What is dewclaws?
Updated By PetymFacts checked against official sources on
Quick answer
Dewclaws are the extra toes with claws that sit a little above a dog's foot, on the inner side of the leg, most often on the front legs. Because they do not touch the ground, walking never wears them down, so they need regular trimming. Left long, a dewclaw can curl round and grow into the toe pad, which hurts.
Also called dew claw, dewclaw, fifth toe, thumb claw.
Key facts
- Merck describes the dewclaw as an extra toe a little above the foot, with a nail that needs trimming just like the others. Merck Veterinary Manual
- Dewclaws do not touch the ground and are not worn down by walking, so they need regular cutting. Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- The dewclaw sits on the inner side of the paw and often grows into the toe pad, causing pain. Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- Merck notes dewclaws can catch on things and are easily injured. Merck Veterinary Manual
- Styptic powder stops bleeding from a nail cut too short; without it, bleeding may take about 5 minutes to stop. Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Where are a dog's dewclaws, and what are they for?
They are the dog's equivalent of a thumb or big toe, set higher up the leg so they do not reach the ground when the dog stands.
Dewclaws sit on the inner side of the leg, just above the paw. Many dogs have them on the front legs only; some have them on the back legs as well, so check all four legs on your own dog. The WSU vet hospital notes that a dewclaw is attached by loose skin and can usually be bent away from the leg for trimming.
Merck's owner manual says dewclaws have no purpose. Whatever their use, the practical point is the same: they keep growing and nothing wears them down. On Indian streets, where dogs walk on rough tarmac and the main nails stay short, the dewclaw is often the one nail that is overlooked.
How do you trim a dewclaw safely?
Steps from Washington State University's veterinary teaching hospital. If your dog will not keep still, ask your vet or groomer.
- Hold the dewclaw away from the leg; a loosely attached one can usually be bent out, and scissors-style trimmers work well. Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- Find the quick, the blood vessels and nerves inside the nail. It is easy to see in pale nails. Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- On dark nails, take several small cuts rather than one big one, and stay at least 2 millimetres from the quick. Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- Stop as soon as a grey to pink oval shows on the cut surface: cutting further reaches the quick and causes bleeding. Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- Keep styptic powder at hand in case a nail bleeds. Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- Reward the dog with a treat for each nail, so trimming becomes something it tolerates. RSPCA (England and Wales)
When does a dewclaw need a vet?
Most dewclaw problems are a nail that has grown too long or caught on something. These are the signs to act on.
If the claw has curled round and is pressing into or growing into the pad
See your vet. An ingrown dewclaw is painful and the skin may be broken or infected; the vet can trim and clean it properly. Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
If the claw has torn or snagged and is bleeding
Press a clean cloth on it and call your vet: dewclaws catch easily and a torn one can be very sore. Merck Veterinary Manual
If the dog is limping, licking one spot on its leg or will not let you touch the paw
Check the dewclaw, and see your vet if you cannot see the cause or the dog is in pain.
If you are wondering whether the dewclaws should be removed
Merck says vets often recommend removing dewclaws because they get caught and injured. It is surgery, so discuss it with your vet for your own dog. Merck Veterinary Manual
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Questions owners ask
Do all dogs have dewclaws?
- Most dogs have dewclaws on the front legs. Some also have them on the back legs, and some have had them removed as puppies. Merck describes the dewclaw as an extra toe a little above the foot. Check both front and back legs on your own dog so none is missed when nails are trimmed.
How often should dewclaws be trimmed?
- There is no fixed schedule; it depends on how fast the nail grows. Because dewclaws never touch the ground, they need checking more often than the other nails. Check them every time you look at the other nails, and trim before the tip starts to curl back towards the leg.
What happens if a dewclaw is not trimmed?
- It keeps growing and can curl round into the toe pad. Washington State University's vet hospital says dewclaws often grow into the pad and cause pain. An ingrown claw may need your vet to trim and clean it, so regular checks are easier on the dog.
My dog tore its dewclaw. What should I do?
- Press a clean cloth on it to slow any bleeding, keep the dog calm and call your vet. Merck notes dewclaws catch on things easily and are easily injured. A torn nail can be very painful, so let the vet look at it rather than pulling at it yourself.
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Sources
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