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The Peril of Untrimmed Dewclaws: A Simple Check Can Prevent Injury
A dewclaw is the small nail located higher on a dog’s leg, similar to a human’s thumb. Unlike a dog’s other nails, dewclaws don’t make contact with the ground, so they don’t wear down naturally through walking. As a result, they can grow excessively long, curl inward, or get snagged on household items, leading to painful and sometimes costly injuries.
A recent incident with one of our client’s pups, highlights the importance of regular dewclaw maintenance. Her overgrown dewclaw became dangerously tangled in her dog tag, an accident that could have been much worse if someone hadn’t been home to intervene. After freeing her, it was a clear sign that more diligence was needed. A quick trim with clippers is all it takes to prevent such a mishap.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your pet:
- Check often: Make it a habit to check a dog’s dewclaws every time the dog is groomed. For dogs with thick coats, you may need to check more frequently.
- Trim regularly: Use dog nail clippers or a grinder to keep the dewclaws short. Be careful to avoid the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves.
- Consider potential risks: Long dewclaws can snag on blankets, carpet, or other fabrics, causing a tear. Overgrowth can cause the nail to curl back into the skin, leading to pain and infection.
By giving a little extra attention to this often-forgotten claw, you can help prevent injury and keep your furry friend safe.
