dieselsmummy
11-07-08, 11:47 PM
If your dog has dew claws (most dogs do), then you'll want to pay extra attention to the dewclaws.
This is especially important during the puppy's first 6 months of life, because you need to make sure that they're growing properly and not getting in the way during your dog's regular activities.
Does Your Dog Have Dewclaws In Front? Back? Or Both?
The majority of dogs have dew claws on their front paws.
Some dogs also have dew claws on their back paws.
A dew claw is similar to a thumb -- complete with a toenail -- but it grows a bit higher up on the paw than the rest of the toenails on that paw and it never comes in contact with the ground.
Why Dew Claws Might Need To Be Removed
Rest assured that most dogs with dewclaws do just fine without having to remove the dewclaws.
But sometimes the dew claws are not "properly attached". They may also "dangle" or "hang", or just get in the way during the normal course of playing and walking.
Not to mention the fact that dogs with dew claws who also like to dig a lot, will sometimes irritate the dew claw, or even break the dew claw bone (not all dew claws have bones). This could usually happens when reaching through a chain link fence or something similar.
If the dew claws on your dog's front or rear paws seem to easily get caught on things, then they could easily rip off -- which would be very painful for the dog. In this case, you should talk with your vet about whether or not to have the dewclaw(s) removed.
How & When To Remove Dew Claws
Most dog owners who opt to have their dog's dewclaws removed have it done at the same time as the dog's spay or neuter surgery. That way, there is only one time going under the anesthesia, only one period of time for recovery, only one visit to the vet.
Dewclaw removal involves removing the entire toe, not just the claw, and the cost may increase if the toe is firmly attached.
This is especially important during the puppy's first 6 months of life, because you need to make sure that they're growing properly and not getting in the way during your dog's regular activities.
Does Your Dog Have Dewclaws In Front? Back? Or Both?
The majority of dogs have dew claws on their front paws.
Some dogs also have dew claws on their back paws.
A dew claw is similar to a thumb -- complete with a toenail -- but it grows a bit higher up on the paw than the rest of the toenails on that paw and it never comes in contact with the ground.
Why Dew Claws Might Need To Be Removed
Rest assured that most dogs with dewclaws do just fine without having to remove the dewclaws.
But sometimes the dew claws are not "properly attached". They may also "dangle" or "hang", or just get in the way during the normal course of playing and walking.
Not to mention the fact that dogs with dew claws who also like to dig a lot, will sometimes irritate the dew claw, or even break the dew claw bone (not all dew claws have bones). This could usually happens when reaching through a chain link fence or something similar.
If the dew claws on your dog's front or rear paws seem to easily get caught on things, then they could easily rip off -- which would be very painful for the dog. In this case, you should talk with your vet about whether or not to have the dewclaw(s) removed.
How & When To Remove Dew Claws
Most dog owners who opt to have their dog's dewclaws removed have it done at the same time as the dog's spay or neuter surgery. That way, there is only one time going under the anesthesia, only one period of time for recovery, only one visit to the vet.
Dewclaw removal involves removing the entire toe, not just the claw, and the cost may increase if the toe is firmly attached.