Overgrown Dew Claw: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Overgrown dew claws are a common problem among dogs that can cause discomfort and even pain. Dew claws are the small toes on the side of a dog’s paw, and they are similar to human thumbs. All dogs are born with front dew claws, and some have hind and front dew claws too. Hind dew claws tend to be less well attached and floppier than front dew claws, so they are more likely to get damaged.

Overgrown dew claws can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and genetics. If left untreated, overgrown dew claws can become ingrown or infected, leading to further complications. It is important for dog owners to regularly check their pet’s dew claws and trim them when necessary to avoid these issues. However, trimming overgrown dew claws can be a delicate process, and it is important to do it correctly to avoid causing pain or injury to the dog.

Understanding Dew Claws

Dew claws are the small toes on the inside of a dog’s front or back leg. Not all dogs have dew claws, and some breeds have them only on their front legs, while others have them on both front and back legs. The Norwegian Lundehund is a breed that has double dew claws on each foot, which is a unique characteristic that allows them to climb steep cliffs and rocky terrain.

Dew claws are often considered vestigial structures, meaning they serve no real purpose. However, some experts believe that dew claws may have been used by dogs in the past for gripping prey or climbing trees. Today, dew claws can sometimes get in the way or become injured, so some owners choose to have them removed.

Double dew claws are more common in certain breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, Briard, and Beauceron. These extra claws can be functional or non-functional, and they may be removed for cosmetic or medical reasons.

Overgrown dew claws can be a problem for dogs. If left untrimmed, they can grow too long and curl back into the paw pad, causing pain and discomfort. Owners should regularly check their dog’s dew claws and trim them as needed. It’s important to use proper tools, such as dog nail clippers or a grinder, to avoid injuring the dog.

Genetics play a role in whether a dog has dew claws, and some breeds are more likely to have them than others. For example, most retrievers and spaniels have front dew claws, while boxers and Doberman Pinschers typically do not. Double dew claws are more common in certain breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, Briard, and Beauceron.

Common Dew Claw Conditions

Dewclaws are small toes located on the inside of a dog’s front or back legs. Overgrown dew claws are a common condition that can affect dogs of any age and breed. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, or lack of proper trimming.

Overgrown dew claws occur when the nails on the dewclaws grow too long and curl back towards the dog’s paw. This can cause discomfort, pain, and even infection. In severe cases, overgrown dew claws can become ingrown, which means they grow into the skin and cause further pain and inflammation.

Torn or broken dew claws are another common condition that can affect dogs. This can happen when a dog catches their dew claw on something, causing it to tear or break. This can be painful for the dog and may require veterinary attention to prevent infection and promote healing.

Infected dew claws are also a concern for dog owners. If a dog’s dew claw becomes infected, it can cause redness, swelling, and discomfort. This can be caused by bacteria entering the nail bed through a break in the skin or from a foreign object becoming lodged in the nail. In severe cases, an infected dew claw may need to be removed to prevent further complications.

Symptoms of Overgrown Dew Claws

An overgrown dew claw is a condition that can cause discomfort and pain to dogs. It occurs when the dewclaw, which is the claw located on the inner side of the paw, grows too long and begins to curl under the foot. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and other complications.

Here are some common symptoms of overgrown dew claws:

Limping

Dogs with overgrown dew claws may limp or favor the affected paw. This is because the long claw can put pressure on the nail bed, causing pain and discomfort.

Bleeding

Overgrown dew claws can also cause bleeding if the claw grows into the quick, which is the sensitive tissue that supplies blood to the nail. This can be painful and may require medical attention.

Inflammation

Inflammation and swelling in the surrounding area may occur due to the pressure caused by the overgrown dew claw.

Discomfort

Overgrown dew claws can cause discomfort and pain to dogs, especially if they are walking or running on hard surfaces. Licking is a sign there is discomfort on the paw, including dew claw.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take your dog to the vet for an examination. The vet may recommend trimming the overgrown dew claw or removing it altogether if it is causing significant discomfort or is at risk of becoming infected.

In some cases, dogs may require pain medication or antibiotics to help manage the symptoms of an overgrown dew claw. It is important to follow the vet’s instructions carefully and monitor your dog for any signs of complications or worsening symptoms.

See also: Dog Stomps Front Paws

Preventing Overgrown Dew Claws

Regular nail trimming is an essential part of maintaining a dog’s overall health and well-being. Neglecting to trim a dog’s nails can lead to overgrown dew claws, which can cause discomfort, pain, and even infection. Here are some tips on how to prevent overgrown dew claws:

1. Regular Nail Trimming

Regular nail trimming is the best way to prevent overgrown dew claws. Ideally, a dog’s nails should be trimmed every four to six weeks, depending on the breed and activity level. Trimming a dog’s nails can be done at home with the help of nail clippers or a nail grinder. Alternatively, a professional groomer or veterinarian can also trim a dog’s nails.

2. Proper Technique

When trimming a dog’s nails, it is important to use proper technique to avoid cutting the quick, which can cause pain and bleeding. The quick is the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. Using sharp nail clippers and cutting the nail at a 45-degree angle can help prevent cutting the quick. If the dog has dark nails, it may be difficult to see the quick. In this case, it is best to trim a small amount at a time and stop before reaching the quick.

3. Positive Reinforcement

Dogs may be resistant to having their nails trimmed, especially if they have had a bad experience in the past. Positive reinforcement can help make the process more enjoyable for both the dog and the owner. Offering treats, praise, and toys can help distract the dog and create a positive association with nail trimming.

4. Maintained Dew Claws

Dew claws are the small toes on the inside of a dog’s front or back leg. If a dog has dew claws, they must be commonly checked especially for overgrowth. Overgrown dew claws can curl into the skin and cause pain and infection. Regularly checking and trimming dew claws can help prevent overgrowth and keep the dog comfortable.

By following these tips, pet owners can help prevent overgrown dew claws and ensure their dog’s overall health and well-being.

Treating Overgrown Dew Claws

When a dog’s dew claw becomes overgrown, it can cause discomfort, pain, and even infection. It is important to treat an overgrown dew claw promptly to prevent further complications.

If the overgrown dew claw is not severe, it can be trimmed at home using a pair of sharp dog nail clippers or a dog nail grinder. However, if the dew claw is severely overgrown or infected, it is best to seek veterinary care. A veterinarian or groomer can trim the dew claw safely and effectively, and provide any necessary pain relief medication.

In some cases, dew claw removal may be necessary. This is a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire dew claw, and it is typically performed under general anesthesia. Dew claw removal is usually recommended if the dew claw is causing repeated problems or if the dog is at risk of injuring the dew claw.

After dew claw removal surgery, the dog may require antibiotics to prevent infection and pain relief medication to manage discomfort. The dog’s paw may also need to be bandaged to prevent further injury.

Home Care for Dew Claw Injuries

When a dog’s dew claw is injured, it can be a painful experience for the animal. However, there are steps that can be taken at home to alleviate the discomfort and help the injury heal.

The first step is to assess the injury. If the dew claw is only slightly torn, it may be possible to treat it at home. However, if the injury is severe or if the dew claw has been completely torn off, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.

If the injury is minor, the first step is to stop any bleeding. This can be done by applying pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. If the bleeding does not stop, styptic powder can be used to help coagulate the blood.

Once the bleeding has stopped, the next step is to clean the area around the dew claw. This can be done by gently washing the area with warm water and a mild soap. It is important to work slowly and carefully to avoid causing further injury.

If the dew claw is overgrown, it may be necessary to trim it. This should be done carefully with sharp, clean clippers. If the dog is resistant to having the dew claw trimmed, it may be necessary to have a second person hold the animal still.

It is important to keep the area around the dew claw clean and dry. This will help prevent infection and promote healing. A flashlight can be used to inspect the area and make sure it is clean and free of debris.

If the injury is causing the dog significant discomfort, over-the-counter pain medication may be administered. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving any medication to a dog.

Frequently Asked Questions