What are the Important Tips I Should Know When Trimming My Dog’s Dew Claw?
In the article below, we’ll walk you through some of the most important tips to keep in mind when trimming your dog’s dew claw. Read on to learn more!
6 tips dog parents should know when trimming their dog’s dew claw include:
Dew claws are easy for dog owners to overlook because they are not in the same area as the rest of the dog’s claws. For this reason, they can be ignored for so long that they become overgrown or ingrown, meaning that they can curl back toward the dog’s leg and grow into their skin.
This is a painful situation for your dog and can lead to infections easily as well. It is very important to prevent your dog’s dew claws from growing this long if you can help it.
Dew claws can be sore, especially if they have become overgrown or are poking the dog’s skin. For this reason, dogs can be nervous when you trim their dew claws for the first time.
If your dog seems to be in a lot of pain when you trim their dew claws, you may need groomer or vet assistance. However, a little bit of discomfort is to be expected, especially the first time.
My dog does not let anyone near her nails! Her dew claws are bad and I have followed each bit of advice on the internet with no luck! I took her to the vets and they tried but couldn’t succeed either… They booked us in for an appointment to sedate her (Although sedating over nails worries me) but then the coronavirus happened and due to my mother having stage 5 kidney failure, shes at extremely high risk so we’ve been on total lock down and had to cancel the appointment. Her dew claw is really overgrown and is almost a full circle now, her other nails aren’t too bad because I wear them down on the concrete in my garden but everytime I see her dew claw my heart breaks because I know she must find them uncomfortable and it makes me feel like a neglectful owner. We rescued Maisie at 7 months old and we should have renamed her nervous nelly. The vets said they haven’t seen a dog so jumpy over getting her nails cut and thats why he thought the only way is sedating her. I don’t think I can wait until the outbreak is over to get them cut or the dew claw will be fully grown in. Although, I cannot risk leaving the house because if I caught the virus, it would more than likely kill my mum. I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place and don’t know what to do… I have literally tried everything, speaking in a gentle voice, holding her paws to get her used to it, trying to get her use to the clippers, etc… etc… I know the chances are slim that what you recommend will work but I’m willing to take any advice what so ever, thanks.
Hi Nina, The best way to approach a dew claw that has curled around, in my opinion, is to cut a little bit at a time. You dont want to cut deep and reach the quick of the nail – one bad experience may make Benny afraid of nail trimming in the future. You can manipulate the dew claw easily, making for a clear view of where to cut. If you are hesitant of trimming the claw, see the groomer who will have the best tools for getting the job done quickly. Good luck!
Hello, please take Brady to the veterinarian. They will assess the situation and determine the best way to trim the dewclaw. Do not leave it because infection may set in. I would make an appointment right away. Good luck and I hope everything goes well for Brady.
Your dogs dew claws are not necessary unless your dog is climbing mountains and saving small children from the Alps. Many dogs are still born with these dew claws. Some breeders have them removed before they sell, however, rescue dogs and dogs from breeders who choose not to remove the dew claws will still have them intact. Be sure to keep your pup in Top Dog shape instead of ruff shape by keeping these dews clipped.
How long should a dogs dewclaws be? I know with the rest of the claws they should either gently rest on the ground when standing or not touch the ground at all. But Im not sure how long her dew claws should be. Her claws are black so I cant see the quicks. We took her to the vet and he trimmed them but they still have a curve to them, which my instinct tells me is still too long. Should I take her to an actual groomer and have them trimmed more?
What are dew claws?
Dew claws are short nails on the site of the foot that don’t touch the ground. They are often referred to as a dog’s thumb, but they have a lot less purpose and value to a dog than a human’s thumb does.
From an evolutionary perspective, it has been discovered that, around 40 million years ago, the cat-like animal miacis – a very early ancestor of modern dogs – needed all five toes for climbing trees. However, since then dogs have evolved and the physiology of their paws changed to allow for more speed when hunting on the ground. Dew claws are basically leftovers of the canine evolutionary process.
The majority of dogs have dew claws only on their front paws, however some dogs exhibit dew claws on their hind feet, e.g. Newfoundlands. And in some cases dogs even have an extra toe which is often referred to as a double dew claw, or polydactyl (meaning “extra toe”) and is commonly found in breeds like the Briard, St Bernard and Great Pyrenees.
How To Trim A Dog’s Dew Claws
You may have noticed your dog’s little toe that sits a bit higher up the leg, away from the bed of its paws. In some dogs, they are tightly attached, in other dogs they only seem loosely attached to the leg. These are your dog’s dew claws.
You may have found this article because you are considering removing your dog’s dew claws. This article will help you understand what dew claws are, explore their function and which different types of dew claws there are. We discuss the pros and cons of surgical removal as well as the implications and costs of such a procedure.