Yes, you can use standard dog nail clippers to trim your dog's dew claws, but you must be careful to avoid the quick (the live part of the nail with blood vessels and nerves) by clipping small slivers at a time, especially with dark or curled nails, and consider using specialized clippers or a grinder if they're difficult. It's crucial to gently pull the dew claw away from the leg and make quick, precise cuts to prevent pain and bleeding, as dew claws grow long and can become ingrown.
Do NOT use regular scissors, fingernail trimmers, human toenail cutters, or wire cutters. They don't work as well; they carry a greater risk of injury, and they can crush the keratin in dogs' claws.
No no and no! Do not remove a dew claw at home. This requires surgery and will be super painful to put your dog through. If your a good dog owner, or a good person in general you wouldn't put your dog through this pain.
Dew claws should be kept short and trimmed every time you do nails. If they are left long they are likely to get caught and tear results in a lot of damage and blood.
On black dog nails, the quick can be found by shining a flashlight beneath the nail. The quick will appear as a dark mass inside the nail.
What if I accidentally cut the quick (blood supply)? It will bleed and be a bit painful for your dog, but don't panic! If you don't have any styptic powder on hand, you can use cornstarch, flour or baby powder. Take a pinch of it and pack it into the tip of the bleeding nail.
The second way to cause quicks to recede is by trimming the nails every week. These weekly trims will “train” the quick to recede, but it's the consistency that matters! You'll likely use either scissor- or “guillotine”-type clippers. Scissor-type clippers are similar to the scissors you probably use every day.
Know where the quick is on your dog's dew claw, so you don't cut too short. If your dog's dew claw is black or dark in color, start by trimming very close to the tip, so you don't accidentally cut the quick. If the dew claw is clear or white, you may be able to see the quick through the claw.
Those muscles indicate that the dewclaws have a function. Some veterinarians report a higher incidence of foot and carpus injuries and arthritis in dogs that lack dewclaws, likely because of additional torque on the leg. Thus, for working dogs it is best for the dewclaws not to be amputated.
Benadryl Dose for Dogs
As a general rule of thumb, use 1 milligram per pound of your dog's body weight. For example, a 50-pound dog would be given two 25 milligram tablets. Small dogs under 25 pounds can be given children's liquid Benadryl.
As you cut back the nail, you will see this horn material start to appear in cross-section as a white circle under the black nail. Once you cut far enough back, the quick will appear as a small black dot in the center of the white horn. Once you see the quick, stop cutting!
Since dewclaws are less worn down from contact with the ground, their nails can grow longer and curl, potentially causing discomfort or injury. It's important to keep the nails trimmed to prevent them from growing into the paw pads.
Dew Claws May Be Sore
If your dog seems to be in a lot of pain when you trim their dew claws, you may need groomer or vet assistance. However, a little bit of discomfort is to be expected, especially the first time.
Neither clipping nor grinding is universally "better"; they're different tools with pros and cons, with grinders often safer for avoiding the quick, especially for dark nails, while clippers are faster but risk a painful cut, though many groomers use both, clipping the bulk and grinding to smooth edges and get closer to the quick safely. The best choice depends on your dog's temperament, nail color, and your comfort level, as some dogs dislike the grinder's noise/vibration but tolerate the smooth finish better than the clippers' snap.
Veterinary treatment for a dewclaw injury
This may involve trimming or removing the damaged nail if necessary. They may then prescribe antibiotics or pain relief if there are signs of infection, as well as advising on follow-up care to keep the paw clean and protected.
One area where I do have a firm stance is removing dewclaws once a dog is more than a few days old—I strongly advise against it. Early in my career, it was somewhat common to remove dewclaws during a spay or neuter, typically around six to eight months of age.
Applying a bandage is easy to do and can be accomplished at home. The goal is to stop the bleeding by applying gentle, constant pressure to the area. However, it is also important to ensure that the bandage is not too tight.
Because front dewclaws serve several important purposes, they should not be removed unless there is a very good reason to do so. In rare cases, a dog's dewclaw may be severely injured or develop a disease (such as a cancerous tumor) and removal under those circumstances would be in the dog's best interests.
Dew claws are part of the foot and shoulder not be removed. Dogs can have knee and foot issues if dews are removed. If your groomer isn't trimming the dew when they do the nails you should ask them to do it when you drop off your dog. I do my own dogs nails.
Investing time and effort into regular nail trimming will not only improve your dog's comfort but also contribute to their overall quality of life. So, let's keep those paws trim and your furry friend happy!
Typically, dewclaws are removed by a breeder (or the breeder's veterinarian) at three to five days of age. When done at home, they are clipped off with scissors or nail clippers. If done by a veterinarian, they are removed under local anesthesia, clamps, and a scalpel.
If your dog has dark nails and you cannot see the quick, trim just the very tip off the nail. Through a series of small clips, removing 1–2 mm of nail with each clip, you can gradually cut the nail to a shorter length without damaging the quick.
The quick will appear like a small pink center of a dog's nail. This will be shorter than the nail itself, and it will be located between the nail bed and the curve of the dog's nail. You can easily see the quick on dogs with white nails, but it is very difficult to see on dogs with black nails.
What you'll need… Pet nail clippers: It's important to use sharp nail clippers, and best to use those specifically made for pets. You can use human clippers if they're sharp, but don't use human nail scissors. Good lighting: Cut your dog's nails in a room that is well lit.