Stray dog with scars around ankles....? explanation, please help?

Question

We picked up a boxer (8mths old) that, around both front and back ankles, has deep scars. The scars line up and look like his back 2 paws were tied together and his front 2 likewise. Also, his due claws are removed.? Why would an owner tie his legs together??? We saw a poster for him and are trying to figure out if it was abuse=we wil not call, or if there is some other explanation (not bad people) we will call. Please help???

he is very kind, good natured dog

we will keep the dog

Answer 1

Its very commen for Dogs to have Dewclaws removed..I wouldnt sweat that. As far as the scars call the family from a pay phone or blocked number and ask them why he has scars around his legs..They may have rescued him! Or have an explanation, This is their Dog and if they are treating him right they deserve him back.If you think from the phone call that they havent then get animal control involved , Have them checked out, tell them you will foster him until everything is resolved and if they dont give him back you have first rights on adoption.They must care about him or they wouldnt be looking.Put yourself in their place if innocent they need to know their pet is at least alive and being cared for.

Answer 2

It looks like you have rescued an abused dog. That can be the only explanation for the scaring.

Take him to a vet, in another part of town, away from where you found him and saw the poster. He needs a check-up. The vet will help determin the nature of the scars.

Work with the vet and get animal control involved. That dog should NOT go back to it's original home.

Dew claws are often removed from many breeds. It is pretty common, but really unnecessary.

I think you've done the pup a favor.

If you decide to keep him, enroll your family in
"dog school", as I am sure he may have some behavior issues due to his early abuse.

Good luck with your rescued pup!

Answer 3

well some owners just want their dogs dewclaws removed.. well because because. and the scars COULD be from an accident. But if they look like that the owner might have done it on purpose. Try calling them and when they come to pick up the dog see if the dog is scared of the owner. If it is then call the SPCA to report it as possible animal abuse

Answer 4

Can't think of a non-abuse situation that would cause an animal to be hog-tied, which is what it sounds like. Not only should you keep the dog - you sound like good people for him - but you should take the number/address off the poster and report both the name/number/address and the abuse to the dog, to the humane society in your area. Animal abuse is a crime, and is punishable under law. Not enough, as yet, but getting better.

Answer 5

Maybe try talking to your local animal shelter. I'm sure they see a lot of abused dogs, and they might be able to tell you what the scars look like. Or maybe ask a veterinarian. They might know if it is a scar from some kind of unusual surgery. I hope this helps, and i hope they are not scars of abuse, and the dog goes back to a good home. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I see you posted this question twice within minutes. If you're so worried about the animal, and if he appears to have been abused or injured, your first stop is to the vetrinarian's office, not Yahoo answers. Only the vet can answer this question. Also, if this animal was absued or poorly treated, you simply don't know what type of mental state he may be in or diseases he may bring itno your home. Please see a vet right away. If it's not abuse, call the owner and let them know that you took the dog to the vet for safety sake and ask them to reimburse you for the office visit. I know I'd pay someone who rescued my dog and took it to the vet just to be sure. Hope he's fine!

Answer 7

It's normal to remove dew claws in some areas. Dew claws are not necessary for walking and sometimes get caught up in things and get torn. Then they can get infected.
It does sound like abuse. I can't think of any other reason for scars like those. I would meet the dog first and see if he's hand shy or reactive to movements.

Answer 8

A vet can tell you more, but I'm thinking abuse too.
Just don't let the vet scan him for a microchip, it probably wouldn't even occur to the doctor that he's the dog in the poster unless you mention it.
If you determine abuse, and if it's safe, call the owners. If you can't get them arrested for animal cruelty, just tell them your keeping the dog and he's safe.
I lost a dog and never knew what happened, I just wanted to know that she was safe, if I couldn't have her back.
Good luck.

Answer 9

Some people tie weights around a dogs legs to increase their strength, these are generally valuable fighting dogs. My guess is your dog was in training to become a fighter, and his owners more than likely have lots of money invested in him. These dogs can run upwards of thousands of dollars if bred from champion lines. I'm glad to hear you are keeping him, sounds like you caught him just in time, Congrats to you on saving a life.

Answer 10

I would think that the dog was probably chained for a long time~ Poor thing! But be careful when approaching. If it has been mistreated by people it may be wary of humans~ or even dangerous. Be careful.
I would keep him. People can be cruel to animals and judging from the dog's condition he has been abused. Unless of course, someone rescued him and the boxer got away from them. But I would keep him and love him! Boxers are awesome pets.