Re: [pyrnet] Dew Claw Question

[mapleway@iolinc.net (McConnell, Chrissy)]

   I will stress to always remember to be careful when trimming nails.  I've been trimming them for years but got in a hurry last week.  (Moses was Justice's show-and tell.)  I know the regular nails on the back feet usually seem to bleed easier and I could see the quick.  Well I don't know if Mo moved or what but that sucker bled more than I've ever seen a nail bleed.
   Of course we were out of styptic powder but ashes will usually do the job to.  Not this time.  I had to use glue to cap it off 'til it clotted.  Worked for a while but he rubbed against the carpet and started again....off and on....all day!  I thought I was going to have to cauterize it.
   Anyway, I'm looking into getting one of those small cauterizers groomers use....just in case we ever have one that bad again.

Chrissy




> I have a question about my rescue-girl's dew claws.
> 
> When I got her about six months ago, her dew claws had been somewhat
> neglected, but not dangerously so. If, as I've read, neglected claws can
> grow into a complete circle, her longest were about 1/3 of a circle.
> 
> I've been trimming weekly, using a clipper that has a guard on it to keep
> me from trimming into the quick, but this seems only to be maintaining the
> status quo. My problem is that I've hurt other dogs by trimming off only a
> tiny bit more than the guard on the clippers allowed, so I'm now afraid to
> get more aggressive about trimming.
> 
> Can anybody tell me how deeply I can trim overgrown claws without hurting
> her? Or would it be best to let the vet or her groomer do an initial
> trimming and simply go into maintenance mode from there? Or is a 1/3-circle
> claw perfectly okay?
> 
> Athena seems to think I'm going to kill her, merely by handling her dew
> claws. I've been conditioning her by gently holding her claws several times
> during routine brushings (which she loves), and she's becoming more
> accepting . But between her fears and my own past ineptitude, I could use
> some wise counsel.
> 
> Many thanks to all.
> 
> Claire
> 
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