De-clawing

bigdoglover · 10-03-2005, 07:18 AM

I was inspired to post this after reading the "Debarking" thread.

I received a call about a week ago from an individual wanting a pup. He proceeded to tell me about his 2 dogs, Lab and Mini Schnauzer, who were getting on up in age, etc.

After chatting for awhile, he asked my what my thoughts were on de-clawing a dog. I promptly asked him "Why would you do that?" to which he responded.."We have wood floors in our house, and our dogs claws have left marks all over them...they are ruined" I was in shock. This man was mad that his floors were ruined, yet wanted another dog!! So he was going to de-claw his next dog in order to "preserve" his precious floors!!

I told him that I was totally against it, and explained how a dogs claws were an integeral part of their body in terms of balance and function. His response? "Oh".

Needless to say, I haven't heard back from him. Thank goodness. I would never sell a pup to someone who valued their floors over the well being of a dog!!

Any thoughts on the topic, and would your vet do this?

Shadowkins · 10-03-2005, 07:26 AM

It never ceases to amaze me where some people's priorities lie. Honestly, dog are living creatures. God put claws on dogs for a reason ( as well as vocal chords!!!). I wouldn't sell that clown a dog either...wonder if he considered de-nailing himself???
Sorry , that just rubs me the wrong way. As far as my vet...he has certain ethics and would not agree to perform this. Fortunately, my vet is a vet because he loves animals not for the almighty dollar.

theGOOCH · 10-03-2005, 07:29 AM

Quote:

God put claws on dogs for a reason ( as well as vocal chords!!!).

Just to play the Devil's advocate, do you feel the same way about a dog's reproductive organs?

Shadowkins · 10-03-2005, 07:36 AM

You got a point there...I guess. However, we spay or neuter as a matter of health for our animals and so they don't end up on death row of some shelter. It seems to me though that claws ets.
are a definite necessity in dogs ( unless of course there would be a medical reason...can't think of any though).
But just to save your floors! come on isn't that just a bit ridiculous. Anyways that's jmo...I get very defensive when I know animals are put through procedures for our esthetic needs. My Shadow has had to go through extensive procedures for health reasons and everytime it has been very difficult for him...why would anyone intentionally put an animal through surgery? But in the end you did make a good point.

Mom2Many · 10-03-2005, 07:41 AM

I can't believe how dumb some people are, declawing a dog is as ridiculous as they come. Good thing you sent this person packing, I too wonder if you could even find a vet that would be comfortable doing a horrid procedure like that.

TribalRats · 10-03-2005, 08:40 AM

dew claws and vocal cords do not overload shelters with thousands of unwanted puppies every year. I'm sorry but that is SO far from the same thing.

theGOOCH · 10-03-2005, 09:33 AM

Quote:

dew claws and vocal cords do not overload shelters with thousands of unwanted puppies every year. I'm sorry but that is SO far from the same thing.

The point that I was responding to was that "God gave them nails and vocal cords for a reason" In this line of reasoning it is the same thing.

Sayuri · 10-03-2005, 10:18 AM

What I really don't get is why this man couldn't have just kept the nails clipped short...Is it really *that* much of an inconvenience that he has to consider a drastic surgery that will affect his animals' mobility?

Mom2Many · 10-03-2005, 10:50 AM

Exactly, a dogs claws should not actually touch the floor when they are walking if they are clipped correctly anyways.

Mitmig · 10-03-2005, 11:08 AM

Luckely among other things declawing en debarking is prohibited in my homecountry (the Netherlands). I didn't know it was legal in the U.S.A. and I was really shocked reading it!

feinwerkbau · 10-03-2005, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theGOOCH

The point that I was responding to was that "God gave them nails and vocal cords for a reason" In this line of reasoning it is the same thing.

For the sake of arguement, yes, the same logic applies: God gave them nails, v chords, tails, ears etc etc etc for a reason.

However, in light of logical appropriateness, as dictated by circumstance(s), or otherwise dictated by man, certain fooling around with God's work is allowed, and in some instances, preferred.

I don;t see how declawing a dog can ever benefit the species, but who knows, there may be an extenuating circumstance in which doing so would actually increase the quality of life, or decrease the possibility of injury to said dog ... though I can;t really think of any off hand.

We fool around everyday, in varying ddgrees at any rate.

Sayuri · 10-03-2005, 11:22 AM

I knew about cat declawing, but until this post had never heard of declawing dogs. Somtimes it seems like our country is obsessed with making things as convenient and low-fuss as possible, even if that means that the voiceless members of our community must suffer.

shandoggy1 · 10-03-2005, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theGOOCH

The point that I was responding to was that "God gave them nails and vocal cords for a reason" In this line of reasoning it is the same thing.

So Gooch your comparing vocal cords and claws to neutering and spaying is that what you are saying? It looks like from the picture that your Dobe is intact are you breeding or showing him? Or are you just leaving them because you don't believe in fixing him? Neutering and spaying is a responsible thing to do to your pets. Women and men even get fixed to no longer produce but also for health reasons. Dogs need there claws and vocal cords you don't hear of people having there nails and vocals cords removed for no reason. Doing either removing vocal cords or de-clawing a dog is very cruel. Reproductive organs are a whole other subject!

kzunell · 10-03-2005, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TribalRats

dew claws and vocal cords do not overload shelters with thousands of unwanted puppies every year. I'm sorry but that is SO far from the same thing.

I have seen dogs brought into our local shelter for barking. quite a few actually. And I ntice that puppies seem to be adopted out quite quickly.
One other thought is I have known alot of showdog people that have never spayed or neutered their dogs and have also never had puppies. But I see the trouble and bother they go through to make sure they don't breed and have decided thay that is simply to much bothet and trouble for me so I will take my lab bitch down to be spayed as soon as I can because I just don't want the hassle of her coming in heat. So screw Gods plan I am ripping out her reproductive organs to make it more convenient for me.
One other thought I have is that it would be a good idea to require people to take a class before being allowed to get a puppy but maybe waive this requirement if they get a dog over a year old.
And I would never aprove of removing the dogs claws . Well except for the dew claws of course because whatever reason god put those there for don't seem to be around anymore.

Kelly

loveschnauzers · 10-03-2005, 11:57 AM

I can not understand why any one would consider having a dog declawed. I have saw a product that is like nail tips _i wonder if that whoud stop the scratching and save that dogs feet?I have a Miniature Schanuzer and a Lab too- My hard wood is not scratched -- I have 3 kids. Sounds to me like that person might be a nut!!! Besides scratches adds charater, design, style and a homey feeling....

10-03-2005, 07:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
bigdoglover Giant Schnauzers Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West-Central Illinois Posts: 3,624 Rep Power: 177	De-clawing I was inspired to post this after reading the "Debarking" thread. I received a call about a week ago from an individual wanting a pup. He proceeded to tell me about his 2 dogs, Lab and Mini Schnauzer, who were getting on up in age, etc. After chatting for awhile, he asked my what my thoughts were on de-clawing a dog. I promptly asked him "Why would you do that?" to which he responded.."We have wood floors in our house, and our dogs claws have left marks all over them...they are ruined" I was in shock. This man was mad that his floors were ruined, yet wanted another dog!! So he was going to de-claw his next dog in order to "preserve" his precious floors!! I told him that I was totally against it, and explained how a dogs claws were an integeral part of their body in terms of balance and function. His response? "Oh". Needless to say, I haven't heard back from him. Thank goodness. I would never sell a pup to someone who valued their floors over the well being of a dog!! Any thoughts on the topic, and would your vet do this?
	__________________ Glory and Greed will destroy the breed.

10-03-2005, 07:41 AM	#5 (permalink)
Mom2Many Owned by 1 GSD & 1 APBT Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Untangling Gunnar's Leash Posts: 873 Rep Power: 92	I can't believe how dumb some people are, declawing a dog is as ridiculous as they come. Good thing you sent this person packing, I too wonder if you could even find a vet that would be comfortable doing a horrid procedure like that.
	__________________ Thanks to Keyodie for the beautiful signature! SAY NO TO BSL!

10-03-2005, 08:40 AM	#6 (permalink)
TribalRats Take Responsibility Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Valley, CA Posts: 3,327 Rep Power: 145	dew claws and vocal cords do not overload shelters with thousands of unwanted puppies every year. I'm sorry but that is SO far from the same thing.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

10-03-2005, 10:18 AM	#8 (permalink)
Sayuri Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: In the gorgeous NW Posts: 932 Rep Power: 132	What I really don't get is why this man couldn't have just kept the nails clipped short...Is it really that much of an inconvenience that he has to consider a drastic surgery that will affect his animals' mobility?
	__________________ As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

10-03-2005, 10:50 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mom2Many Owned by 1 GSD & 1 APBT Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Untangling Gunnar's Leash Posts: 873 Rep Power: 92	Exactly, a dogs claws should not actually touch the floor when they are walking if they are clipped correctly anyways.
	__________________ Thanks to Keyodie for the beautiful signature! SAY NO TO BSL!

10-03-2005, 07:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
Shadowkins Shadowkins Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 2,726 Rep Power: 129	It never ceases to amaze me where some people's priorities lie. Honestly, dog are living creatures. God put claws on dogs for a reason ( as well as vocal chords!!!). I wouldn't sell that clown a dog either...wonder if he considered de-nailing himself??? Sorry , that just rubs me the wrong way. As far as my vet...he has certain ethics and would not agree to perform this. Fortunately, my vet is a vet because he loves animals not for the almighty dollar.

10-03-2005, 07:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
Shadowkins Shadowkins Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 2,726 Rep Power: 129	You got a point there...I guess. However, we spay or neuter as a matter of health for our animals and so they don't end up on death row of some shelter. It seems to me though that claws ets. are a definite necessity in dogs ( unless of course there would be a medical reason...can't think of any though). But just to save your floors! come on isn't that just a bit ridiculous. Anyways that's jmo...I get very defensive when I know animals are put through procedures for our esthetic needs. My Shadow has had to go through extensive procedures for health reasons and everytime it has been very difficult for him...why would anyone intentionally put an animal through surgery? But in the end you did make a good point.

10-03-2005, 11:08 AM	#10 (permalink)
Mitmig Our little LekLek Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Koh Samui, Thailand Posts: 169 Rep Power: 65	Luckely among other things declawing en debarking is prohibited in my homecountry (the Netherlands). I didn't know it was legal in the U.S.A. and I was really shocked reading it!
	__________________ Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.

10-03-2005, 11:22 AM	#12 (permalink)
Sayuri Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: In the gorgeous NW Posts: 932 Rep Power: 132	I knew about cat declawing, but until this post had never heard of declawing dogs. Somtimes it seems like our country is obsessed with making things as convenient and low-fuss as possible, even if that means that the voiceless members of our community must suffer.
	__________________ As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

10-03-2005, 11:57 AM	#15 (permalink)
loveschnauzers Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4 Rep Power: 0	I can not understand why any one would consider having a dog declawed. I have saw a product that is like nail tips _i wonder if that whoud stop the scratching and save that dogs feet?I have a Miniature Schanuzer and a Lab too- My hard wood is not scratched -- I have 3 kids. Sounds to me like that person might be a nut!!! Besides scratches adds charater, design, style and a homey feeling....
loveschnauzers Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4 Rep Power: 0

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