Question:
: I have a 12 week old JRT with a smooth coat. I've recently read about people getting their jack russells dew-clawed? Why is this done and do you recommend it?
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Hi Meghan,
Is it possible you are confusing dew claws with de-claw (no W, as in taking the claws off a cat)? You should definitely NOT EVER de-claw (no W) your dog!
The dew claw on a dog is a toenail or claw an inch or so up the leg-- where a thumb would be if dogs had thumbs. If your dog doesn't have these, she's already had them removed. She may have a tiny pink dot hairless there, a little scar. Most JRT breeders have their pups dews removed at the same time their tails are done, around 3-5 days of age. It is a minor procedure, in most cases completely painless and it heals very quickly. With an active, digging terrier, dew claws can become pulled injured. It is not neccessary to remove them if they weren't done when she was a baby, but you may want to consider having it done during her spay if she is particularly active, a big digger, you are going to hunt her or if you plan to participate in dog sports. Talk to your vet about this.
Otherwise, if you keep the dew claws on, just be careful to keep them trimmed. They're easy to forget and left unattended, they can circle back and grow back into themselves. This is very painful.
Hope this helps!
Heather
