I don't know how many of you have dew claws removed from pups when they are born, but in my breed, it is something that is done.  It's not merely a cosmetic thing but mainly because of the risks of injury from tearing them when they get older (and my dogs also do agility so consider it safer).

But, with a litter due this week, I am really surprised how many vets (including my own) who refuse to remove them.   I have just phoned one who said they only remove them if its necessary ie if they get caught on something.   To which I replied - well, this is the reason I want them removing in the first place.   I know that tail docking is a no go area these days, but I hadn't realised dew claw removal was treated the same.

I've never had a problem getting my vets to take off the dewclaws, but the last litter was some years ago now. In fact one vet showed me how to do it myself.

Glad you popped up JG as I was going to ask -am I correct in thinking that the law only applies to tail docking and NOT dew claw removal when it comes to a vet HAVING to do it? Only I do dewclaws myself.

As far as I know anyone can remove dewclaws.

More and more vets are deciding not to do this now. I remove my own so don't have that problem until they make it law that nobody is allowed to it.

We had the same problem. Nobody noticed the rear dew claws on our mini long, even though her claws got caught,the vet refused to remove them as no injury was sustained.

my previous vets dont dock but do dew claws - still cant get my head round that one.

My vet does dew claws, but I know many vets won't. Someone in my breed asked her vet about it & he said they don't do them, but the pups wouldn't have them anyway because the mother didn't - not surprising she didn't have any - her DOUBLE dewclaws were removed at 3 days Some vet.

oh good. :) Thanks JG.