Hi everyone,

My bitch had her litter of 7 puppies on Tuesday.  I have booked the puppies in to have their dew claws removed on Monday.  They will be 6 days old.  The vet say's that it is okay up to a week.  But I have read that after 3 days it is too late.  Also another lady that breeds whippets has told me that it is too late.

Can anyone give me some advice as I want to do the right thing.

We had our first litter two weeks ago, we had their dew claws removed at three days old. All the advice we got and all the books we read said remove within 3 to 4 days of birth. but other breeds may well vary.

We don't remove dewclaws in my breed as we don't get hind ones, but persdonally I woudl want them removed sooner than later as with each say the pups are beecoming more aware and their nevous systems are maturing.

I don't remove dew claws, but I wouldn't have tails or dew claws done after 3 days.

Me too, I would be inclined to ask the vet to do it today rather than leave it to after the weekend which would be pushing it a bit in my opinion especially if they are big puppies.

I wouldn't do it after day 3. Get the vet in to do it today.

I have my dew claws took of on 3day. wouldnt do it after that 6 days is to late

Hi,
Our pups recently had their dew claws removed when they were 3 days old.   The vet did say to us to have them done on the 3-4th day.   They hardly feel a thing when they're so young and I  think this is because their nervous system is very immature, so 6 days does seem a little late.

I had all but one of my pups removed at 2 days (one was a bit too poorly) - wouldn't have them removed any later than 3 days.

I've had mine done at 4 days and I was worried sick at leaving them that long.  I would be extremely unhappy with a vet waiting until they were 6 days.

I've always done them at 2 - 3 days and would be unhappy at waiting until 6 days. If I were you I'd get it done today.

Thanks for all your advice.

I have cancelled the vet today.  I am not happy about waiting 6 days.  I am also not happy with the receptionists attitude.  It was almost like if you don't want it done at 6 days then I suggest you take your business elsewhere.  I will have to think long and hard about changing my vet.

Once again, thanks for all your advice, I just wanted to see if anyone else had waited more than 3 days.

The only reason I wanted the dew claws removed was in case someone wanted to show the dogs.  But the breed standard does not say that you have to have the dew claws removed, but most people prefer it that way.

I get the impression 3 days is the right time. I'm probably going to get my Cavs dew claws removed if I breed, I've heard of and seen too many dogs with vastly overgrown dew claws because owners don't realise they need cutting more than the ones that touch the floor!

I always leave it until 3 days - then worry that that's too late! Six days, it would be horrendous, don't think my vet would do them that late

It's not just for show. Sighthounds seem to be particularly bad for tearing dew claws if they are exercised on any sort of rough ground. Also my vets say they can't understand why anyone in any breed leaves dew claws on because they see so many torn ones in adults.

Hope you managed to get them done. :)

I am not going to bother now.

I have 3 whippets.  2 with dew claws removed.  I have had more trouble with these two than the one with the dew claws.  They have torn their nails and hocks on several occasions.  However, the one with dew claws has had no trouble at all.