Yes, the dew claws are normally removed within the first week of a pups life. There are a few breeds (can't remember which ones) that require to keep them for show reasons. The rear dewclaws pose more of a problem as they stick out further and are not as atatched. If you do a lot of work with your dog or go hiking it is best to have especially the rear ones removed. They can rip very easily from brush and whatnot. If an emergency problem occurs it will be even more expensive to treat! If your dog still has them after a week old it is easier & cheaper to have them removed when you spay/neuter the dog as it will already be under anesthesia and what not. Sojme people have problems with them healing but it is ussualy because they are not taken care of properly. From what I have seen working at vet offices you must follow the directions on proper care: You MUST keep the area VERY DRY and do not let the dog lick or chew at the bandages. Also check with your vet as most will reccomend you keep the bandages on for only a few days, (most problems are caused by keeping the bandages on until the sutures come out) If the bandage becomes wet from outside or the dog licking you must remove the bandages and sometmes apply new clean dry ones (depending on how long they have already been on). That is the biggest problem moisture!