[litning]

I've got 2 GSDs and one mix, a rescued GSD/hound dog mix. She is a true hunter, the terror of all squirrels in the neighborhood! She is always working on cleaning & sharpening her fore claws, which is OK. BUT her dewclaws are a terrible weapon for an older guy with thin skin on blood thinners. It's almost impossible to trim those dew claws. She's almost 3 years old. What do you think about surgical removal of dew claws on a 3 year old dog? She likes to paw at us for attention, but I can't afford much more "blood loss" & minor infections

 

[jarn]

Why don’t you clip/trim the nails?

 

[dogma13]

If you've not kept them trimmed short yourself,a groomer or tech at your vet office will do it for you. Then you could maintain. Also think about training your dogs to keep their paws on the ground. Both are simple and easy alternatives to having amputations done.

 

[KaymanPup]

Dremeling the nails keeps them smooth more than just clipping. Also it's a slow taking off of the nail & as you get closer to the quick the dog will naturally pull their paw back if you are paying attention. If the nails are not black you'll be able to see how much to take off. I don't find trimming dew claws any different than the others.

Agree with training, that is just proper manners that should be taught from the beginning.

 

[litning]

I agree with what everyone has said, and it's the route I started with, but this dog is REAL reluctant to holding her paw. I'll try the vet - she's due for shots anyway - and see if they have any luck/ideas. As far as training her not to paw at you - that's an everyday thing, but she is REALLY effusive and wants your attention more so than any other dog I have had. Thanks all!

 

[ZweiGSD]

In the meantime if you have any vet wrap you could wrap it around her paw/leg covering the dew claw. Just be sure it's not too tight and you check to make sure the skin is OK underneath.

 

[wolfy dog]

Never imagined such a plan. We don't pull out their teeth to prevent us from getting bitten. You probably have been rewarding this behavior with attention. Filing these nails will not prevent this either. The front dewclaws are part of their skeleton now. They are removed by some breeders when the puppies are a few days old and bones are still soft.
Training tips: next time when she is about to paw you, get up and leave her alone. No talking, no looking and no touching her. Or give her a command that is not compatible with pawing you like sit or down and reward for complying. It will get worse before she gives up. Your job is not amputation but training. Let us know if you have questions regarding training.

 

[Chuuyas_Wine_Glass]

Have you associated the Dremel/nail clippers with food? Make it fun for her, start with just touching the feet means treats. It doesn't work for every dog, but it works for most and is certainly better than amputation, if your vet would even agree to do it. If they are a good vet they won't.