7 week puppy still has dew claws – what to do?

by Robert Tallman
(Grapevine Arkansas)

I have a 7 week old Rottweiler that still has his dew claws. Is this going to be a problem in the future and i guess it’s to late to remove now – right?

What do y’all think about Thor anyway?

Hi Robert
Although dewclaws are often removed as a matter of course within the first few days of a puppy’s life (and at the same time as the tail is being docked on breeds where that is routine), they don’t HAVE to be removed at all.

Occasionally an intact dew claw may get injured and need to be removed, or get infected, but this won’t necessarily happen. Chances are Thor will be just fine as he is.

If you really want to have them removed now you can ask your vet to do that at the same time as he is neutered, then there’s just one anesthesia and both procedures are done at the same time. However, removing those dewclaws once the pup is more than a few days old can be more difficult and painful and as it’s most likely not really necessary it’s a personal decision. I’d check the pros and cons with your veterinarian before making a decision.

… and Thor looks adorable 🙂

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Jan 19, 2017

Dew Claws NEW
by: Sandy

We got our Lucy when she was 4 years old. Her tail was docked, but she still had her dew claw. She never had any issues with them, but the way they were so big and dragged on the ground,it would have been easy for them to get caught on something. I wish that they would have been removed when she was younger.


Jun 16, 2014

Luci Grace (9 wks old) NEW
by: Dawn Moore

My rotty is 9 wks old and has her dew claws. We asked the vet Saturday and he told us its a personal choice but at her age its very painful and has to stay overnight. I told my hubby since the breeder docked her tail and left the dew claws thats how she Luci Grace would stay. We arent breeding her and she is an inside outside dog. Love her!!!!!! Her daddy was a champion and came in 3rd 5 yrs ago. Of course his were removed. Lol!!!! She is beautiful.


Apr 05, 2012

dew claws NEW
by: Mike

My first Rottie had dew claws and I never had them removed, he never had any problems with them.(RIP Scrappy) Just like suggested a few post back just keep them trimmed like all his nails. My current Rottie Kush was born with one dew claw and I dont plane on removing it either. Its his and gives him personality. I love his lil dew claw..lol


Feb 26, 2012

dew claw NEW
by: Anonymous

Well i plan on leaving him just the way he is . I just wanted to make sure there wasnt going to be any problems in the future. Now i know Thor is going to big dog , is there a good time frame to start moveing him out to his dog pen. We have a real nice dog pen that my other dogs have stayed in . I just dont want to move him to soon.


Feb 26, 2012

Dew Claws NEW
by: Christopher Bayhi

The dew claws won???t cause a problem so long as you keep them trimmed properly. If not, it could grow back into the leg, or get hung up on something and torn out. Removal while neutering is best if you must have them removed. But there should be no problem with frequent trimming.


Feb 26, 2012

dewclaws NEW
by: Julie

I have a 5 year old Rottweiler. Her dewclaws have never been removed and she’s never had a problem.


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About The Rotty lover 2159 Articles
My name is Dr. Winnie. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Duke University, a Masters of Science in Biology from St Georges University, and graduated from the University of Pretoria Veterinary School in South Africa. I have been an animal lover and owners all my life having owned a Rottweiler named Duke, a Pekingese named Athena and now a Bull Mastiff named George, also known as big G! I'm also an amateur equestrian and love working with horses. I'm a full-time Veterinarian in South Africa specializing in internal medicine for large breed dogs. I enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 kids and Big G in my free time. Author and Contribturor at SeniorTailWaggers, A Love of Rottweilers, DogsCatsPets and TheDogsBone