What are dog dewclaws? Exploring canine anatomy

By Lauren Rey

Have you ever looked at your pup's paws and thought “why does my dog have extra toes?” While polydactyl dogs do exist, chances are, what you’re looking at is your dog’s dewclaws. These “extra toes” are a normal part of canine anatomy and nothing to be concerned about. Let’s dive into what exactly dewclaws are, why dogs have them, and how to care for them.

What are dewclaws?

Dewclaws (also sometimes written as dew claws) are smaller toes located slightly above the other toes on your dog’s inner front paws. They are often compared to human thumbs, although they are not opposable. Unlike other toes, dewclaws do not make contact with the ground as a dog walks. It is believed the name is derived from how the extra claw brushes against the top of the grass as a dog walks, collecting dew along the way.

Most dogs have one dewclaw on each front paw; however, some breeds also have hind dewclaws. Rarely, some dogs also have what’s known as double dewclaws, two dewclaws per paw, typically on the hind paws. Front dewclaws are firmer and attached by muscle, ligament, and bone, whereas hind dewclaws are usually only attached by skin tissue and may feel softer and more flexible.

Why do dogs have dewclaws?

Dewclaws are an evolutionary trait believed to have served several purposes, especially among dogs historically raised in rocky or icy terrain and working dogs.

Front dewclaws assist with traction when running and provide additional stabilization to the carpal (wrist) joint. They may also assist with climbing and gripping objects, like on a rocky trail or a steep mountainside, or when a dog holds a bone between their front paws to chew.

Hind dewclaws, which are rarer and typically only seen in certain breeds that were used for guarding and herding livestock, may assist with running down steep hillsides and mountain terrain.

Today, dewclaws come in handy for dogs that participate in agility training, swimming (and exiting the water on rocky shores), hiking, and other canine sports.

How to care for your dog’s dewclaws

Caring for your dog's dewclaws is just as important as other aspects of your dog’s grooming routine. In fact, they may need more frequent trims than your dog’s other nails. Declaws don’t regularly touch the ground as other nails do, so they don’t get much help wearing down. They can easily become overgrown and even ingrown (curving inward toward the paw) if not kept trimmed. Since dewclaws are higher up on the paws and less noticeable than other nails, especially in dogs with long or thick coats, it’s important to check them routinely.

Dewclaws can also sometimes easily become snagged on things, from household items like blankets and carpets to debris encountered on walks like branches or bushes. Cracked or broken dewclaws, torn declaws, or other dewclaw injuries can cause pain, bleeding, inflammation, and be at risk for infection. Dewclaw injuries should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Dog dewclaw FAQs

Do all dogs have declaws?

Most dogs are born with dewclaws on their front paws. Certain breeds are born with additional dewclaws on their rear paws which can sometimes be single or double dewclaws.

Hind dewclaws and double dewclaws typically exist on guardian and herding breeds such as Anatolian Shepherds, Icelandic Sheepdogs, Great Pyrenees, Beaucerons, and St. Bernards. It is believed these extra dewclaws aided in some of the tough terrain these dogs were bred to work in, such as rocky hillsides, steep mountain trails, and icy landscapes. These rear dewclaws came in handy while herding sheep downhill or chasing predators away from the flock down mountainsides.

Why do some dogs have their dewclaws removed?

Dewclaw removal is sometimes performed on certain breeds of working dogs to avoid injury in the field or for aesthetic purposes in the show ring; however — like tail docking and ear cropping, this practice is controversial and considered unnecessary by many.

You’ll find mixed opinions on dewclaw removal as a preventative measure from both breeders and veterinarians. Dr. Chris Zink, a veterinary sports medicine specialist, has studied dewclaws extensively and advocated against dewclaw removal, citing their importance to traction and stability.

Sometimes dewclaws are removed for medical reasons such as injury, infection, or cancerous growths that may occur in the surrounding tissues. If you have concerns about the health of your dog’s dewclaws, always consult your veterinarian.

What’s the best way to trim a dog’s dewclaws?

Dewclaws can be trimmed the same way as your dog’s other nails, by using a pair of dog nail clippers or a dog nail grinder. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to start slowly, only taking a small bit of nail at a time, to avoid hitting the quick (the soft, inner part of a dog’s nail that contains a blood vessel and nerve endings).

If you’re not comfortable doing this at home, you can have your dog’s nails trimmed at a groomer or veterinary clinic. Additionally, if your dog’s dewclaws are showing any sign of injury or appear to be ingrown, it’s a good idea to have them looked at by your vet first, to avoid the risk of further aggravating the area or spreading infection.

Protecting your pup’s claws, paws, and everything else

Whether it’s a case of zoomies in the living room, a game of fetch at the park, or a hike through the mountains, your dog’s paws are at the forefront of everything they do. It’s important to keep them healthy and protected.

Protect your pup’s paws, claws, and everything else with a Lifetime Protection Membership from 24Petwatch. You’ll have access to vet telehealth for questions or health tips, discounts on pet-sitting and dog-walking services, and 24/7 lost pet recovery specialists standing by, in case your pup’s paws ever wander too far.

From help locating lost pets to ordering new ID tags, registering a microchip, or picking a pet insurance plan — 24Petwatch has everything you need to protect your pet!