59s ASPCA YouTube • 6 July 2023
What Are Dewclaws? Almost all dogs are born with a single dewclaw on each front leg, so even if you don't know what they're called, you've probably seen them. Although you can move them a little, these fifth appendages are usually firmly connected to the leg by ligament and bone.
The quick's position is usually similar on corresponding toes; look for the same length relative to the paw on a lighter nail or a previously trimmed nail for reference. If the dog's nails have an obvious soft inner core visible when held to light, the quick is the darker, pigmented area inside that core.
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.
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.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
Some dogs find clippers uncomfortable and may respond better to a nail grinder. Grinders allow you to gently sand down the nail, which many dogs tolerate better than clipping. Just remember that grinding takes more time, and you still need to avoid the quick.
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.
Cutting your nails too short
Affection. Of course, licking can absolutely be a sign of affection too. As much as dogs will lick their owners for attention, they are seeking attention from you because they want to interact with you. You're also pretty tasty to your dog, especially with your post-workout salty skin!
Certain breeds are more likely to have black nails. Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dachshunds are common examples. Nail pigmentation often matches the paw pads or surrounding fur, which is why some breeds have a mix of white and black nails.
Dogs do the same thing. They tilt their heads to work around their interfering muzzles and improve their visual perspective. That cute head tilt broadens the range of vision and allows a dog to more clearly see a person's face. Seeing our facial expressions improves communication.
You will notice that your dog has five nails on each front paw and four on the back. They may also have an extra one that looks something like a thumb. This is known as the dew claw.
Although it has been somewhat common in Canada and the United States, declawing is considered an act of animal cruelty in many countries, (see "Declawing practices" below) as it causes physical and psychological suffering to the animal (although the extent of this suffering is subject to debate).
*some breeds naturally have larger, thicker pads and the nails tend to grow longer, but when you hear them clicking on the floor and causing discomfort in movement – they are just too long!
Treats and praise can go a long way in keeping your dog relaxed and cooperative during nail trims. Use high-value treats that your dog loves and provide plenty of verbal praise and affection. This positive reinforcement will make your dog more likely to tolerate and even enjoy the nail trimming process.
Using Over-the-Counter Sedatives
Oral Benadryl takes about 30 minutes to an hour to take effect in most dogs. If a dog receives too much Benadryl, you may see side effects like excessive sedation, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, tremors, anxiety, aggression, uncoordinated movement, or seizures.
If your dog won't let you cut their nails, you need to desensitize them slowly using high-value treats, positive reinforcement, and desensitization techniques, starting by just touching their paws, then introducing the clippers/grinder gently, progressing to just touching the clippers to a nail, and only clipping one nail at a time, ensuring it's a low-stress, positive experience, or seek professional help from a vet or groomer if they are too fearful.
A dog's aversion to having their paws handled is instinctive – in the wild, a wounded paw could be the difference between life and death. Naturally, dogs feel the need to protect their paws and even the sweetest, most well-trained dogs can react negatively to a nail trim.
No-sit Haunch Holder as a grooming restraint:
A no-sit haunch holder goes around your dog's neck and torso, then attaches to your grooming table or another sturdy surface. It keeps your dog in position while giving you the freedom to actually, you know, groom them.
Dog Breeds Most Likely to Bite
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs refers to two main concepts: a potty training method for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision/reward) and the 80/10/10 guideline for raw feeding (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ), both offering structure for training or diet. Another interpretation is the 10% rule for treats, limiting them to 10% of daily calories to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring most nutrition comes from complete dog food.
According to Svartberg's data (PDF), a pinscher, a Bernese mountain dog, or an English springer spaniel might be the most disloyal since each ranks very low on playfulness, with moderate sociability.