get spayed. she just chews them as if shes chewing on a bone thats all that worries me!

I found Kodiak doing this to his dew claws several times...I try stopping him because I am worried he will chew it right off! None of mine ever had their front dew claws removed, and Nikko even ripped his off at a dog park awhile back...it was quite messy :/

Lexi my shepherd mix bites her nails. She is a more anxious dog, but also has some minor allergy issues at different times of the year. Keeping her nails filed down seems to help.

I've had the same issues with Nava. I wrapped her rear dew claws to prevent her from chewing but it didn't work, she chewed everything I covered them with. She's 14 weeks and is currently at the vets office getting them removed. I'm a little nervous but the vet assured me she will be fine.