Question about front dew claws - Page 1

This going to sound stupid, but here it goes.....

Like many of you I live in an area with harsh winters. Right now the ground is covered in hard snow.  The last couple of times I've had my boy (11 months) out to play ball, his dew claws have been rubbed raw on the sides, and possibly torn a little around the nails. Both of them!

I'm guessing it's a combination of driving at the ball hard, hard snow, and maybe....just maybe....his dew claws are a little too big or stick out a little too much.

I've had many GSDs but have never had this problem before. I know it sounds simple to just avoid playing on hard snow during the winter but the dog has got a long life ahead of him with lots of winters. I'm not certain if bandaging or boots is the way to go everytime we go out to play either.

I know some SAR and sport dogs have their front dew claws removed to avoid having them catch on things. Has anyone else done this? I'm not certain it's the route for me (I know they serve a purpose), but I don't like the idea of him being hurt everytime we go out to play during the winter months, or the summer when we're tramping through the bush either.

Here are a couple of shots of his feet. His nails are kept short, despite what they might look like in the photo. And, please ignore the white on his toes. I purchased him as "pet quality"

Do they look like they stick out too much? Too big? Would you consider removal? He's my superstar but he is only a pet.

Thanks, Karen

The dew claws appear to be very normal in size and position, and I would leave them alone. There are winter "boots" made for dogs who must endure extended service in snowy conditions, so this is an option.

I truely know of no useful reason for the front dew claws, save for one (1) bitch of mine who uses them to climb small trees. But they must be present in a correct GSD. The surgery to remove dew claws on an older puppy will require anesthaesia and will be expensive, so that may make the "snow boots" appear more attractive.

This is the first time I have heard of this problem, but it does make sense. Most of the time we have more trouble with the snow that packs between the dog's toes and freezes in place. This can be quite painful and cause serious injury to a dog. In closing, So, what do I advise? I would purchase the boots and enjoy the snow.

Best Regards,
Bob-O

Thanks for the valuable advice Bob-O.

I guess boots it is. He already has a pair for walking on the salted sidewalks so he'll just have to wear them during play too.

As for their purpose, I was always told that dogs use their front dew claws to grip things or to hold things steady. My guy actually uses his frequently while eating (raw fed). Karen

keep the dewclaws - they are a toe and removal would be an amputation just like the other toes.  Keep the nails trimmed as short as possible.  Boots are a good idea, or one wrap of bandage tape around the dewclaws before he goes out if the snow is deep, if you are having trouble with him constantly injuring them.

molly

I have heard if you remove them now it is more painful on the dog and longer recover time unlike if it is done at 2/3 days old, they look smaller then my dogs and we don't have a problem. boots would be a good idea

Rear dewclaws are non functional in the dog and don't occur in the wolf and it's down to different selectional criteria in domestication that has allowed their reappearance.  Front dewclaws OTOH are functional. Many dogs use them for gripping, scratching and perhaps most significantly in locomotion. There is evidence to suggest that removal predisposes to arthritic changes in the lower leg. A very interesting article here -

http://www.angelfire.com/nc2/Mestena/dewclawsInjury.pdf

Very interesting article Pod...thanks for that. Karen