![]() These rear dew claws are almost always removed shortly after birth both for the breed standard and to prevent future injuries. In the cases where rear dew claws are present, they are considered an anomaly. Which paws have a dew claw?ĭachshunds are almost always born with front dew claws. If you’ve never seen a Dachshund that still has their dew claws, this may come as a surprise. Like most dogs, Dachshunds are usually born with dew claws. However, as we learned more about dogs and how their bodies work, scientists and veterinarians have discovered that dogs can use their dew claws in several ways in their daily lives including for balance and traction. In the past, it was believed that the dew claw had no actual purpose. Unlike the other toes, the dew claw doesn’t bear any weight when your dog is standing, which leaves many dog owners wondering: What are dew claws? What is a dew claw for? Do they serve any purpose for your dog? ![]() These dew claws are often only attached by skin and are easier to remove but are also more prone to injuries. But, if you look closer, you will notice that there is an actual digit, or toe, as well.Ī dog’s dew claw can be either attached or detached.Īn attached dew claw has a bone in it, allowing it to fuse and attach to the bones in your dog’s paw.Ī detached dew claw does not have a bone. It sits slightly higher than the rest of your dog’s toes on the inside of the leg.Īt first glance, most dog owners notice only the claw. Treatment will be based on the underlying cause and can include antibiotics along with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal treatments.Dew claw removal was once a common practice in the United States.īut, as we learn more about the purpose of the dew claw and how it is used in their daily lives, many veterinarians are choosing not to perform this procedure unless there is an injury.īut what is a dew claw and what role does it play in your Dachshund’s regular routine? What Are Dew Claws?Ī dog’s dew claw is the fifth digit on a dog’s paws similar to a thumb or big toe. Your vet will need to conduct a complete examination to identify the origin of the infection and may need to run additional tests. Infected dew claws require prompt veterinary attention. An infected dew claw can cause pain, redness and swelling to the area. A pet with an infected dew claw will often lick or chew the effected foot and you may notice blood, pus or an unpleasant smell from the nail bed. They can also get an infected dew claw from chewing their paws regularly which can transfer bacteria from their mouth to the nail bed. ![]() Infected dew claws – dew claw infections can develop from trauma to the nail itself or from a small cut or scrape on the skin near the dew claw. Pain relief and anti-biotics may also be prescribed as a precaution against more serious infection. Some pets may require a bandage on their foot, depending on the severity of the wound. The wound will then be cleaned and treated for any infection that may be present. Your vet may need to remove all or part of the nail. Speak to your vet about temporary solutions to help stop any bleeding until you arrive. Torn, broken or split dew claws require veterinary attention. It can be quite painful and bloody, often exposing the nails nerves. This is particularly common in highly active pets. Torn, broken or split dew claws – dew claws can easily catch on things due to their position on the inside of your pet’s foot and become torn, broken or split. Due to the risk of infection and sensitivity of the paw it is best to take your pet to the vet to have it treated. Older pets can get ingrown nails due to different growth rates, brittle nails and reduced activity as they age.Īn ingrown nail is relatively easy to treat, depending on how far the nail progressed and the extent of the damage to the paw pad. This is especially common on breeds with longer coats as it makes it difficult to see their nails. This can result in inflammation, sores, bleeding and infection. Ingrown dew claws – Overgrown dew claws can start to curl around and dig into their sensitive paw pads. For details on how to trim your pet nails, click here. Overgrown dew claws can easily catch on things and become torn or broken.Ī regular practice of nail trimming can solve this problem. This is very common with less active pets that don’t run, dig or play regularly. This makes them more likely to become overgrown. Overgrown dew claws – as dew claws are higher on the foot, they don’t wear down naturally from ground contact. However, there are situations when injuries or nails problems can occur: Common dew claw injuries and nail problemsĭew claws often cause no problem for dogs, cats and rabbits.
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