When grooming your dog or checking them for lumps and bumps, you may have noticed what looks almost like an additional nail near their front paws, slightly higher than the other four toes. These are called dewclaws, and while they may seem unnecessary, they can serve several useful purposes.
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Found most often on the front legs and occasionally on the hind legs, dewclaws can help with grip, balance, and movement. Like all nails, they also require proper care to prevent injury.
What Are Dewclaws?
Almost all dogs are born with a single dewclaw on each front leg, so even if you don’t know what they’re called, you’ve probably seen them. Although you can move them a little, these fifth appendages are usually firmly connected to the leg by ligament and bone.
Dewclaws are typically on the back of a dog’s front legs, but single or double dewclaws can also be found on the back of a dog’s hind legs. These rear dewclaws are only attached to the leg by skin, not by bone.
Certain breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, Briard, Beauceron, and Icelandic Sheepdog, are known for having these rear double dewclaws. Depending on the breed, the double dewclaw may even be considered part of the breed standard.
Why Do Dogs Have Dewclaws?
Experts have long debated the exact purpose of dewclaws, particularly whether those firmly attached by bone serve different functions than looser ones connected only by skin.
“There are a variety of ways dewclaws may help a dog accomplish different tasks,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinarian for the AKC. These include:
- Helping a dog grip a bone or toy between their front legs
- Providing extra traction and stabilizing the (carpal) wrist joint when dogs turn at high speeds
- Adding grip and stability on slippery surfaces such as ice or when climbing out of water
- Helping a dog scramble up or down rocky, steep terrain
Herding and guardian breeds may rely on dewclaws more heavily. For example, in the Great Pyrenees, rear double dewclaws may function as a brake of sorts, since the breed often raced down mountainsides chasing wolves away from flocks of livestock. The Briard and the Beauceron, known for their dual herding and guarding purposes, may rely on double dewclaws to chase sheep-stealing predators over rough terrain.
Dewclaws can also be helpful in certain dog sports and activities. “Dogs doing agility may grasp the sides of the teeter with their dewclaws to steady themselves,” says Dr. Marty Becker, DVM. He adds that breeds like Whippets and Border Collies, who are known for being particularly fast, use their dewclaws to help them quickly navigate corners.
How Should You Care for a Dog’s Dewclaws?
You should care for your dog’s dewclaws just like any other nail. Because they don’t usually touch the ground, they don’t wear down naturally and may grow faster than other nails. Regular trimming helps prevent problems such as snagging, breaking, or growing into the skin. Injuries to dewclaws can be painful and may require veterinary care.
“Since dewclaws may be hidden under your dog’s coat and be hard to see, you can run your finger under the nail to test if it catches on your finger,” says Dr. Klein. “Trim it just enough so your finger does not get hooked and slides easily off the nail.”
In some situations, a veterinarian may recommend removing a dewclaw, especially if it’s loosely attached and at risk of tearing. However, front dewclaw removal is generally approached with caution, as these may help stabilize the limb. If a dewclaw becomes injured, your veterinarian may need to trim or remove it and provide treatment such as pain relief or antibiotics.
Key Takeaways
- Dewclaws are extra nails usually found on a dog’s front legs and sometimes on the hind legs
- They can help with grip, stability, and movement, especially in active or working dogs
- Dewclaws don’t wear down naturally, so regular trimming is important
- Professional guidance from a veterinary nutritionist is strongly recommended
- Injured or loosely attached dewclaws may require veterinary attention or removal
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do all dogs have dewclaws?
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Most dogs are born with dewclaws on their front legs. Some dogs also have them on their hind legs, though rear dewclaws are less common and vary by breed.
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Are dewclaws useful or unnecessary?
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Dewclaws can serve practical functions, including helping dogs grip objects and stabilize their joints during movement. Their importance may vary depending on the dog’s activity level and breed.
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How often should dewclaws be trimmed?
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Dewclaws should be checked regularly and trimmed as needed, often more frequently than other nails since they don’t wear down on their own.
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Can dewclaws get injured easily?
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Yes, dewclaws can snag, tear, or break, especially if they are long or loosely attached. Keeping them trimmed reduces the risk of injury.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.