Talk to Your Vet if You’re Considering Dewclaw Removalĭewclaw removal is an elective surgery that can have some unexpected results. If you are purchasing a dog from a breeder, you can ask about the puppy and whether they have dewclaws. Therefore, you are not guaranteed a breed that has absolutely no dewclaws. Other dogs may only have a small bit of protruding skin without a nail at all. Some dogs have a combination front and rear dewclaws while others only have one or the other. Since dewclaws are genetic, they can vary from breed to breed and dog to dog. This is a tricky topic and can only be answered by looking at a dog. If you keep your dog’s nails trimmed, dewclaws aren’t likely to be a concern. And as the Canadian study showed above, it may even impair your dog’s mobility as they age. For dogs with attached dewclaws, surgery may be far more traumatic. If your dog’s dewclaw is only attached by the skin and there’s a concern for damage to the appendage, then talk to your vet. However, removing natural dewclaws may be problematic in the future. So, does your dog physically need dewclaws? Well, dogs born without them makes it clear that they aren’t. The result of dogs having their dewclaws removed proved to have some arthritis issues in the future. The dewclaws have the important function of reducing the torque that is applied to the front legs, especially when dogs are turning at a canter (the main gait used in agility).” “With so many carpal bones that don’t tightly interlock with the adjacent bones, the ligaments of this joint can be easily stretched and even torn when torque (twisting) is applied to the leg. Physically, dewclaws are probably not necessary for dogs, but there is one study out of Canada that shows some concerns with dewclaw removal. However, dewclaws that only attach at the skin are not useful in these manners. Some dogs even use their dewclaws to climb, hold objects while they chew, and get traction on slippery surfaces. At high speeds (especially when turning) or on slippery surfaces, these dewclaws provide extra traction and help stabilize the carpal (wrist) joint.” When dogs run, their front feet often bend to the point where their dewclaws come in contact with the ground. How Do Dogs Use Their Dewclaws?Īccording to PetMD, “A dewclaw that is attached by bone to a dog’s front foot has a definite purpose. These appendages are often only held on by the skin.ĭue to the dewclaw never touching the ground, the nail doesn’t wear like the nails on the feet. Some species also have dewclaws on their hind legs. Like the cat, dog dewclaws are placed inside the front of the leg. For the most part, dewclaws never touch the ground. These appendages grow higher on the leg than the foot. Some dogs have dewclaws that attach to the bone of the foot while others are only attached at the skin. What are Dewclaws?ĭewclaws are pretty much the “thumbs” of your dog. What are dewclaws and can you find dogs without dewclaws? Today we address this funny little appendage and its impact on your pup.
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