Reg: 12-06-2010
Posts: 721
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
Offline
Jethro's dew claws seem to be accumulating material underneath. He is chewing on them to clean them out. Are they normally removed? Is it too late to have them removed on a 13 month old dog? If I should be cleaning them, what is the best way to do that?
Here is a canine sports medicine specialist's opinion on the dewclaw issue. I attended Dr. Zink's seminar last month and have changed my mind about dewclaws. Previously, I thought they basically had no function and were just evolutionary "leftovers." After listening to her and seeing her slides of dogs in action, using the dewclaws, my opinion has changed.
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
Posts: 2781
Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
Offline
To answer the OP's question. Yes, you certainly can have a 13 month old dog's dewclaws removed if they're causing him health problems. I don't usually recommend it unless they are causing him issues though and if they are firmly attached it can be problematic. I know lots of dogs who had their dewclaws taken off when they were neutered. Most I've seen done have no ill effects that I could tell.
The best way to clean a dewclaw toe is by simply keeping the nail trimmed back and in a shapely form. Too tight a curl on the nail and too floppy and it can cause some issues. Usually I clean nail beds with a toothbrush. You can probably do the same thing with the dewclaw.
Not all dogs dewclaws are attached though- some have virtually no connective tissue at all.
Do you mean that some dogs don't have those five connecting tendons? Is it something that runs in certain breeds or just random? Can you tell by external examination if they are not connected to anything?
I know that sometimes, in posts, tone and nuance doesn't come through. I'm not challenging you at all, Kelly, just truly curious to learn as much as I can.
Reg: 12-06-2010
Posts: 721
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
Offline
They seem a little floppy, but they are well connected. I'm going to start by trimming and cleaning with a toothbrush. I wondered if dew claw removal was a sign of better puppy care or not. Why would they be removed in the first place?
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Managing dew claws
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
