Can You Declaw a Dog

Can you declaw a dog?

Yes, you can declaw a dog when there are serious medical concerns. A vet might recommend it after exploring other options (antibiotics, antifungal treatments, and pain medications), but the improvement isn’t noticeable.

In this article, we look at the reasons to declaw dogs and weigh the pros and cons of dewclaw removal so that you’re better informed to make a choice.

Reasons to declaw dogs

A vet might recommend declawing your dog if there are medical reasons or extreme destructive behavior. For example, if your dog has chronic infections in the nail beds that cause pain, severe nail trauma from injuries, or abnormal nail growth due to congenital deformities. However, declawing is often a last resort.

Let’s dig into these reasons below.

Infection in nail beds

Some dogs develop persistent infections in their nail beds due to bacteria or fungi. These infections can cause swelling, redness, and pain, making it difficult for the dog to walk or play. If antibiotics or antifungal medications don’t work, a vet may recommend removing the affected nails to eliminate the source of your dog’s unhealthy nail bed.

Nail bed trauma

If your dog keeps injuring the same nail, it can damage the nail bed and lead to chronic pain and difficulty walking. In such cases, removing the damaged nail might be considered to prevent further pain and promote healing.

Nail deformities

Some dogs are born with structural nail abnormalities that affect their shape, size, and growth patterns. These abnormalities manifest as misshapen nails, overgrown or undergrown nails, and brittle nails prone to breaking.

Deformed nails can cause pain and discomfort, changes in your dog’s gait, and increased risk of injury from snagging on surfaces. Treatment options include regular trimming and addressing underlying infections. However, if all that fails, your vet might recommend surgical removal of the affected nails.

Nail growth disorders

Unlike nail deformities, nail growth disorders refer to conditions like Onychodystrophy, Onychomycosis, or nail bed cysts that cause your dog’s nails to grow abnormally. Nail growth disorders lead to pain and difficulty in movement which can affect canine health in multiple negative ways. These disorders develop due to infections or injuries.

Your vet might recommend declawing if regular trimming or medications do not resolve the issue.

Behavioral issues

If a dog is excessively destructive and uses its claws to dig or deeply scratch people or furniture, your vet will recommend training and behavioral modification first to mitigate the behaviors. In rare cases where the dog shows no improvement, declawing can be a last resort. 

Will vets declaw for other reasons like scratching floors?

Vets don’t recommend declawing dogs for behavioral issues like scratching floors or people. Instead, your vet will encourage alternatives like nail trimming, wearing soft caps, and positive reinforcement. However, if there are other medical reasons, like a severely damaged claw, then your vet might recommend declawing.

What are dog dewclaws?

A dog’s dewclaw is the small, extra claw found on the inside of a dog’s front leg. Although, some dogs have single or double dewclaws on the back of their hind legs. They are similar to thumbs in humans and help with grip and balance when a dog is running or climbing. 

In some cases, a dog's dewclaw is removed because of potential health issues or to prevent injury. However, you should weigh the pros and cons side by side before making a decision.

Pros and cons of dewclaw removal

Pros of dewclaw removal

• Dewclaws can sometimes catch on furniture or other objects during play, leading to injuries. Removing them can reduce this risk.
• Some dogs have dewclaws that don’t wear down naturally, requiring regular trimming. Removal saves the time spent grooming and reduces the stress on the dog, as there are fewer nails to trim.
• If a dewclaw is improperly trimmed or injured, it can become infected. Dewclaw removal reduces the chances of an infection.
• Some owners prefer the look of dogs without dewclaws, especially in show breeds.

Cons of dewclaw removal

• As with any surgery, there are risks involved with dew claw removal, including anesthesia complications, infection, and pain during recovery.
• The removal and healing process is extremely painful for the dog.
• Dewclaws are known to provide additional support and grip, especially in activities like running or climbing. Removing them could impact a dog’s agility.
• Studies have shown that dogs that have had their front dewclaws removed have a much higher risk of carpal arthritis.
• In some cases, if not removed properly, dewclaws can grow back, leading to additional procedures to resolve the issue.

Alternatives to declawing dogs

• Trim your dog’s nails regularly, preferably every 1 to 2 weeks, to minimize damage to furniture and reduce the risk of injury. Use sharp nail clippers, hold the paw firmly but gently, and cut off tiny bits of the nail at a 45-degree angle.
• If you’re nervous about using clippers, use these other methods to keep your dog's nails short without clipping. Remember to praise your dog and offer a treat as a reward after each nail. If your dog is nervous or resistant, start slowly, and gradually increase the frequency and duration of trimming sessions.

• Try a cat scratching pad or board, especially for smaller dogs who like to dig carpets or upholstered furniture.. This mimics natural behavior and deters clawing on furniture. Train pets to use designated scratching areas through positive reinforcement.
• Secure soft claw nail caps to all four of a dog’s paws. 
• Typically, dogs scratch when they are stressed or bored. Use pheromone diffusers or sprays to reduce stress and get a squeaky toy to help with the boredom.

If the scratching becomes a significant issue, you can consult a pet behaviorist to help develop a tailored plan to address the behavior.

Can dogs be declawed?

You can declaw your dog, just as you can declaw your cat. However, it’s only recommended in the case of a medical situation, like an infection in the nail bed or nail bed trauma. The procedure is not common and comes with immense pain, recovery challenges, and loss of grip function. This is why many vets and animal welfare advocates today argue against it.

If you are worried about your dog’s excessive scratching, we recommend better alternatives, like using clippers or grinders to trim their nails or attaching a soft claw nail cap. These alternatives prioritize your dog's well-being and solve the reason for declawing.