{"id":7619,"date":"2022-03-25T06:39:01","date_gmt":"2022-03-25T06:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/"},"modified":"2022-03-25T06:39:02","modified_gmt":"2022-03-25T06:39:02","slug":"what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the purpose of a dog&#8217;s dew claw?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#What_is_the_purpose_of_a_dogs_dew_claw\" title=\"What is the purpose of a dog&#8217;s dew claw?\">What is the purpose of a dog&#8217;s dew claw?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#Why_do_people_cut_off_dew_claws_on_dogs\" title=\"Why do people cut off dew claws on dogs?\">Why do people cut off dew claws on dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#Does_a_dog_need_its_dew_claw\" title=\"Does a dog need its dew claw?\">Does a dog need its dew claw?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#When_should_dew_claws_be_removed\" title=\"When should dew claws be removed?\">When should dew claws be removed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#What_happens_if_a_dog_loses_its_dew_claw\" title=\"What happens if a dog loses its dew claw?\">What happens if a dog loses its dew claw?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#Why_are_dogs_dew_claws_removed\" title=\"Why are dogs dew claws removed?\">Why are dogs dew claws removed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#Should_dewclaws_be_removed_from_dogs\" title=\"Should dewclaws be removed from dogs?\">Should dewclaws be removed from dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#Should_I_have_my_dogs_dew_claws_removed\" title=\"Should I have my dog&#8217;s dew claws removed?\">Should I have my dog&#8217;s dew claws removed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#Is_dew_claw_removal_necessary\" title=\"Is dew claw removal necessary?\">Is dew claw removal necessary?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#What_is_the_best_age_to_remove_dew_claws\" title=\"What is the best age to remove dew claws?\">What is the best age to remove dew claws?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#How_much_does_it_cost_to_get_dew_claws_removed\" title=\"How much does it cost to get dew claws removed?\">How much does it cost to get dew claws removed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#What_happens_if_a_dogs_dew_claw_comes_off\" title=\"What happens if a dog&#8217;s dew claw comes off?\">What happens if a dog&#8217;s dew claw comes off?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#Can_a_dog_regrow_a_dew_claw\" title=\"Can a dog regrow a dew claw?\">Can a dog regrow a dew claw?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#Should_dew_claws_on_dogs_be_removed\" title=\"Should dew claws on dogs be removed?\">Should dew claws on dogs be removed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#Why_do_dog_breeders_remove_dew_claws\" title=\"Why do dog breeders remove dew claws?\">Why do dog breeders remove dew claws?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-dogs-dew-claw\/#What_is_the_benefit_of_removing_dew_claws\" title=\"What is the benefit of removing dew claws?\">What is the benefit of removing dew claws?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_purpose_of_a_dogs_dew_claw\"><\/span>What is the purpose of a dog&#8217;s dew claw?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>At high speeds (especially when turning) or on slippery surfaces, these dewclaws <b>provide extra traction and help stabilize the carpal (wrist) joint. Some dogs also use their dewclaws to help them climb trees, hold objects to better chew on them, or climb out of the water if they&#8217;ve broken through ice.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_people_cut_off_dew_claws_on_dogs\"><\/span>Why do people cut off dew claws on dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In many breeds  but certainly not all  the dewclaw has traditionally been removed in the first few days of a dog&#8217;s life. <b>In some breeds, the removal is thought to improve appearance for the show ring. In others, it&#8217;s done to prevent possible injuries, such as being damaged while a hunting dog works through brambles.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_a_dog_need_its_dew_claw\"><\/span>Does a dog need its dew claw?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although dewclaws are nowhere near as helpful to a dog as a thumb is to a human, they still have a purpose. Some people think their dogs&#8217; dewclaws should be removed. But <b>dewclaw removal is necessary only in cases of severe injury or disease<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_dew_claws_be_removed\"><\/span>When should dew claws be removed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In many breeds  but certainly not all  the dewclaw has traditionally been removed in the first few days of a dog&#8217;s life. <b>In some breeds, the removal is thought to improve appearance for the show ring. In others, it&#8217;s done to prevent possible injuries, such as being damaged while a hunting dog works through brambles.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_a_dog_loses_its_dew_claw\"><\/span>What happens if a dog loses its dew claw?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In many cases, dewclaws are removed when a newborn is <b>between 3 and 5 days old. If the procedure is not done during that time, it is recommended to wait until the pet is at least 12 weeks old. Often, dewclaws are removed while the pet is undergoing spaying or neutering.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_are_dogs_dew_claws_removed\"><\/span>Why are dogs dew claws removed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Why Are Dewclaws Removed? Sometimes, as for hunting dogs or other working dogs, the dewclaws are removed <b>to prevent trauma to them. For pets born with deformed or extra dewclaws, removal is often recommended to prevent trauma to the dewclaws during normal play and activity.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_dewclaws_be_removed_from_dogs\"><\/span>Should dewclaws be removed from dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Because front dewclaws serve an important purpose, <b>they should not be removed unless there is a very good reason to do so. In rare cases, a dog&#8217;s dewclaw may be severely injured or develop a disease (e.g., a cancerous tumor) and removal under those circumstances would certainly be in the dog&#8217;s best interests.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_have_my_dogs_dew_claws_removed\"><\/span>Should I have my dog&#8217;s dew claws removed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Because front dewclaws serve an important purpose, <b>they should not be removed unless there is a very good reason to do so. In rare cases, a dog&#8217;s dewclaw may be severely injured or develop a disease (e.g., a cancerous tumor) and removal under those circumstances would certainly be in the dog&#8217;s best interests.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_dew_claw_removal_necessary\"><\/span>Is dew claw removal necessary?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Because front dewclaws serve an important purpose, <b>they should not be removed unless there is a very good reason to do so. In rare cases, a dog&#8217;s dewclaw may be severely injured or develop a disease (e.g., a cancerous tumor) and removal under those circumstances would certainly be in the dog&#8217;s best interests.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_age_to_remove_dew_claws\"><\/span>What is the best age to remove dew claws?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>3-5 days<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_it_cost_to_get_dew_claws_removed\"><\/span>How much does it cost to get dew claws removed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Vets usually charge a puppy exam fee and a dewclaw removal fee for each puppy. Depending on the practice, this cost is <b>around $30$40 per puppy and up. People sometimes ask, Can you remove dewclaws on an older dog? Dewclaw removal done at a later age is a surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_a_dogs_dew_claw_comes_off\"><\/span>What happens if a dog&#8217;s dew claw comes off?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If a dew claw is injured, you will often find that the animal may limp and cry out when you touch its leg. If the claw gets caught and torn off, <b>expect there to be a lot of bleeding. This is because dogs&#8217; nails have quicks (the soft tender flesh below the growing part of the nail), which have their own blood supply.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_dog_regrow_a_dew_claw\"><\/span>Can a dog regrow a dew claw?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If it is torn but still connected to the leg, then the nail will probably need to be removed completely (<b>it will re grow). If it is broken, the broken part of the nail will be trimmed off.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_dew_claws_on_dogs_be_removed\"><\/span>Should dew claws on dogs be removed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Because front dewclaws serve an important purpose, <b>they should not be removed unless there is a very good reason to do so. In rare cases, a dog&#8217;s dewclaw may be severely injured or develop a disease (e.g., a cancerous tumor) and removal under those circumstances would certainly be in the dog&#8217;s best interests.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_dog_breeders_remove_dew_claws\"><\/span>Why do dog breeders remove dew claws?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In many breeds  but certainly not all  the dewclaw has traditionally been removed in the first few days of a dog&#8217;s life. <b>In some breeds, the removal is thought to improve appearance for the show ring. In others, it&#8217;s done to prevent possible injuries, such as being damaged while a hunting dog works through brambles.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_benefit_of_removing_dew_claws\"><\/span>What is the benefit of removing dew claws?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The advantages of removing your dog&#8217;s dew claws are: <b>Reducing the risk of dew claw injuries; Reduction of overgrown dew claws and ingrown nails; Like other toe nails, dew claws can get infections. This risk will be reduced.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents What is the purpose of a dog&#8217;s dew claw?Why do people cut off dew claws on dogs?Does a dog need its dew claw?When should dew claws be removed?What happens if a dog loses its dew claw?Why are dogs dew claws removed?Should dewclaws be removed from dogs?Should I have my dog&#8217;s dew claws&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7619"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7619"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7619\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}