One problem that many people have with cats is that they can damage furniture and carpets by scratching with their sharp claws. As a result, some cat owners choose to have their cats declawed to prevent furniture damage and avoid being scratched themselves. However, when it comes to dogs, many people do not consider declawing as an option, even though dogs can also cause damage and injury with their claws. While dogs can be declawed, it should only be done for medical reasons, such as infections affecting the paws.
Signs Your Dog May Need Declawing
If your dog has a medical condition, such as an infection in the nail beds, declawing may be an option. Look out for signs of infection, such as difficulty walking, limping, or refusing to walk. Check for swelling and redness around the claw area. If you notice these signs, take your dog to the vet for a check-up and appropriate treatment, which may include declawing depending on the severity of the condition.
Additional signs that your dog may have an infection include swollen or red feet around the nails, withdrawal, whining, aloofness, and frequent licking of the paws. If your dog shows signs of discomfort and avoids going outside or participating in activities that they previously enjoyed, it may indicate an infection that could warrant declawing.
Body Language
Dogs with hurting paws may show signs through their body language, such as growling, whining, ears dropping, acting withdrawn, hiding away, tail down, redness and swelling around claws, licking paws, and limping.
The History of Declawing
Declawing cats and dogs has become a controversial topic over the years. It was initially started by dog fighters in the 20th century and later adopted by veterinary surgeons. However, the ethics of declawing remain highly debated. Dogs should only be declawed if they have medical conditions that cause them pain and discomfort. Many view declawing as unethical unless it is necessary for medical reasons.
The Science of Declawing
Declawing involves the removal of each toe at the initial joint, which is essentially amputation. It is a painful procedure and considered unethical and cruel, except in cases where the animal would suffer without it. Dogs should never be declawed for the convenience of the owner, only for medical reasons.
Rehabilitating Your Dog after Surgery
If your dog undergoes declawing due to medical problems, it will take time for them to recover. After the procedure, there will be a rehabilitation period where you need to gradually encourage your dog to walk as comfortable. Recovery time and adjusting to walking without claws will vary for each dog. Take it slow and consult your vet for guidance on when to allow your dog to start walking properly again.
“Dogs should only ever be declawed if they suffer from certain medical conditions that cause them pain and discomfort in their feet. Because of the pain that it can cause, dogs should never be declawed simply for the convenience of the owner – only ever for medical reasons!”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Declawing of dogs is a procedure that can be performed, but should only be done for medical reasons such as infections affecting the paws. It is considered unethical and cruel to declaw dogs for convenience or to prevent damage to furniture.
2️⃣ There are several signs that your dog might have an infection in their paw, such as difficulty walking or limping, swollen or red areas around the nails, and behavioral changes like acting withdrawn or excessively licking their paws. If you notice these signs, it is important to take your dog to a vet for a check-up.
3️⃣ Recovery after declawing is a slow process and requires patience. Dogs might need a rehabilitation period to get used to walking without their claws, and this process will vary for each dog. If you have concerns about your dog’s recovery process, it is advised to consult with your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs be declawed?
Yes, dogs can be declawed, but it should only be done for medical reasons, such as infections in the nail beds.
2. What are the signs that my dog may need declawing?
Signs that your dog may need declawing include difficulty walking, limping, refusal to walk, swelling and redness around the claw area.
3. What are the additional signs that indicate my dog may have an infection?
Additional signs of infection that may warrant declawing include being off their food, hiding away, spending a lot of time licking their paws, and showing signs of pain or discomfort.
4. Why is declawing controversial?
Declawing is controversial because it involves amputating the animal’s toes at the initial joint, causing pain and discomfort. It is only deemed ethical when necessary for medical reasons.
5. How long does it take for a dog to recover after declawing?
Recovery time varies, but it can take several weeks for a dog to fully recover after declawing. Rehabilitation may be necessary to help the dog get used to walking without claws.
