What a Dew Claw Is
A dew claw is the small, thumb-like nail located higher up on a dog’s leg, above the main paw, and it’s considered the anatomical equivalent of a fifth digit.
Front dew claws are present on nearly all dogs and are usually attached by bone and muscle, giving many dogs at least some functional use of them for gripping objects or gaining traction on turns.
Rear dew claws are less common and, when present, are often only loosely attached by skin rather than bone, which makes them more prone to snagging and injury than front dew claws.
Because dew claws don’t touch the ground during normal walking, they don’t wear down naturally the way other nails do, which means they need regular manual trimming to stay a safe length.
Single vs. Double Dew Claws
Most dogs have a single dew claw on each front leg, positioned similarly to a human thumb, set a bit higher up the leg than the main paw pad.
Some breeds, including the Great Pyrenees, Briard, and Beauceron, are known for having double rear dew claws as a breed standard trait, sometimes required by breed registries for show dogs.
Double dew claws require extra attention during nail trims, since both claws need to be checked and clipped, and the added digit slightly increases the surface area at risk of snagging.
Breeders and owners of breeds with a standard double dew claw often choose not to remove them, since the trait is considered a defining breed characteristic rather than a defect.
Common Dew Claw Injuries
Because dew claws sit higher on the leg and aren’t worn down through walking, overgrown nails can curl and eventually grow into the pad, causing pain and infection if left untrimmed for too long.
Snagging is the most common acute injury, happening when a dew claw catches on carpet, fencing, brush, or bedding during play or running, sometimes tearing partially or fully from the leg.
A torn or broken dew claw is painful and typically bleeds heavily, since the nail bed has a rich blood supply, and it usually requires prompt veterinary attention to clean, trim, and bandage properly.
Rear dew claws, which are more loosely attached, are more prone to injury than front dew claws, particularly in active dogs who run through brush or rough terrain regularly.
Trimming & Care
Dew claws should be checked and trimmed at the same time as regular nail trims, roughly every three to four weeks, since they don’t naturally wear down from ground contact.
Gently isolating the dew claw away from the leg makes it easier to see the quick (the nerve and blood vessel inside the nail) and trim just the tip without cutting into sensitive tissue.
Regularly checking dew claws for curling, cracking, or signs the nail is growing toward the pad is especially important in senior dogs or those with dew claws that were never trimmed as puppies.
If a dew claw is torn or bleeding, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth and using styptic powder if available can help control bleeding until you’re able to get the dog to a vet.
Removal: When It’s Recommended
Dew claw removal is sometimes performed on puppies within the first few days of life, a quick procedure often done alongside other early veterinary care, though this practice has become less routine and more debated in recent years.
In adult dogs, removal is typically only recommended when a dew claw has been repeatedly injured, is loosely attached and prone to snagging, or has developed an issue like a tumor or chronic infection.
Elective removal in an adult dog requires general anesthesia and a longer recovery than the newborn procedure, so vets generally weigh the dog’s activity level and injury history before recommending it.
Many working and sporting dogs actually use their front dew claws functionally for grip while climbing or turning at speed, which is one reason blanket removal isn’t automatically recommended for every dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all dogs have dew claws?
Nearly all dogs have front dew claws, but rear dew claws are less common and vary by breed — some breeds have them as a standard trait, while others rarely do.
Does removing a dog’s dew claw hurt them?
When performed on newborn puppies, the quick procedure causes minimal discomfort, but removal in an adult dog requires surgery under general anesthesia and a recovery period similar to other minor surgical procedures.
Why does my dog’s dew claw keep getting caught on things?
Loosely attached rear dew claws, or overgrown dew claws that curl outward, are more likely to snag on carpet, fabric, or brush, and trimming them regularly reduces the risk.
Is a torn dew claw an emergency?
A torn dew claw can bleed heavily and is very painful, so while it’s not usually life-threatening, it typically warrants a same-day vet visit for proper cleaning, trimming, and bandaging.
Can I trim my dog’s dew claw myself?
Yes, most owners can safely trim dew claws at home with regular clippers, but if you’re unsure where the quick is or your dog resists handling, a groomer or vet can do it safely.