You might have wondered why dogs have those extra toes on the back of their front, and sometimes back, legs. They’re not cats to actually use those extra toes. Maybe dogs do use them and need them, after all. Well, if you ask a question “Does a dog need dewclaws?” you’ll come across two types of people. The first type claims they absolutely need them and the other type thinks they are an accident waiting to happen. It’s a dewclaw dilemma.

What Are Dewclaws?

To better understand whether dogs need dewclaws, we need to look at the dog paw anatomy. Dogs have four toes with claws and pads (digital pads), the biggest pad called the metacarpal pad, and the fifth pad located above all other (even dewclaw) carpal pads. And, there’s an additional claw attached to an additional rudimentary toe called dewclaw.

Dewclaw got its name because the claw reaches only the morning dew – very poetic

These additional toes, the dewclaws, can be compared to our thumbs. Of course, not in the sense of functionality, but as an anatomical feature – the fifth finger/toe. In most cases, dogs have dewclaws on the back of their front legs. Some dogs have them on the back of their back legs too. However, in most cases, these back leg dewclaws are not even attached to the bone but hang loosely, only connected to the skin. 

So, Do They Use Them?

The answer is yes… and no. Let’s take a look at the photo below.

You can clearly see how a dog uses its front paws to hold the stick. It’s much easier to hold it when you have a dewclaw. Of course, it is not necessary. But, what if a dog is a hunting dog or a herding dog? What if a dog needs to make quick, sudden changes in direction? It is much easier to do that with an extra toe and claw. It makes the dog more stable and serves as a protection from hurting the joint, ligaments, or muscles.

Removing dewclaws won’t make a dog less capable at doing its job and it won’t make a dog run slower. However, it can genuinely impact the health of their carpus (wrist). It has not been proven, but it has been noted that dewclaw removal leads to arthritis of the carpal joint later in life. It also increases the risk of injuring the carpus and surrounding muscles and ligaments. It can also impact the elbow or a hip, if it’s on the back legs.

Removal of the dewclaws can lead to joint injuries and carpal arthritis later in life

Double Dewclaws?

Some dog breeds have double dewclaws. These are:

• Great Pyrenees
• Beauceron 
• Briard
• Icelandic Sheepdog

When you take a look at what these dogs were bred to do, you start to understand why they need not one but two additional claws. The Great Pyrenees dog has to climb up and down steep mountainous regions. It is much easier to balance and avoid injuries when you have additional claws to use.

Both Briard and Beauceron are versatile farm dogs used for protection of the herd and property. They have to make sudden changes in direction on not so even surfaces. The Icelandic Sheepdog also needs additional grip when traversing rugged terrain. 

As you can see, these dog breeds benefit from the additional claws. However, there are some situations when removing dewclaws will benefit a dog, no matter the breed or profession.

When To Remove Dewclaws?

You have to understand that a lot of dog breeders remove the dewclaws when their dogs are still puppies. It’s safer and quicker to do it when a dog is very young. Some breeders choose to remove them when the puppies are just a few days old. The reason behind removal is to prevent potential injuries. Better safe than sorry is their policy. But, is it necessary?

In my opinion, it is not necessary. Majority of people today have dogs as family pets, living in urban places where a dog won’t have problems with injuring dewclaws. It’s not even a “breed standard” as is with some, where they dock the tail or the ears. Thus, removing a dewclaw without thinking as soon as the pup is born is unnecessary. 

However:

• If a dog frequently injures its dewclaws
• If a dog has an injured dewclaw and it causes pain
• If the vet recommends removing them
• If there is an infection of the dewclaw
• If you know your dog will work in an environment where injuries are inevitable

Then the removal of the dewclaws is justified. Still, this is a surgical operation done under general anesthesia. This means it will take around 2 weeks for everything to fully heal (if there are no problems), there will be bandages, your dog won’t be able to move properly or do its job (if it is a working dog), and your dog will have to wear a head cone. And, lastly, the cost of the surgery.

Final Thoughts

As I already said, my opinion is that the removal of the dewclaws is not necessary. Unless the vet says so and unless there is an obvious reason for it, such as injury or working hazards. If you find yourself thinking about whether to do it or not, always start from the question: what is the best option for my dog? Not what other dog owners say or what you’ve read on a reddit debate. Stop and think about what suits your dog best. Every dog is unique and we have to take each case individually. 

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Photo cover by Jef Gabi