Dewclaws, the little-known “extra” toes on your dog’s paws, are often overlooked and misunderstood. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a thorough understanding of dewclaws, their purpose, and how to care for them.
What Are Dewclaws?
Dewclaws are essentially the thumbs and big toes of the dog world. They are not directly equivalent to the human structures, of course, but they are similar. Looking at a dog’s front foot, the toes that are in contact with the ground while standing correspond to our pinky, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger. The dewclaw is the “thumb.” The same is true for the canine hind foot with the dewclaw, if it’s present, being the “big toe.”
Almost all dogs are born with a single dewclaw on each front leg. 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.
Why Do Dogs Have Dewclaws?
The ancestors of modern canines were actually climbers like cats. So their dewclaws helped them climb trees and cliffs. But as the species evolved, the dewclaws moved higher up the paw, coming off the ground. That gave dogs more speed to evade predators and made the dewclaw functionless for the vast majority of dogs.
However, a few very active, working breeds do still use dewclaws for gripping and stabilization. For example, it can be useful for hunting, military, and search-and-rescue dogs. When they’re running over uneven terrain, the dewclaws may touch the ground and help them move more quickly. Also, dog breeds from frigid climates use their dewclaws to grip ice if they’ve fallen into the water and need to climb out.
Which Dog Breeds Have Dewclaws?
All dog breeds are born with front dewclaws. Only a handful of breeds, such as the Icelandic sheepdog and Saint Bernard, have them on their back paws as well. If you don’t see any dewclaws on your pooch, it’s probably because the breeder had them removed shortly after birth.
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.
Is Dog Dewclaw Removal Necessary or Safe?
Traditionally, some dog breeders have opted to have their puppies’ declaws removed a few days after birth. This was intended to prevent future injuries to the dewclaws and to uphold breed standards. However, dewclaw injuries are not extremely common in pet dogs; they more often occur in working dogs who get their dewclaws caught while running through rough terrain.
There is typically no medical need for puppies to have their dewclaws removed. In fact, dewclaws serve a purpose: they help stabilize the carpal (wrist) joint when a dog puts pressure on the front paws and can provide extra traction on some surfaces.
Common Dewclaw Injuries
Dogs are more likely to injure a dewclaw than another toe. That’s because dewclaws often become overgrown. And sometimes, back dewclaws aren’t firmly attached and dangle loosely. That makes dewclaws prone to getting caught on things and breaking as your pooch pulls away.
Broken Dewclaws
Broken dewclaws bleed if the quick—tissue in the center of the nail that includes a blood vessel—is exposed. This can also happen if you trim too far down the nail. To stop the bleeding, it’s recommended to use cornstarch. It’s a crude hemostatic agent, which means it’ll temporarily stop bleeding. It’s a good idea to keep some on hand at home and in the car, if you take your dog out and about. If your dog’s nail is fractured or the bleeding continues, see a veterinarian.
Infection
Like the other toes on your dog’s paw, dewclaws may also develop ingrown nails and nail-bed infections. Besides injury, another cause of dewclaw infection is when dogs excessively lick their paws—like those with allergies or anxiety. Signs of infection include a change in color, swelling, and odor. Treatment for an infected dewclaw requires antibiotics, bandaging, and usually an e-collar to keep your pup from licking the site.
Dewclaw Care
To prevent injuries, it’s important to treat dewclaws the same as your dog’s other nails. In fact, you should monitor and trim them more often. The rest of the nails get worn down by going for walks on cement and playing at the park. But the dewclaw never touches the ground so it quickly becomes overgrown. With proper maintenance though, dewclaws aren’t usually a problem.
FAQs
1. What are dewclaws?
Dewclaws are essentially the thumbs and big toes of the dog world. They are not directly equivalent to the human structures, but they are similar. Almost all dogs are born with a single dewclaw on each front leg.
2. Why do dogs have dewclaws?
The ancestors of modern canines were climbers like cats. So their dewclaws helped them climb trees and cliffs. But as the species evolved, the dewclaws moved higher up the paw, coming off the ground, making the dewclaw functionless for the vast majority of dogs.
3. Which dog breeds have dewclaws?
All dog breeds are born with front dewclaws. Only a handful of breeds, such as the Icelandic sheepdog and Saint Bernard, have them on their back paws as well.
4. Is dog dewclaw removal necessary or safe?
There is typically no medical need for puppies to have their dewclaws removed. In fact, dewclaws serve a purpose: they help stabilize the carpal (wrist) joint when a dog puts pressure on the front paws and can provide extra traction on some surfaces.
5. How to care for your dog’s dewclaws?
To prevent injuries, it’s important to treat dewclaws the same as your dog’s other nails. In fact, you should monitor and trim them more often.
6. What are common dewclaw injuries?
Dogs are more likely to injure a dewclaw than another toe. That’s because dewclaws often become overgrown. And sometimes, back dewclaws aren’t firmly attached and dangle loosely. That makes dewclaws prone to getting caught on things and breaking as your pooch pulls away.
Conclusion
Dewclaws are a unique aspect of your dog’s anatomy that serve a purpose and require proper care. Understanding their function and how to maintain them can help prevent potential injuries and ensure your dog’s overall health and comfort. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s dewclaws.
