Dog Dewclaw: What It Is, When to Remove & Dewclaw Care Guide 2026

A dog’s dewclaw is the extra nail located on the inner side of the leg, above the main paw. Most dogs have dewclaws on their front legs; some breeds also have rear dewclaws or even double dewclaws. Dewclaws require regular trimming and occasional veterinary attention — they can overgrow, crack, or tear if neglected.

This guide is for informational purposes. Consult your veterinarian for specific guidance on your dog’s dewclaw anatomy and care needs.

What Is a Dewclaw?

The dewclaw is essentially a dog’s “thumb” — a vestigial digit located higher on the leg than the other four toes. Like a thumb, the dewclaw doesn’t contact the ground during normal walking, which means it doesn’t wear down naturally the way the other nails do. This is why dewclaws tend to grow longer faster and need more frequent attention than regular nails.

Despite being often overlooked, front dewclaws in most dogs have bone and muscle attachments and are functional to a degree — dogs use them for gripping when they chew bones, navigate rough terrain, or make sharp turns at speed. Studies of canine biomechanics suggest front dewclaws do make contact with the ground during certain movements, particularly acceleration and cornering.

Rear dewclaws, however, are more variable. In many dogs they have minimal or no skeletal attachment (called “loose” or “floating” dewclaws), making them more prone to injury and less functional. In some breeds like Great Pyrenees, Briards, and Icelandic Sheepdogs, rear double dewclaws are a breed standard and should not be removed.

Front vs Rear Dewclaws

Dewclaw Removal: When Is It Necessary?

Dewclaw removal is a surgical procedure typically done when puppies are 3–5 days old if elected by the breeder, or later under general anesthesia if done on an adult dog. The decision to remove dewclaws is a topic of ongoing debate in veterinary and breeding communities.

Prophylactic (preventive) removal of front dewclaws in healthy dogs is no longer widely recommended by veterinary orthopedic specialists, as front dewclaws have genuine functional value in most dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend elective removal of attached dewclaws.

Removal is more commonly warranted for rear dewclaws that are “floating” (attached only by skin with no bone), particularly in working dogs or very active dogs where a loose dewclaw has a higher probability of catching on brush, fabric, or other surfaces and tearing. Dogs with a history of recurrent dewclaw injuries may also benefit from surgical removal.

If removal is performed on an adult dog, it requires general anesthesia, a brief recovery period with bandaging, and an e-collar to prevent licking. Most dogs recover fully within 2–3 weeks.

How to Trim a Dewclaw

Because dewclaws don’t contact the ground, they don’t self-wear and can quickly become overgrown, curling back into the leg tissue and causing pain or even embedded nail injuries. Checking and trimming dewclaws every 2–3 weeks (at the same time as regular nail trimming) prevents overgrowth.

Use the same nail clippers you use for regular nails — dog nail clippers or a rotary grinder both work. Locate the quick (the pink blood vessel visible in light-colored nails) and trim just below it. For dark dewclaws where the quick isn’t visible, trim small amounts at a time until you see a dark circle appear in the center of the cut — this indicates you’re close to the quick and should stop.

Because the dewclaw nail curves differently than regular nails (often growing in a slight arc or curl), approach the cut from the side rather than straight on to get a clean, angled cut that follows the natural nail shape.

If the dewclaw has been neglected and become significantly overgrown or embedded, do not attempt to trim it yourself — visit a groomer or veterinarian who can safely manage the situation and assess for infection.

Dewclaw Injuries

Torn or broken dewclaws are among the most common nail injuries in dogs, particularly in active dogs that run through vegetation, compete in dog sports, or are especially energetic. The higher position of the dewclaw makes it more susceptible to catching on objects compared to the ground-contact nails.

A torn dewclaw is painful and will usually bleed significantly. Signs include limping, licking or chewing at the leg, and visible damage to the nail or surrounding tissue. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding, then seek veterinary care — a partially torn dewclaw often needs to be removed or trimmed by a vet under sedation, and the area may require antibiotics to prevent infection.

Regular trimming is the best prevention for dewclaw injuries. A short, properly trimmed dewclaw has minimal catch surface and is less likely to snag than an overgrown, curved nail.

For related guidance, see our articles on dog nail trimming and dog wound care. Find a professional groomer near you on HeiBob for nail and dewclaw maintenance.