Caleb Foster
Dog owners often overlook the dew claw, a claw separate from the rest of the claws on a dog's paws, located further up on their legs. Since dew claws do not touch the ground, they can easily become overgrown and cause problems. Overgrown dew claws can get snagged on obstacles in the environment, irritating or embedding in the dog's leg tissue, and even causing injury. Therefore, it is important to properly trim and maintain your dog's dew claws.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location of dew claw | Found on the inner edge of a dog's leg, up and away from the rest of the paw |
| Frequency of trimming | Regular trimming is required to prevent overgrowth and related issues |
| Tools | Guillotine trimmer, scissor trimmer, dog nail grinder, nail clippers for dogs |
| Colour of dew claw | Dark, light, clear, or white |
| Quick identification | Visible in light-coloured claws; in dark claws, trim in small increments until an oblong area appears |
| Filing | Recommended to prevent sharp edges that can cause injury or get caught |
| Dew claw removal | Considered unnecessary and painful unless medically necessary |
| Grooming position | Dog should be relaxed and comfortable; larger dogs may be positioned on their side |
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What You'll Learn
Dew claws need regular trimming as they don't wear down naturally
Dew claws are the claws found on the inner edge of a dog's leg, separate from the rest of the paw. They are usually located higher up on the leg, above the paws. Most dogs have them, and they are a completely normal part of a dog's biology.
Unlike other claws, dew claws do not touch the ground, so they do not experience the same wear and can easily grow too long. This can cause irritation and discomfort for the dog, and they may become ingrown. Ingrown dew claws can curve back and cut into the dog's skin, causing extreme pain. If left to grow, they can even grow in a circle back into the dog's leg.
Therefore, it is important to trim dew claws regularly. Owners should pay special attention to the dew claws when trimming their dog's nails, as they can be easy to overlook. Owners should also be careful not to cut the quick, which is the centre of nerves and blood vessels inside the claw. If cut, it will bleed and cause pain. If the claw is dark, the quick may not be visible, so trimming should be done in small clips until an oblong area appears at the end of the claw. If the claw is light, the quick may be visible, and owners can trim accordingly.
After trimming, it is a good idea to file the claws to remove any sharp edges that could get caught or cut the dog's skin.
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How to identify if your dog's dew claw needs trimming
Dew claws are the claws found on the inner portion of a dog's lower leg, a little way up from the rest of the paw. They are easy for dog owners to overlook, as they are not in the same area as the rest of the claws. This means they can be ignored for so long that they become overgrown or ingrown, curling back toward the dog's leg and growing into their skin.
If your dog's dew claw has curled into a circular shape, it is time for a trim. Check your dog's dew claws every few weeks to be sure they don't curl into the paw pads. If the nail is starting to curl and wrap around upward and back toward the dog's leg, it is too long and needs trimming.
If the dew claw has become ingrown, you will need to take your dog to the vet to have it trimmed the first time. If the ingrown nail has caused a wound, it is best to see a vet before cutting it. If the dew claw is infected, your dog may show signs of pain or discomfort, and you should take them to the vet.
If your dog is unwilling to let you trim their dew claw, take them to a professional groomer.
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How to restrain your dog before clipping their nails
Nail trimming can be a stressful experience for both you and your dog. Here are some tips to help restrain your dog before clipping their nails:
Use Restraining Devices
You can use restraining devices such as a harness or a grooming loop to keep your dog in one spot. This can involve suspending them in the air with a harness or using a restraint system that goes around their neck and lower torso, attaching to a sturdy surface or table. However, some dogs may feel less restricted on a high stool rather than a large table. If using a restraining device, introduce it to your dog gradually to avoid causing further stress.
Counter-Conditioning
Counter-conditioning can help change your dog's negative response to nail clipping. Start by pairing the nail clippers with treats. Hold the clippers in one hand and offer a high-value treat from the other, repeating this process until your dog associates the clippers with positive rewards. Gradually move the clippers closer to your dog, eventually touching them with it, while continuing to offer treats. This helps create a positive association between nail clipping and rewards.
Desensitization
Desensitization involves getting your dog accustomed to the nail-clipping process without causing stress. This can be done by laying the clippers next to their feed dish or presenting them with treats even when you're not using them. You can also get your dog used to wearing a muzzle at other times of the day so they don't associate it solely with nail trimming.
Positive Reinforcement
Rewarding your dog for good behavior during the grooming process is crucial. Offer lots of praise, treats, and positive reinforcement when they stand still, sit patiently, or allow you to touch the clippers to their nails. This helps them associate nail clipping with positive experiences, increasing the likelihood of cooperation.
Filing Nails
If your dog is resistant to nail clippers or grinders, you can teach them to file their own nails. Cover a board with sandpaper and encourage your dog to paw at it, filing their own nails. This method avoids the need for restraint and can be particularly useful for dogs that dislike traditional nail trimming tools.
Remember, it's important to remain calm and patient throughout the process. By using these techniques, you can help make nail trimming a stress-free experience for both you and your dog.
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How to choose the right tool for trimming your dog's dew claw
Trimming your dog's dew claw is important for their health and well-being. However, choosing the right tool for the job is crucial to avoid injuring your dog.
Firstly, it is important to note that the types of nail trimmers used for human nails are not suitable for dogs. Using human nail clippers can cause cracking and splitting on dog nails. Therefore, it is important to use nail trimmers specifically designed for dogs. These clippers should allow you to get as close to the end of the nail as possible.
If your dog has dark nails, it is best to leave the trimming to a professional. Dark nails make it difficult to see the quick, which is the fleshy bed inside the nail that contains a blood vessel. Accidentally cutting the quick can cause significant bleeding and pain. If you can see the quick, it is important to cut just beyond the highest point of the nail, without trimming at the same angle as it grows. This will prevent overgrowth and make future trims easier.
If your dog's nails are overgrown, cut a little bit at a time to avoid reaching the quick. You can also use a flashlight to illuminate the inside of the claw, making it easier to spot the quick.
After trimming, it is important to file down the nails to smooth out any sharp edges. You can use a nail file or a pet-specific nail grinder to do this.
If you are unsure about trimming your dog's dew claw, it is best to consult a professional groomer or veterinarian. They will have the right tools and experience to get the job done quickly and safely.
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What to do if you accidentally cut the quick
If you accidentally cut the quick of your dog's dew claw, it will bleed and cause pain. To stop the bleeding, you can use styptic powder, or cornstarch if you don't have styptic powder on hand.
If you can't see the quick inside the nail, it's best to get a professional to cut it, as the end is likely to be ingrown and infected. If an ingrown nail has caused a wound, it's recommended to see a vet before cutting it.
To help prevent cutting the quick, you can use clippers that include a quick finder, available at most pet retailers. If your dog's dew claw is dark-colored, the quick inside the claw is not visible, and trimming must be done in several very small clips. On a light-colored claw, the discoloration of the quick may be visible, but if it's not, take small clips until the end of the claw shows a gray or pink oblong area, then stop to avoid cutting the quick.
With regular trimming, the quick will recede, and the nail can remain clipped short. It's important to trim your dog's dew claws regularly to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
A dog's dew claw is the claw found on the inside edge of its leg, up and away from the rest of the paw.
Decide which trimmer works best for your dog's nails. You can use a guillotine trimmer or scissor trimmer. Hold the dog's paw between your thumb and forefinger and move the dew claw slightly away from its foot before trimming. If your dog's dew claw is dark in colour, trim very small amounts until you are comfortable with the length. If it is lighter in colour, the quick may be visible, so you can position the claw for easy clipping.
The quick is a centre of nerves and blood vessels inside the claw. Cutting into it can cause pain and serious injury to your dog. If your dog's dew claw is dark in colour, it is best to trim in small clips until you see a grey or pink oblong area to avoid cutting the quick. If the claw is light in colour, the quick may be visible, so you can cut around it.
