Claw cutting

[ips]

Well the mrs wasnt to keen on a diy job so vet is booked for this afternoon £17. Plus she still keeps licking the dew claw so i am wanting that checked out in case she has damaged or torn it in some way. Will report back

[ips]

Update
Turns out she has split her dew claw along its length exposing part of the quick, vet had to cut it right back (eze was not impressed with this and was first time i have ever seen her yelp in.pain ) had a antibiotic injection and a clean with iodine. I have to ensure she doesnt lick it and apply iodine a few times a day, go back next week for check up to make sure it's heeled ok, so lets hope for a speedy recovery

She feeling sorry for herself but settled down in her favourite spot next to her dad

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[High On]

I use an electric dremel tool with a sanding wheel. Works great. Easily controlled. It will cause some heat discomfort if you sand one nail for to long. You can take off a little at a time and shape the nail also. My tool of choice.

[Nickheref]

IPS, mentioned that the dew claws were giving eze the problem. My ess breeder had the vet remove my pup’s...is it a practice not done in the uk?

newf, vets in UK are very wary of taking off dewclaws, it is difficult finding one that will dock let alone dewclaws, i have any rears removed at docking but no longer do fronts on Spaniels and dont have any problems, i think the smaller dogs benefit more from having them especially when climbing out of water etc

This is my view, the only dew claws that have ever caused problems were rear ones so I leave the front ones alone. My vet did ask if I wanted them removing when he docked my pups but I told him to leave them and he was pleased to do so.

[CockerCanuck]

In my experience here traditionally all dew claws were removed from sporting dogs. In the last couple of decades it has been increasingly popular to leave the front ones on. As a result I have two dogs now with front dew claws. They have been nothing but a bother. Nothing very serious but they seem to quite regularly cut the toe and the nail splits (I do trim them). My CBR Hamish is always hurting his on the sharp edges of ice. I see no advantage to the dog in having them and only potential problems. If given a choice in the future I would have them all removed shortly after birth but difficult to arrange unless you are breeding the litter yourself.

[newf]

In my experience here traditionally all dew claws were removed from sporting dogs. In the last couple of decades it has been increasingly popular to leave the front ones on. As a result I have two dogs now with front dew claws. They have been nothing but a bother. Nothing very serious but they seem to quite regularly cut the toe and the nail splits (I do trim them). My CBR Hamish is always hurting his on the sharp edges of ice. I see no advantage to the dog in having them and only potential problems. If given a choice in the future I would have them all removed shortly after birth but difficult to arrange unless you are breeding the litter yourself.

I agree CC. My spaniel’s dewclaws and shortened tail was done at the breeders. Like you, I still have to deal with the occasional nail split, which can sideline a dog for quite awhile.

[delightful_1]

Hi Judy,

Thank you for sharing this valuable tip about keeping a styptic pen or powder handy while cutting a dog's claws. It's a practical and useful precaution, especially for those moments when accidents happen.

Your awareness and caution when trimming hair around the feet are commendable, and it's great to hear that you've been successful in avoiding cutting nails too short. It's a skill that comes with experience, and fingers crossed, your streak of avoiding mishaps continues!

If you have any more insights or tips related to pet grooming, feel free to share. It's always helpful to exchange experiences and knowledge within the community.

Wishing you continued success in your grooming endeavors!

[Judy]

Among my many talents, besides grooming my dogs, is spotting Spammers a mile off.

[Rascal]

Among my many talents, besides grooming my dogs, is spotting Spammers a mile off.

Didn’t take long for the inevitable link did it!

[Tennyson.Horler]

I try to cut our dogs' toes every 4-6 weeks, otherwise I see them becoming slightly pin toed, which not only leads to problems with their walking but also increases injuries when working. As others say, I nibble the toes back until I feel I am close, I then also use an electric toenail grinder (basically a Dremel) to work them back a bit further. The more regularly you cut them, the further back the quick goes, apparently.

The best thing I have to hand is the electric grinder, but I also keep some corn flour to hand. Works well as a clotting agent to stop the bleeding.