Hello

My puppies are now five days old ,when weighing today is had a good old look at them whilst mum was nicely chilled,a cpl have rear dew claws ,this is a no no,suggestions on removal please

I think you've left it too late; usually 5 days is considered the latest for removal. But ask your vet in case they'll do it tomorrow for you.

Unfortunately you have left it a little late. Dew claws can only legally be removed from pups between 2-5 days old. Unless you want to have a go at removing them yourself now. I am surprised you have only just spotted them. I always examine my pups thoroughly as soon as they are born and then handle them regularly so anything like this immediately.

My vet refuses to remove after 3 days old.  I've had them removed at 36 hours and they didn't make a noise.  I've had them removed at 3 days, and they have felt it.

Hi
The pups are handled regularly , I gave them a quick check over but due to difficult birth and anxious mum didn't do more than sex and weigh them as my other breed don't have them I truly didn't give it my upmost thought,having a stuck fast puppy that died , mum and following babies had my attention ,bugger if I've missed the boat , but thanks for the reply

Dew claws can only legally be removed from pups between 2-5 days old.

Unfortunately that isn't correct -the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (with lots of later amendments, but nothing for dewclaws) allows for dewclaw removal before puppy's eyes are open by a suitable person aged over 18. However, I have NEVER heard of a vet or anyone else who would consider removing dewclaws past 4 days. It would simply be cruel and dangerous.

I too am surprised the OP only spotted the rear dewclaws after 5 days. I get them in both  breeds in most litters and note them down as soon as the puppy is born, at the same time as noting what sex it is. They're easy enough to spot. I have my vet remove them at 3 or 4 days of age (depending on how the days of the week fall -prefer 3 days but if that falls on a Sunday, then 4 days it is!) and he does it free of charge. Used to do it myself but it isn't pleasant when you get the really big ones with bone in, no smaller than the other toes, so I am happy to hand the task over to the professionals.

>Used to do it myself but it isn't pleasant when you get the really big ones with bone in, no smaller than the other toes, so I am happy to hand the task over to the professionals

I have removed extra toes on guinea pigs at birth, but I could never quite find the nerve to do it on a puppy.

This really should have been done within the first 24/48 hours really.   If they need to come off, take the puppies straight to the vet - you might phone first to make sure he'll do it at this age.

My breed have them too and they are taken off before 3 days. I like to get the vet out 36hrs after birth anyway to give everyone a quick check and they do them at the same time. I pop Mum in the car and take her for a trip round the block while the vet and nurse deal with the claws. Less stress for her...and me ! By the time we come back the pups are all usually snoring away again. I think if its now 5 days you have missed the boat. They can be removed under a GA later on. Maybe if you hip/elbow score the vet will do them at the same time.
Aileen

> They can be removed under a GA later on. Maybe if you hip/elbow score the vet will do them at the same time.

No experience of puppy dew claw removal, but my last dog was an adult rescue (lab cross) and had rear dewclaws. He would sometimes get them caught on things, so the vet removed them when he was under for castration at about 6 yrs old.

My puppies had them removed at three days, I think you may have left it too late, see what your Vet says.