Dewclaw Removal Recovery

Although not all but most dogs go through dewclaw removal surgery. Dewclaw removal recovery doesn’t take much time and most dogs do just fine after the surgery. You just need to take little precautions to ease the healing process.

We have gathered all the information to shed light on the matter. Let’s read for your puppy’s sake.

dogs dewclaw removal surgery

About dew claw:

Do you remember those horror scenes from your favorite shows where a monster takes out its claws and that one shiny fingernail can do wonders? It chopped its prey like a sharp knife. Well, notice that one magical fingernail on the side of your pup’s claw too. Of course, he is a little monster anyway but in the case of your dog, that fingernail is pretty harmless.  Phew!

This is a wrong conception that dewclaw doesn’t have as such “importance”. Of course, nature hasn’t made anything for “nothing”. This claw may not have that much routinely used in dog’s activities but it makes their grip better and supports them while walking on rough roads.

But why and how is the dewclaw removed?

Sadly, most people remove their dog’s dewclaw for the cosmetic purpose which is cruel by all means. In some other dogs, this claw can cause injuries while walking through bushes or playing so for the dog’s own safety the dewclaw is removed. Also, dewclaw injuries can get a severe infection and in some cases,  the whole skin tissue and ligament can tear off along with a dewclaw.

Dewclaw removal is either done when your pup is 3-5 days old or when it has reached 12 weeks of age. If it’s necessary to remove dewclaw,  try to get it done as early as possible. It’s good for a pup and early procedure makes their dewclaw removal recovery easy.

For dewclaw removal surgery,  the doctor washes the claw with surgical soap and shaves the hair on the area. An incision on the skin is made and the claw is removed with surgical scissors. The skin is then stitched back with surgical adhesive. If the non-dissolving stitches are applied,  they will be removed after 7 to 10 days. The whole procedure will take 15 to 20 minutes and your dog will be discharged from the hospital in 2-3 hours.

Is dewclaw removal surgery painful?

The question arises if dewclaw surgery is hard on your dog?  Well,  the dogs are given anesthesia or their limb is being numbed before the procedure. For little dogs,  numbness does all the work but it’s important to give anesthesia to young dogs. It makes the process easy as adult dogs can retaliate the procedure.

Does dewclaw removal recovery take time?

For bandages, it can take 4-5 days to remove them but if the injury is left open,  take proper care of the wound. Check for any irritation, swelling, or infection. The vet may recommend some pain killers and antibiotics. Make sure your dog gets them on time.

Sometimes you need to give time to the healing process. If dew claw is removed in adult dogs,  they may not recover as fast as you expect. The wound can remain sour even after weeks of dewclaw removal surgery.

Some dog owners trim the dewclaw themselves with a dog nail cutter but we suggest,  if you are planning to remove it,  don’t do it yourself. Let the expert do it as you might cut off that inner nail area called quick.

Can dewclaw grow back?

Yes, if not removed properly,  the dewclaw can grow back. It must be taken out from root or your dog will go through all that cranky procedure again.

When a dewclaw should or shouldn’t be removed?

Dewclaw helps dogs to maintain balance on slippery roads and provide support while holding objects. So we don’t recommend until it becomes a necessary evil to take it out. A dog dewclaw should be removed

  • If you have a living environment where a dog is most likely to get injured because of dewclaw. For example, if your house is fenced or there are harsh bushes where a dog can get injured.
  • Dewclaw may be removed in working dogs,  who can get injured while running or walking on difficult tracks.
  • If your dog has faced an injury due to dewclaw. (Your dog dewclaw can get wounded even from furniture).
  • The veteran has suggested it.

A dog dewclaw strictly must not be removed for

  • cosmetic purposes. No fashion allows you to do this activity on your pet. Making him suffer just for beautification is inhuman.
  • If there is seemingly no harm in keeping it.

Alarming signs after the dewclaw removal surgery

Although the dewclaw removal recovery is no big deal and your dog will be fine in just a few days. But understand that your dogs need some time to heal properly so don’t burden them with activities.  You can’t force healing so let it be slow and gentle. Meanwhile, keep an eye on your dog and if any of these symptoms show,  consult your veteran as soon as possible

  • If your dog seems less energetic even after weeks of dewclaw removal.
  • Your dog has lost appetite or is eating very little than usual.
  • If you notice any swelling, foul odor, or pus in the wound.
  • The healing process is taking too long.

Keep in mind,  that if the wound is not healed properly it can lead to another surgery. So take proper care of your dog after dewclaw removal surgery.

What does the law say about dewclaw removal?

Most countries don’t allow dewclaw removal procedures legally. Especially if done for beautification or the convenience of the owner. This means you can’t remove a dog’s claw even as ‘precautionary measures’.  So until or unless there is a medical necessity,  no procedure is allowed on animals.

Also, the law says that even when it’s necessary,  the procedure must be done before the dog opens its eyes. This means anesthesia must be given and the procedure should be done as soon as possible. Animal rights activists consider it cruel and mutilation of pets.

What do we say on this?

Regarding dewclaw surgery, this is not a procedure for the removal of some unwanted body parts. Most of the time,  it’s a necessity. Your dog does great (survival) with or without dewclaw removal. If it’s there and you don’t see any harm in your pup’s way,  let it be. But if your dog has experienced trauma because of dewclaw,  you may consider removing it.

But wait!

Have you ever thought if your dog wants to remove it too?

Now here we are on your pup’s side.  You may not know that removing dewclaw affects your puppy’s physical as well as psychological health. Alarming!  Isn’t it.

Yeah. Dogs don’t like it. This is the body part that helps them to balance and grip. Many owners have witnessed a difference in dog’s gait after dewclaw removal. Also,  some people noticed anti-social behavior in their dogs after the surgery.

Although some dog breeds are born without claws but they are made that way. You can’t say that your pet will not feel the loss of claw or suffer its consequences.

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