The Purpose and Importance of Dew Claws in Dogs
Many pet owners have noticed the small, seemingly vestigial toes located higher up on their dog's legs and wondered: do dew claws serve a purpose? The answer may surprise you. Contrary to popular belief that they are useless or merely evolutionary leftovers, dew claws have both functional and health-related purposes in many dogs, depending on their lifestyle, activity level, and breed.
What Are Dew Claws?
Dew claws are the small claws found on the inner side of a dog’s leg, similar in position to a human thumb. While most dogs have dew claws on their front feet, some breeds have them on all four limbs, and certain breeds may even have double dew claws.
Functional Uses of Dew Claws
Dew claws can serve several important purposes:
- Grip and Traction: Dew claws help dogs gain better traction when running, especially during sharp turns or on slippery terrain.
- Object Handling: Dogs often use their dew claws to hold and manipulate objects, such as bones or toys.
- Terrain Navigation: Some working or herding breeds use their dew claws when climbing steep or uneven terrain.
- Balance and Stability: These claws can stabilize the dog when walking or standing, particularly on uneven surfaces.
Breed-Specific Importance
In certain breeds, dew claws are not just functional—they are essential. For example:
- Great Pyrenees: Require double dew claws as part of the breed standard; they assist in stability and snow navigation.
- Briards and Beaucerons: Also expected to have double dew claws for similar terrain-based functions.
Should Dew Claws Be Removed?
Historically, dew claw removal was common to avoid injury or for aesthetic reasons. However, many veterinarians now recommend keeping them, especially the front dew claws, unless there's a medical reason for removal such as repeated injury or infection.
Front dew claws are well-attached and rarely prone to injury. Rear dew claws, particularly those only loosely connected by skin, may occasionally pose a risk for snagging or tearing and can be removed if necessary, often during spay/neuter surgeries.
Potential Problems With Dew Claws
Like other claws, dew claws require regular maintenance. Common problems include:
- Overgrowth: Dew claws may not wear down naturally and can curl into the pad or skin if not trimmed.
- Infection: Cuts or breaks in the dew claw can become infected without proper care.
- Tearing: Snagging the claw on something can cause painful injuries.
Proper Dew Claw Care
Consistent grooming and monitoring are key to avoiding dew claw issues:
- Trim dew claws regularly to prevent overgrowth and curling.
- Check for signs of damage or infection such as redness, swelling, or limping.
- Consult a veterinarian if the dew claw appears loose, inflamed, or troublesome.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Spare Toe
Dew claws may look insignificant at first glance, but for many dogs, they play a valuable role in daily function and movement. Especially for active or working breeds, these small digits contribute to traction, stability, and object manipulation. Unless advised otherwise by a veterinarian, preserving dew claws—especially the front ones—is generally beneficial to a dog’s health and mobility.
