My Baby

Question
I hear everyone saying u don't declaw a dog but whats the difference between declawing a cat or dog? I have a full grown chuwawa lil over 2 lbs 1 yr 4 months.so hard to cut her nails even when short she manages to cut her face always hurting herself with her nails even had a huge abases swelled up half her face had her on antibiotics for a while it was nasty poor baby.If I had them removed I feel she would b so much better off.. so whats so wrong about it?
Jane smith

Answer
Jane -

In my humble opinion, declawing should not be done to any animal.  It is usually not done for the benefit of the animal, but for the benefit of the pet owner.  Nails are surgically removed to prevent the cat from doing what it does naturally - using its claws to scratch its surroundings and mark its territory.  Animals that have claws removed usually have problems as a result of the declawing - painful paws and behavioral problems are the most common documented results of the declaw procedure.  

That being said, there are circumstances where it is necessary to declaw a cat.  Some cats would not have homes if they were not declawed first.  But I digress...there are almost never any circumstances where it is necessary to declaw a dog. Removal of dog's nails is so controversial that it may be against the law in some states. Declawing in dogs is usually a much more painful procedure than it is in cats and it is not a procedure that is routinely performed in the veterinary profession.

If you are unable to clip your dog's nails, make an appointment at your veterinarian's office and have the procedure done there.  You can also have your dog sedated and have the nails clipped very short while he is sedated.  

A product called Soft Paws is another option that may help.  Soft Paws are applied over the nails of the dog using an adhesive.  It is a great alternative to declawing the cat (or dog in your case).  Placement is very easy and can be done at the vet's office or at home.  Check the Internet to find locations where you can purchase this great product.  I have used them in cats and they work very well.  

Talk with a veterinary professional about ways to keep your dog's nails short.  Declawing should not be the only way out to control your dog's unruly toenails.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM