Dewclaws : To trim or not to trim

Trimming dewclaws on a goat is an important part of regular hoof maintenance. Here's why:

1. Prevents Overgrowth

Dewclaws don’t wear down naturally like hooves do, so they can become overgrown and curl, potentially digging into the goat’s leg or getting caught on fences and brush.

2. Reduces Risk of Injury

Overgrown dewclaws can tear or rip, causing pain, bleeding, and risk of infection. Trimming helps prevent these avoidable injuries.

3. Supports Leg and Joint Health

If dewclaws grow too long, they can affect how the goat walks and stands, putting strain on joints and tendons over time.

4. Improves Comfort and Mobility

Regular trimming keeps your goat comfortable and mobile, especially important for show animals, breeding stock, and working goats.

5. Enhances Overall Hygiene

Trimming dewclaws makes it easier to spot and prevent parasites, abscesses, or infections around the hoof and leg area.

💡 Tip: Trim dewclaws AS NEEDED when trimming hooves. Use sharp hoof trimmers and be cautious not to cut too close to the quick (the pink area inside the claw with blood supply).