AngelsToy
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Registered: 10/21/09
Posts: 53
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| | 02/08/10 at 08:21 PM | Reply with quote | #1 |
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There's a difference between front and rear dew claws. Rear ones are basically useless and most consider them ugly.
On hunting and field breeds front dew claws are often removed. Because they can snag them on things and tear them. On Russian toys I think the front dew claws are actually quite useful. Since our dogs have a LOT of 'manual' dexterity.
Physically it doesn't do anything bad to Russian toys. Chihuahuas hurt them easily. That is why their dewclaws better to be removed. Russian toys never have a problem hurting them, so there is no need to do it.
Russian toys are often born without the rear dewclaws. The rear ones are more often to be dangle. The front ones are even useful to the dog. They can use them to manipulate bones, sticks, and other things they want to 'hold'. I would really recommend to leave the front ones unless they really bother you. They use them to remove stuff stuck in their teeth or specs that get in the eye!
The front ones have muscles, bones, and nerves. The back ones don't. When they are really loose you can tie a piece of dental floss or nylon filament around the thinnest part, tight, and it will fall off in a few days. Many people even think that this slow gradual way of removing a rear dewclaw is more gentle than having the vet snip it off.
But still I would recommend to discuss with the vet about the back ones if you don't have much experience in taking care of them yourself or don't feel confident about doing it by your own.
Personally I let our vet remove any existing rear dew-claws at the first visit. There aren't too many in our dogs.
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Angelica Cain
http://angelstoykennel.com |
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AngelsToy
Moderator
Registered: 10/21/09
Posts: 53
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