What Are Dewclaws and How to Care for Them

Being a pet parent entails a big responsibility, which means that you have some big shoes to fill when it comes to making sure that the needs of your furry friends are met. Aside from giving them food and shelter, you also need to take time to get to know your dogs, which includes their personality, as well as everything there is about them. In doing so, you will be able to notice whether your dogs have dewclaws, allowing you to take care of them properly.

What Are Dewclaws?

In layman’s terms, dewclaws in dogs are comparable to the thumb or the big toe of a human. While some may think that these don’t have a specific purpose for dogs, the fact is that dewclaws provide extra traction that helps stabilize canines when they run too fast. Some dogs use their dewclaws to climb up or have a better grip on something that they are chewing on. There are several sources online where you will be able to read more about the dewclaws of your dog. Nevertheless, below are some of the ways on how you will be able to care for them the proper way.

Ways to Care for Your Dog’s Dewclaw

●    Trimming

One of the ways on how you will be able to care for the dewclaws of your dog is by trimming them during your dog’s scheduled grooming session. If you don’t have them trimmed, then your dog’s nail on their dewclaw may grow excessively, which can ultimately cause piercing or skin irritation. However, you need to take note of whether the dewclaw of your dog needs to be trimmed more frequently than the rest of his nails because, in some instances, the nail on a dog’s dewclaw tends to grow more rapidly.

●    Cleaning

Another way to care for the dewclaw of your dog is to clean it properly. Keep in mind that dogs love to dig around dirt, which is why there is a great chance that pesticides, pollen, or other microscopic critters can get stuck in your dog’s dewclaw. Thus, make sure that you wash your dog’s paws and dewclaws regularly to mitigate any dirt build up in between their toes and their nails.

●    Caring for an Injured Dewclaw

There are instances wherein the dewclaw of your dog gets injured, and it is during this time that you should care for their dewclaw properly. As much as possible, visit your vet to ensure that the injury of your dog is properly addressed. From them, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions to hasten the healing of your dog’s dewclaw injury.

To care for your dog properly, you need to get to know their characteristics, as well as all there is in their physical aspect, including dewclaws. When you do, you will be able to give your dog the proper attention they deserve, emotionally and physically. Rest assured that caring for your dog will prove to be fruitful and meaningful in the end.