Most dog owners faithfully trim the four main nails on each paw — and completely forget the dewclaws. These small "thumb" nails sit higher on the leg, never touch the ground, and quietly grow into problems when ignored. Here's everything you should know about dewclaw care.
What Are Dewclaws?
Dewclaws are the small digits located on the inner side of each leg, roughly where a thumb would be. Most dogs have them on the front legs; some breeds (like Great Pyrenees and Briards) have them on the hind legs too, sometimes doubled. They're evolutionary leftovers of a fifth toe. In some dogs they're firmly attached with bone and tendon; in others they're loosely attached by skin only. Front dewclaws actually serve a purpose — they help dogs grip chews and provide stability when turning at speed.
Why Dewclaws Need Special Attention
Because dewclaws never contact the ground, they get zero natural wear. While regular nails file down slightly on pavement, dewclaws just keep growing. Neglected dewclaws can:
- Curl into the leg. An overgrown dewclaw can curve right back into the skin, causing pain and infection.
- Snag and tear. Long dewclaws catch on blankets, carpets, and underbrush. A torn dewclaw bleeds heavily and is painful.
- Grow unnoticed. Tucked up on the leg and often hidden by fur, they're easy to miss during routine trims.
How to Trim Dewclaws
The technique is the same as for regular nails, with a couple of adjustments:
- Find them first. Run your thumb up the inner leg above the paw until you feel the small nail. Part the fur so you can see clearly.
- Extend the nail. Gently press or lift the dewclaw away from the leg so you can see its full length.
- Trim conservatively. Dewclaw quicks can be long since the nail gets no wear. Take small amounts — or better yet, grind gradually and watch the cross-section.
- Check both sides. It's easy to do one leg and forget the other.
A nail grinder is particularly handy for dewclaws: the small nail is fiddly to clip, but easy to file with a few gentle passes. The Furbliss LED Pet Nail Grinder lets you shape the dewclaw precisely without the awkward angles clippers demand.
How Often?
Check dewclaws at every nail trim — and trim them at least as often as the other nails, usually more often. Because they grow unchecked, many owners find dewclaws need attention every 2–3 weeks even when the main nails can wait a month.
Should Dewclaws Be Removed?
Some breeders remove dewclaws from puppies within days of birth, and it's still common in certain breeds. For adult dogs, removal is a surgical procedure done under anesthesia, usually only recommended if the dewclaw is repeatedly injured, loosely attached and prone to tearing, or causing chronic problems. It's not a cosmetic decision to make lightly — talk to your veterinarian if you're considering it. For most dogs, regular trimming keeps dewclaws perfectly trouble-free.
What to Do About a Torn Dewclaw
If a dewclaw snags and tears, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding, keep the area clean, and prevent your dog from chewing it. Torn dewclaws are painful and prone to infection, so a vet visit is wise — your vet may need to trim the damaged nail under local anaesthetic and bandage the toe.
Key Takeaways
- Dewclaws get no natural wear, so they overgrow faster than other nails.
- Check and trim them at every nail session — neglected dewclaws curl, snag, and tear.
- A grinder offers precise control on these small, awkwardly positioned nails.
- See your vet promptly for torn or injured dewclaws.
Don't let dewclaws become a forgotten problem — the Furbliss LED Pet Nail Grinder makes quick, precise work of them. Shop Furbliss grooming essentials at furbliss.ca.
Note: This article provides general information only. Consult your veterinarian for specific health concerns.