Should I Remove My Dogs Dew Claws?

If you have a dog, it’s likely they have dew claws. These nails are found on both front and rear legs and come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small and close to the paw, while others dangle a bit.

They’re a great way for your pup to keep his paws clean and dry while playing in the grass or romping around the yard, but dew claws can also get caught on a rug or in the bush and cause pain or injury. If your pup has a damaged or infected dew claw, it is important to take them to a veterinarian right away.

Removing a dew claw can be done under general anesthetic, but it’s best to have a vet do the procedure. This is not a simple or quick process, and it can be painful for the dog and may require post-op meds to make them comfortable.

The Australian Veterinary Association doesn’t advocate removal of dew claws on healthy dogs unless it is necessary for a medical reason (e.g., a severe injury or a cancerous tumor).

Your veterinarian can recommend that your puppy have his dewclaws removed at the time of neutering or spaying. This can be a good option because they’ll only need to have the surgery one time, and it will allow you to avoid the recovery period that goes along with the procedure.

But you should be aware that removing your pup’s dewclaws will cause the muscles in their legs to atrophy, which can lead to arthritis as they age. If you’re concerned about this, ask your veterinarian about alternative solutions for your pet’s joint health and mobility, like exercise, raw meat, bone-breaking chew toys, or splints to support the joint.

Besides, if you opt not to remove your dog’s dewclaws, it is important to trim their nails regularly to ensure they are always short enough not to cause problems with your pup’s paws.

Some dog owners have a hard time keeping their dewclaws trimmed, but it’s still a very important part of your dogs overall grooming routine and should not be ignored. This is because dewclaws are prone to catching on things and becoming overgrown or ingrown, which can be painful for your dog.

If you have a dog with double dewclaws, it’s likely they’ve had their nails shortened to prevent the claws from damaging your pup’s feet. This is a very common practice among breeders to conform to certain dog breeding standards.

It’s also important to remember that some breeds have different shaped dewclaws than others, and you should know what your dog’s specific dewclaws look like before choosing a puppy to adopt.

Some dogs, especially working and sporting breeds, have their dewclaws removed as a part of their training or competition requirements. While this isn’t an uncommon practice, it’s still a controversial issue. It can be confusing and stressful for some people when they find out their dog’s breeder removed their dewclaws, so it is a good idea to discuss the matter with your breeder before you make your decision.