<P> The dewclaws are not dead appendages . They can be used to lightly grip bones and other items that dogs hold with the paws . In some dogs these claws may not appear to be connected to the leg at all except by a flap of skin; in such dogs the claws do not have a use for gripping as the claw can easily fold or turn . </P> <P> Canids have four claws on the rear feet, although some domestic dog breeds or individuals have an additional claw - or more rarely, two, as is the case with the beauceron . A more technical term for these additional digits on the rear legs is hind - limb - specific preaxial polydactyly . Several genetic mechanisms can cause rear dewclaws; they involve the LMBR1 gene and related parts of the genome . Rear dewclaws often have no phalanx bones and are attached by skin only . </P> <P> There is some debate as to whether dewclaws should be surgically removed . The argument for removal states that dewclaws are a weak digit, barely attached to the leg, and thus they can rip partway off or easily catch on something and break, which can be painful and prone to infection . Dewclaw removal is most easily performed when the dog is young, around 2--5 days of age . It can also be performed on older dogs if necessary though the surgery may be more difficult then . The surgery is fairly straightforward and may be done with local anesthetics if the digit is not well connected to the leg . Many dogs can't resist licking the surgery site in the weeks following the procedure, so an Elizabethan collar or bitterant may be used to curtail this behavior, thus preventing infection . </P> <P> Some pups are commonly sold by breeders "dew clawed," that is with the dewclaws removed (as by a veterinarian) for perceived health and safety reasons . A few breed standards also call for it . </P>

When should dogs have their dew claws removed
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