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My dog's dew claw is missing. What should I do for the sore toe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 13 years and 5 months old

One of my adult dog's dew claws is completely missing, with only a sore and red looking toe left behind.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2016

Poor Molly!! It sounds like she may have ripped it off somehow. Dogs don't need their dew claws; in fact, some breeders have them removed them from their puppies. If it is not bleeding, I recommend monitoring Molly's toe for now. You can gently clean it with warm warm and antibacterial soap. Keep it clean and dry, and keep her from licking the area. Use an Ecollar if necessary. Monitor the area for redness, swelling, and heat, which are signs of infection. If you see any of those signs, she has an infection, and she will need to see a vet right away for antibiotics.

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18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am sorry to hear that your pet has some sort of trauma to the dewclaw area. This can be caused by the toenail getting caught in something or from he pet chewing this area excessively. I would recommend soaking the paw in an Epsom Salt warm bath for 5-10 minutes to help reduce the inflammation. You can also apply Iodine 50:50 diluted with water to antiseptically cleanse the area. Then a light bandage can be placed (i.e. Tefla pad, continuous gauze, padding, elastic wrap) to temporarily cover the area so that no further debris gets in there. When you have an available vet to take Molly to (I understand most vets are not open on Sunday), then it is best to get Molly seen to determine the extent of the injury there and if surgical closure of the area is needed. She also could use some pet friendly anti-inflammatory medication if she is in discomfort.

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    14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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