The Retriever Expert Expert Care Tips For Your Retriever
Part of the dog’s grooming routine is the trimming of their nails. Doing this, you will notice the nails that actually don’t appear like nails within their paws. That nails are the so-called dog’s dewclaws. So, knowing this, you might be wondering, do Golden Retrievers have dewclaws? What are they and what are their main functions in the Golden Retrievers body?
In this blog post, we will discuss this mysterious part of the dog’s body. We will try to discover if they are really worth being there or they should be taken out from the dog’s body. So, if you do not want to procrastinate your curiosity about these dewclaws, then let’s start reading…
Do Golden Retrievers have Dewclaws: What is it?
Before we jump into answering the question do Golden Retrievers have dewclaws, let us first try to define what this part of the dog is. Basically, the dewclaws are the dog’s thumbs and big toes. In the dog’s front foot, the dewclaws are their thumbs which get in contact with the ground as they stand up. Meanwhile, the dewclaws on their hind foot are the big toes.
Generally, the dewclaws are located on the side of the dog’s feet. The Golden Retrievers do have dewclaws. But, the Goldens dewclaws can only be found on their front paws. This basically means that the Golden Retrievers do not have dewclaws at the hindfoot.
Unlike in other dog breeds, the dewclaws are present in all four paws. There are instances that some dogs have double dewclaws which are similar to that of the Great Pyrenees. These double dewclaws are an inherited feature of that dog breed. Polydactyly is the result of the inheritance of the double dewclaws.
Unfortunately, some people assume that dewclaws are useless and just an attachment to the dog’s paws. Because of that, it should be removed as it may be a cause of dog’s accidents and pain. Yet, this is not really true. Dewclaws still have some functions.
Functions of Dewclaws
Do Golden Retrievers have dewclaws? The answer is yes, the Golden Retriever is one of the dog breeds that include dewclaws on their foot anatomy. Since the location of the dewclaws is on the side of the paws, they generally don’t touch the ground. That’s why many believe that the dewclaws are nonfunctional.
However, even so, dewclaws still offer some usefulness. For the Golden Retrievers, the dewclaws are only present on the front paws. And here are the functions of the front dewclaws:
- The dewclaws generally act to stabilize the carpus once the front legs of the dog touch the ground during galloping. That action also let the dewclaws get in contact with the ground as well.
- Dewclaws support the limb and prevent the occurrence of torque once the dog turns. The supporting action of the dewclaws can be achieved as they dig into the ground in conjunction with the dog’s twisting.
- The Golden Retrievers also make use of the dewclaws to climb up the trees, get out of the water, or hold some items while chewing.
The absence of dewclaws may lead some dogs to higher chances of stretching and tearing of the carpal ligaments. Generally, the end result of this stretch and tear is laxity and arthritis as the dogs grow old. Moreover, this may generate more stress or pressure over the dog’s elbow, carpus, shoulder, and spine. That usually happens because the dog’s body is trying to compensate for the lack of digits on its legs.
Reasons for Calling them Dewclaws
Theories and assumptions behind the birth of the term ‘dewclaws’ are ever-present. Yet, the most common one and known to be the first theory behind dewclaws is that the said dog part never touches the ground. Even so, it gets in contact with the grass’ dew making it called the dewclaw. The dewclaw was first seen on dogs in the year 1570 and the real meaning of it is unknown.
Do Golden Retrievers have Dew Claws: Reason for Front Dew Claws Removal
Do Golden Retrievers have dewclaws? Yes, they do have dewclaws in their front paws. For some reason, there are breeders and dog owners who opt to remove the front dewclaws of their Golden Retriever. Usually, the breeders’ process of front dewclaws removal starts on the third to the fifth day of age of the puppies. Some pet owners follow the removal of the dewclaws at the front paws in the latter years of the dog.
However, removing the dewclaws is generally based on personal preference. And, it highly depends on the negotiation of the owners and breeders or breeders and the vets. But, why do they need to remove the front dewclaws, if, in some instances, it still has some use? Here are the reasons for the said removal:
*Assumptions that dewclaws in the front paws are non-functional
Because of the anatomical structure of the dewclaws that it doesn’t necessarily touch the ground many people believed that it does not have any use upon standing. That’s why it must be removed and such removal would not greatly affect the Golden Retrievers in any way. For some dog breeds with rear dewclaws, they are really non-functional as the dewclaws there are not directly connected with any tendons on the hindfoot.
*Breeders think that pet owners may miss cutting of the dewclaws
Actually, the breeders have this concern about the risk associated with the dog’s nail starting to embed or rip. This usually happens when the pet owners forgot to cut the dewclaws of their doggo during the dog’s nail trimming.
*To achieve a cleaner front look
There are breeders and pet owners who see the dew claws as a distraction to the overall appeal of the dog. So, in order to get that distraction out and have a cleaner look, the dewclaws on the front paws should be removed.
*The risk to acquire injury or ripping of the dewclaw
Some people believed that the dewclaws are great potential to have the risk of ripping. One way of preventing the possible injury that may arise due to that ripping is to remove it.
Golden Retrievers Dew Claws – Should it be removed?
If Golden Retrievers do have dewclaws, now the question is should it be removed? Again, the dewclaws of the Golden Retrievers are present in the front paws and that part has some tendons in which the dewclaws are attached. This basically allows the Golden Retrievers to have free mobility around their surroundings.
The dewclaws of the Golden Retrievers are the ones responsible for digging into the ground in order to provide support and balance to the dog. This is actually important during their running activity. The Golden Retrievers also belong to the group of working dogs. They are exceptionally qualified for that task because of their calm, reliable, and attentive traits.
Being working dogs, the Golden Retrievers must be agile to be able to have sharp turns at high speeds. With this turning movement, their dew claws are extremely important for them, again, to have balance and support. In case their dew claws had been removed, they will face a potential risk of acquiring injury during missions.
For the Golden Retrievers, their dew claws act to avoid the stretching of the carpal ligaments on their front legs. In case the dewclaws are absent, it would generally lead to carpal hyperextension injuries. This condition is actually common in larger dog breeds like the Goldens. Moreover, the development of arthritis from the tension that would be calmed by the dewclaw is generally high. This is most likely true for active dogs with dew claws already removed.
Reasons for not removing dewclaws of the Golden Retriever
Dewclaws are actually important for the Golden Retrievers. Since they are active dog breed, they may able to join agility sports. During this event, the dewclaws act to improve some sharp turns and the slipping on certain jumps. With that, they may achieve a big difference in their scores.
Moreover, it is not actually necessary to remove the dewclaws of the Golden Retrievers even if they do not participate in agility sports. Without the dewclaws, the Golden Retrievers would possibly have a greater risk of experiencing injuries on the carpal hyperextensions and arthritis.
Generally, dog’s joints instability, forelimb swelling, and limping are the symptoms of carpal hyperextension injuries in Golden Retrievers. This condition can be treated by reconnecting the carpus. The surgical procedure of carpus reconnection involves placing the steel locking plate within the forelimb of the Golden Retrievers. Spanning the wrist joint is actually the main goal for this and you need to wait for about twelve weeks as its rehabilitation period.
Other Dog Breeds with Dew Claws
Below are the top ten lists of dog breeds with dew claws:
- American Pitbull
- Briard
- Catalan Sheepdogs
- Chihuahua
- Dalmatian
- English Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retrievers
- Great Dane
- St. Bernard
How to Treat Dewclaws Injuries
The risk of injuries anticipated to acquire from the dewclaws is very rare, yet they may probably occur. Since dewclaws are part of the paws and have nails, keep in mind that this dog’s body part may be pulled off partially or completely. There may also times that this nail may be broken, infected, or split off. Usually, it all happens when the nails are not properly trimmed.
Once the dewclaws get injured or infected, the Golden Retriever may generally feel extreme pain. With this, an assessment of the veterinarian is highly required. The vets have the knowledge of properly removing the damaged nails or trim down any ingrown. They may also use sedation if necessary. Moreover, they may also prescribe medications such as antibiotics and pain relievers.
Preventing Injuries of the Dewclaws
Since the removal of the Golden Retriever’s dewclaws is debatable, it is still advisable not to remove it. In case you are worried about the risk of the dewclaws getting injured, here are some of the helpful tips that you may consider to avoid it:
1-Keep the Goldens nail short
Basically, having and maintaining short nails of the Golden Retrievers may prevent them from having dewclaws injury. Similar to the other nails on the dog’s paws, the nails of the dewclaws should also be trimmed on a regular basis. However, because of the anatomical position of the dewclaws that do not generally touch the ground, the natural process of wearing down the nails is not achievable.
The occurrence of ingrown usually happens due to untrimmed dew claws nails. This will also become a risk factor for having an infection on the dog’s nails. Moreover, not trimming down the nail may also result in the development of longer quick. With that, maintaining the proper length of the nail would become very difficult.
Additionally, long dew claws may have the higher potential of catching things and dirt and may then get injured. With well-managed nails, dew claws injuries may rarely occur.
2-Proper education
The awareness and knowledge of the pet owners and breeders about the presence, functions, and proper care of the dew claws are generally important here. In case the breeders have this fear of failure to cut the dew claws nails by the pet owners, then they would need to educate their dog owners about the ways of caring the dew claws.
How about for the missing front dewclaws? Well, since we already know that Golden Retrievers do have dewclaws because it also has some functions, the absence of it requires the dog to have conditioning exercises. Provide your Goldens with exercises that generally strengthen the scapular muscles within the dog’s shoulder.
Here are some good examples of exercises that you may provide to your pooch:
- Side-stepping
- Strong turns with cookies
- Weight shifting
3-Avoid dewclaws home removal
In order to prevent injury to the dewclaws, it is always better not to perform the removal of it at home. Do not attempt to remove the dewclaws of your Golden Retriever all on your own. In case you remove the dewclaws carelessly, the pain will occur and other health-related conditions due to infection of the nails. Do not perform the procedure even if you see that the dewclaws are already loose.
Complications would possibly arise while removing the dewclaws improperly. The best solution is to go straight to the veterinarian and let him do the procedure safely and accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: DOES A DEWCLAW HAVE A QUICK?
A: Although not considered as nails, dewclaws also have a quick. Once you cut that part, it will eventually bleed and may cause pain to the dog. In case the dog’s dew claws color is white or clear, you will obviously notice the quick inside the nail. Every time you do the cutting of the dog’s nail, ensure that the dewclaws have been properly maintained.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REMOVE A DEWCLAW?
A: Usually, once decided to remove the dog’s dewclaws, the process should start as soon as they are a puppy. The dewclaws removal for each pup and examination fee on the puppy will incur specific charges. The cost generally ranges from $30 to $40 per puppy and it may cost higher as the practice varies. Moreover, dewclaws removal may also be done on the later part of the dog’s age through a surgical procedure that basically uses general anesthesia.
Q: CAN DEWCLAWS GROW BACK AFTER REMOVAL?
A: Removing dew claws basically requires the removal of the whole nails including the root. It should be cut off or else, the nails may possibly grow back.
Final Words
Golden Retrievers do have dewclaws like the other dog breeds. Yet, the dewclaws of the dogs also vary as there are double dew claws and those like on the Goldens that only have dewclaws in the front paws. No matter the variation is dewclaws are still functional for the Golden Retrievers. That’s why dew claws removal should not be done otherwise it is advised by the veterinarians.
Moreover, it is very important to know that you are exposing your Golden Retriever to a higher risk of injury which generally requires expensive surgical treatments. The best thing to do with this is to inspect the nails of your Goldens on a regular basis. With that, you will highly ensure that your dog may not have too long nails and it won’t bother them at all.
