Dog's Spur: Complete Guide on Care, Cutting, and Removal.

When talking about dogs, one often encounters a wide range of characteristics and peculiarities. Among these, one of the lesser-known but equally interesting aspects is the dog's spur.

This structure, present in many dog breeds, represents an intriguing aspect of canine biology.

In our article today, we will explore in detail the dog's spur: what it is, what purpose it serves in the life of our faithful four-legged friend, and how to manage it in a healthy and responsible way.

What is the dog's spur?

The dog's spur, also known as the "wolf's toe" or "fifth toe," is a rudimentary structure present on the inner part of the dog's hind leg.

It is located on the inner side of the hind leg, just above the wrist of the limb. To be more precise, it is situated on the upper part of the leg, just below the knee and above the dog's foot.

You can think of it as a small bony or cartilaginous protrusion that slightly sticks out from the inner side of the hind leg.

It is mainly composed of bone and cartilage tissue and is anchored to the leg through ligaments.

The dog's spur does not touch the ground and is not used to support the weight of the dog during walking or running, unlike the main toes of the paw.

What is the purpose of a dog's spurs?

While in the past the predecessors of dogs, such as wolves, might have made more active use of spurs, over the course of evolution, many dog breeds have developed slimmer legs and feet more suited to running and hunting, thus reducing the usefulness of the spur.

As a result, the dog's spur is now considered a vestigial organ, that is, an anatomical feature that has lost much of its original functionality.

Some dog breeds still have well-developed spurs, while in others they have virtually disappeared due to natural selection or selective breeding.

Here are some of the hypothetical functions that the dog's spur might have had in the past:

Better grip: Spurs could have been useful for grasping and holding prey, especially in hunting situations.
Hooking on rough terrain: In natural environments, spurs could have been used to help the dog navigate rough or rocky terrain.
Balance: Some experts suggest that spurs might have contributed to the dog's balance while running or climbing.

What problems can a dog's spur encounter?

Dog spurs, being a rudimentary and non-functional structure in most breeds, are generally less prone to diseases or injuries compared to other parts of our beloved furry friends' bodies.

However, there are some conditions or problems that can affect spurs, although they are relatively rare. Here are some of these conditions:

Infections: Infections around the spurs can occur if the area is wounded or scratched. These infections can cause swelling, redness, and pain. Treatment usually involves cleaning the area and administering antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. In some cases, it may be necessary to temporarily remove the spur to ensure complete healing.
Cysts or tumors: Although rare, cysts or tumors can develop around the spurs. Treatment depends on the exact nature of the tumor. Surgical removal may be necessary, followed by a histological examination to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Fractures or dislocations: A fracture or dislocation of the spur can cause acute pain. Treatment often involves an X-ray to assess the damage and the possibility of surgically repositioning the bone or damaged spur. Subsequently, it may be necessary to immobilize the area to promote healing.
Ingrown nails: The nails of the spurs can grow abnormally and become ingrown in the surrounding skin, causing pain and potentially infections. Treatment involves the removal or trimming of the ingrown nails. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the spur if it is a recurring problem.
Chronic inflammations: Chronic inflammations of the spurs can cause constant pain to the dog. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory therapy prescribed by the veterinarian and the evaluation of the need to remove the spur if the inflammation persists.
Lack of proper growth: Some dogs may be born with deformed or underdeveloped spurs. In extreme cases, surgical removal of the spur may be necessary if it causes growth problems or pain to the dog.
Twisted spur: This condition occurs when the spur has grown in an abnormal position, and is known as a "twisted spur" or "entangled spur." Typically, spurs should grow straight and parallel to the dog's leg, but in some cases, they can curve inward or outward. If this is the case, the first thing to do is consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian will examine the spur and assess whether surgical intervention is necessary or treat the problem in another way. This intervention is known as "spur resection."

What if the dog compulsively licks or bites its spur?

A dog's behavior of licking or biting its spur can have various motivations, some due to physical trauma and others to psychological reasons.

Here are some of the most common reasons why a dog might lick or bite its spur:

Discomfort or pain: If the dog's spur is injured, inflamed, or has problems such as an ingrown nail, the dog might lick or bite it to alleviate discomfort or pain. This behavior can be a sign that the dog is trying to heal or soothe the problematic area.
Itching: The area around the spurs might itch due to skin irritations or allergies. The dog might lick or bite the spur to try to relieve the itch.
Compulsive behavior: In some cases, dogs can develop compulsive behaviors, such as licking and biting parts of the body, including the spurs. This behavior can be caused by stress, boredom, or anxiety.
Habit: Some dogs may develop the habit of licking or biting the spur without a specific cause. It might have become a recurring behavior that the dog performs for unknown reasons.
Curiosity or play: Some puppies may experiment with licking and biting the spurs as part of their exploration of their body and the surrounding world. This behavior might not be related to specific problems.
If you notice that your dog frequently licks or bites its spur or shows signs of discomfort or irritation in the area, it is important to consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian can examine the dog to identify any underlying problems and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate your pet's discomfort.

Is it better to remove a dog's spurs?

No, dog spurs should not be removed unless there are compelling reasons to do so.

In some European countries, such as Germany, cutting the spurs is even prohibited unless it is consequent to an accident or necessary for the health of the dog.

And this should already be a warning sign and make us think carefully before making this decision.

In some cases, breeders remove the spurs of puppies in the first days of life, but in case of accidents or illness, it can be done at any age.

The procedure should be performed by a professional veterinarian and only if medically necessary for the well-being of the dog, for example, medical reasons or behavioral problems such as excessive biting or licking.

Only if the dog frequently breaks its spurs, if they grow ingrown, or if they create difficulty in movement might it be better to remove them completely.

However, it is important that the removal of the spurs is carried out only if strictly necessary, as it is still a form of mutilation.

If there are no medical conditions and the spurs do not disturb the dog, it is better to leave them where they are.

Moreover, the procedure must be carried out in compliance with Italian veterinary laws and regulations, which establish what are the conditions and surgical practices acceptable for the welfare of animals.

It is important to emphasize that laws and regulations can vary even within each country, and there might be further restrictions or specific regional specifications.

Before proceeding with the removal of your dog's spurs, it is essential to consult a local veterinarian and check the laws and regulations applicable in your country or region.

How much does it cost to remove a dog's spurs?

The cost of removing spurs can vary depending on the geographical area, the size of the dog, the veterinary facility, and the type of anesthesia and medications used.

As an example, we attach the link to the Veterinary Tariff of the Brescia Dog Shelter, where the removal of spurs from an adult dog has a price of about 99 Euros, while that of a puppy is about 40 Euros.

But the cost can also rise to 150 Euros in a non-municipal veterinary clinic.

Can I trim my dog's spurs?

Trimming, or rather, shortening a dog's spurs is possible, but if you lack experience it can be potentially dangerous.

Here are some important reasons why you should not attempt this procedure on your own if you are not sure:

Trimming the spur without experience, or without the appropriate equipment, can cause not only pain in case of accidents but also significant stress for your dog, and consequently pose risks to their health and well-being.
Trimming the spurs can cause open wounds that increase the risk of infection. Without adequate sterilization of the tools and wounds, you could put your dog at risk of serious infections.
Trimming a spur without medical experience can lead to bleeding and hemorrhages. Lack of bleeding control can make it difficult to stop the loss of blood.
Inappropriately trimming the spur could cause injuries to surrounding structures, such as blood vessels or nerves.

If you decide to do it anyway, make sure to use only a special nail clipper for dogs, and be very careful not to get close to the nerve.

You can use a flashlight to try to understand where the nail ends and where the pulp begins, and make a mark with a marker.

Also, make sure to have a jar of hemostatic powder on hand in case of any injuries.

If you want to learn more about nail trimming, you can read our guide: How to safely and step-by-step trim a dog's nails.

But as mentioned, there are really few dogs that stay still and calm while having their nails trimmed.

If yours is one of those that doesn't do it or is generally nervous, it's better to turn to a veterinarian even for a simple trim.

Does a dog's spur regrow?

If the spur is simply shortened, it will regrow just like a dog's nails.

However, if it is surgically removed by a veterinarian, it usually does not regrow. The removal of spurs involves the excision of the bone or cartilage structure and the surrounding tissue, preventing their regrowth.

However, in some rare cases, partial regrowth of the spur may occur if it was not completely removed during the surgical procedure.

For these reasons, it is essential to entrust the removal of a dog's spurs to a professional veterinarian who has the skills, experience, and necessary equipment to perform the procedure safely and painlessly for your pet.

And what if the dog has two spurs?

The presence of two spurs on a dog, rather than one, is a fairly rare but possible occurrence.

Most dogs have one spur on each front leg and sometimes one spur on each hind leg.

However, the biology and anatomy of dogs can vary considerably from breed to breed and from individual to individual.

In some cases, a dog may have two spurs on one leg instead of just one, or it may have extra spurs in a different position than those usually expected.

This variation is usually caused by genetic factors or anomalies in embryonic development.

If your dog has two spurs on one leg or extra spurs, it is not necessarily a cause for concern unless they cause health problems or discomfort to your pet.

However, it is a good idea to discuss the situation with your veterinarian during regular check-ups to ensure that your dog is in good health and that there are no complications related to the additional spurs.

Which dog breeds have a spur?

The dog's spur can be present in various breeds, but its presence, size, and development can vary significantly from one breed to another.

Some dog breeds may have well-developed spurs (generally large-sized dogs), while in others they can be very small or even absent.

Here are some dog breeds that may have a spur:

German Shepherd
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Shepherd
Afghan Hound
Doberman
Rottweiler
Italian Pointer
Saint Bernard
Beauceron
Boxer
Cocker Spaniel
Great Dane
Bernese Mountain Dog
Kangal
Briard
Gos d’Atura Català

It is important to note that the presence of spurs can vary within breeds and is not a primary criterion for the classification of a specimen.

Moreover, many dogs have spurs so small that they are not visible to the naked eye. The presence or absence of spurs does not affect the health or general behavior of the dog.

In conclusion…

The dog's spur is an evolutionary residue that can vary greatly from dog to dog and from breed to breed, and it is not always present, or not always so within a breed.

While in the past it might have had functional purposes, in most modern domestic breeds the spur does not have a clear function.

The issue of removing spurs remains a topic of discussion among dog owners and veterinarians.

The decision to remove spurs should be based on the individual health and well-being of the dog, taking into account any medical or behavioral problems associated with the spurs.

In any case, it is essential to rely on a professional veterinarian to assess the need for spur removal and to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

Moreover, the general well-being of the dog should always be the main priority, regardless of the presence or removal of spurs.

Author's note

I invite all readers to share their experience on this topic in the comments section.

Any information you wish to share about health, character, products, and advice on education or diet will help us create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to manage them best.

From the Staff of Khani.co.uk

If this post has been helpful and you want to learn more about dog care, well-being, and education, we will be happy to help you. Find here many useful information to better understand your furry friend.

Disclaimer

The information on our site is of a general nature and does not in any way replace the advice of a veterinarian or industry experts. For any doubts, always turn to a veterinarian.

Just so you know, we may collect a small commission or other compensation from the links on this page and on the site in general, at no additional cost to you. Click on the red link to discover our favorite products!