So I recently came across someone inquiring about having their dog declawed. You read that right, DOG! Aside from the removal of dewclaws due to injury or removal of particular nails due to injury/tumors, I had never heard of declawing a dog. I was actually quite surprised when I did an internet search that people actual do this so they won’t get scratched or because their dog digs holes or for cosmetic reasons.
Dog Paw Anatomy
Dogs are digitgrade animals. This means that the weight bearing surface of their limbs is their toes, each with a claw and pad. A dog’s paws are made up of the following five components:
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Photo: Eric Isselee/Shutterstock
The digital and metacarpal pads work as shock absorbers and help protect the bone and joints in the foot. The carpal pads sort of work like brakes and help a dog navigate slippery or steep slopes.
Paw pads have a thick layer of fatty tissue (kind of like whale blubber) that insulates the inner foot tissues from extreme temperatures, as it doesn’t conduct cold as quickly. As a dog’s paw gets cold when it hits the ground, arteries transfer the chilled blood back to the body where it warms up again.
The pads also offer protection when walking on rough terrain. Dogs that are outside a lot and exposed to rough surfaces have thicker, rougher paw skin; dogs that stay in more and walk on smoother surfaces have softer pads. The pads help dogs distinguish between different types of terrain.
The inner layer of skin on the paw has sweat glands that convey perspiration to the outer layer of skin, which helps cool a hot dog and keeps the pads from getting too dry. Paws can also exude moisture when a dog gets nervous or experiences stress; dogs get sweaty hands, just like people do!
Paw pads have a thick layer of fatty tissue (kind of like whale blubber) that insulates the inner foot tissues from extreme temperatures, as it doesn’t conduct cold as quickly. As a dog’s paw gets cold when it hits the ground, arteries transfer the chilled blood back to the body where it warms up again.
The pads also offer protection when walking on rough terrain. Dogs that are outside a lot and exposed to rough surfaces have thicker, rougher paw skin; dogs that stay in more and walk on smoother surfaces have softer pads. The pads help dogs distinguish between different types of terrain.
The inner layer of skin on the paw has sweat glands that convey perspiration to the outer layer of skin, which helps cool a hot dog and keeps the pads from getting too dry. Paws can also exude moisture when a dog gets nervous or experiences stress; dogs get sweaty hands, just like people do!
Conclusion
Aside from a valid, serious medical reason, one should not declaw their dog! Dogs need their claws to provide traction on surfaces when walking or running. The faster the breed, the more important their claws are. A dog without claws will not be able to walk or balance properly, which could have long term effects on their joints and muscles.
If your dog’s nails are scratching you or your furniture, trim your dog’s nails or take them to get them trimmed.
If your dog is digging holes in your yard, make sure he/she gets regular exercise so they won’t get bored and dig holes. If the problem persists, talk to your vet or a dog trainer to correct the behavior.
Declawing a dog is not cosmetically pleasing. Instead take your dog to the spa and have their nails trimmed and painted.
If your dog’s nails are scratching you or your furniture, trim your dog’s nails or take them to get them trimmed.
If your dog is digging holes in your yard, make sure he/she gets regular exercise so they won’t get bored and dig holes. If the problem persists, talk to your vet or a dog trainer to correct the behavior.
Declawing a dog is not cosmetically pleasing. Instead take your dog to the spa and have their nails trimmed and painted.
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