• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Should you remove your dog’s dewclaws?

Posted April 13, 2021

 
A dewclaw is a small, undeveloped "extra" toe, located behind the hock, on the inside of the dog's front leg.
A dewclaw is a small, undeveloped “extra” toe located behind the hock, inside the dog’s front leg.

There are two schools of thought on the necessity of removing a dog’s dewclaws. One vigorously defends the “need” to remove the dewclaws. The other is equally passionate about leaving the dog intact.

What is a dewclaw?

The dewclaw is considered a vestigial digit, similar to the coccyx (tailbone) on humans.

It served a purpose at one time, but evolution and lifestyle changes have made it basically unnecessary.

A dewclaw is a small, undeveloped “extra” toe located behind the hock, inside the dog’s front leg.

On some dogs, the dewclaw is firmly attached to the bone. On others, it’s a floppy piece of skin with a nail attached.

Why do dogs have them?

Originally, dogs utilized their dewclaws to help them dig, climb, grip while running or turning, gripping food while eating, and to pull themselves out of holes or water. Many working, agility, and sport breeds still use the claws in  their “jobs.”

What is a double dewclaw?

A double dewclaw is occasionally found on the hind legs of some dogs. The double claw must be present for standard reasons in certain breeds such as Great Pyrenees, Beaucerons, and Briards.

Should you remove dewclaws

Some argue that the dog’s dewclaws should be removed to prevent injury and infection. Many breeders remove the claws from pups before they open their eyes. Some owners and breeders remove them for safety and health reasons and believe younger dogs feel less pain and will not obsess about their removal.

The claws can be surgically removed when the dogs are older if they cause problems like catching or tearing.

Some people adamantly oppose removing dewclaws; claiming basic care, such as regularly inspecting them for injury and keeping the nails clipped, negates the need to remove them.

Bottom line

Whether to leave or remove your dog’s dewclaws is a personal choice.

It may be the right thing to do health and safety if your dog has a history of having them catch and rip open.

If your dog is not experiencing problems, it might be best to leave the claws alone.

Karen A. Soukiasian is the owner of Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

Is it better to have two dogs?

 

Related Posts

  • common dog health problems
    7 tips to identify common dog health problems

    Use these tips to watch for seven common dog health…

  • canine arthritis
    Canine arthritis: 7 tips to keep your dog healthy

    To help keep your dog healthy, monitor his weight and…

  • English springer spaniel with docked tail
    Dog health: Should you dock your dog's tail?

    Docked tail: Originally removed on working dogs to prevent injuries.…

  • Doberman pinscher shows example of ear cropping
    Dog health: ear cropping

    Dog ear cropping involves cutting and shaping the ears to…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • The most common warning signs to watch for in your puppy's behaviors include snarling, growling, mounting, snapping, nipping, lip curling, lunging, dominance, challenging stance, dead-eye stare, aggressive barking, possessiveness, and of course, biting!

    Take action immediately when you spot aggressive puppy warning signs

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

Tags

Cavalier King Charles spaniel Environment Paw Potty training Apartment living Pet sitter Golden retriever Bulldog Non-shedding breeds Dog temperament Dog apps Dog teeth Doberman Pinscher Puppy-proof Arthritis Border collie Guard dog Poodle Dog clothes Pandemic High-tech dog gadgets Pomeranian Dog nails Jumping Barking Home renovations Allergies Dog photos Canine diabetes Canine exercise

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Discover 7 adorable Saint Bernard mixes
    Saint Bernard mixes carry the appealing attributes of Saint Bernards combined with the characteristics of another breed. […]
  • Try 5 easy ways to keep your dog’s fur soft and shiny
    Keeping your fluffy dog clean and healthy doesn't have to be complicated. Simply brush, bathe, use a pet hair dryer, and feed a healthy diet. […]
  • Big or small dog? Which is the right choice for you?
    Consider your home, time, energy and finances when you decide whether to adopt a big or small dog. Big dogs eat more, need more exercise. […]
  • 5 mistakes new dog parents make and how to get it right
    Use this dog training advice to avoid making common dog owner mistakes and produce a happy, well-trained, loyal companion. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2022 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.