My dog is biting her back dew claw excessively. What should I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This can be quite painful. I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They can consider removing the dew claw to take the source of pain away or it can be treated with pain medications and antibiotics for instance. In the meantime, keep him from being able to reach it as he will likely want to lick or chew at it which can make it a lot worse. You may use an e-collar for that purpose. Good luck!

The most likely cause would be a skin condition of some kind, causing her to be itchy - some common possibilities would include allergies, fleas, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the cause is, so I would recommend having her examined by a vet - he/she can do a simple test called a skin scrape if needed to help diagnose the problem. In the meantime, I would suggest getting her an e-collar (plastic cone) to keep her from continuing to chew at her leg and make things worse until you can get her in to see a vet.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This will likely heal on its own if you are able to keep her from licking at it. You can try using an e-collar to prevent further self trauma. Good luck and have a good night!

Poor Baby! Excessive biting or chewing at the paws, tail, or other parts of the body is most often caused by allergies, but could also be due to other skin problems such as a bacterial or fungal skin infection, fleas, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so I would recommend taking her to the vet tomorrow for an exam. He/she can do some simple skin tests if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it. In the meantime, if she's making herself bleed, you may need to get an e-collar (plastic cone) for her to wear until you're able to see the vet. This will keep her from continuing to chew on herself and make the skin problem worse.

You should take her to the vet as the broken piece may need to be removed. The vet can also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection and pain medication to help manage the discomfort. Soaking her paw in a warm Epsom Salt solution might also help.

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.

I agree with you and suspect she will need medications. Dogs can get nailbed infections, an injury to the toenail itself or it’s possible she has a splinter stuck underneath the skin. The doctor will examine the toe and should get a better idea of what is happening. Have Bon wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. The more that she licks at it, the worse he can’t make it. I hope she starts feeling better quickly.