Introduction

You may have noticed a small claw on the inside of your dog’s front leg, sitting slightly higher than the rest of the paw and not touching the ground when they stand. That’s called a dewclaw—and while it might look insignificant, this small digit plays an important role in your dog’s mobility, stability, and overall wellbeing.

In this post, we’re diving into what dewclaws are, why they matter, how they can get damaged, and what to do if your dog injures one. Whether you're navigating your puppy’s first nail trim or wondering about dewclaw removal, we’ve got you covered.

What Are Dewclaws?

A dewclaw is a small, thumb-like digit located on the inner side of a dog’s paw. Most dogs have them on their front legs, and some may even have them on their back legs, depending on their breed.

The name “dewclaw” is thought to come from the idea that this claw brushes dew off grass during morning walks—hence, dew claw. Anatomically, it’s the canine equivalent of a thumb, and while it may not look very functional when your dog is standing still, its role becomes much clearer during movement.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Dewclaws and Others Don’t?

Not all dogs have visible dewclaws—especially on the back legs. Many breeders choose to remove rear dewclaws shortly after birth. This is usually done to reduce the risk of injury, as rear dewclaws tend to be more loosely attached and more likely to get snagged or torn.

However, front dewclaws are generally left intact because they are more securely attached to muscle and tendons and play a functional role in your dog’s movement and balance.

For example, our Cocker Spaniel Lola has front dewclaws, but had a painful injury to one during an enthusiastic play session in December 2022. It bled heavily due to the rich blood and nerve supply in the nail bed—something many dog guardians are surprised to see.

Prevention: Trimming and Maintenance

Keeping your dog’s dewclaws at a safe length is the best way to prevent injuries.

Our top trimming tip:

We recommend using a rotary nail grinder (like a Dremel tool) instead of clippers. These tools:

• Gently sand the nail down instead of cutting
• Are less likely to cause bleeding
• Help avoid cutting the quick (the sensitive blood vessel inside the nail)

If you do prefer clippers, make sure you're confident with where the quick is, especially on light-coloured nails where it’s visible.

What to Do If Your Dog Breaks a Dewclaw

Broken dewclaws can be startling—they often involve more bleeding than expected, and your dog may cry out or become protective of the paw.

Here’s what to do:

1. Stay calm - Your dog will mirror your energy. If you panic, they’ll panic more.

2. Stop the bleeding - Apply firm pressure with an absorbent material (like gauze or a clean cloth) to the paw. Hold for 5–10 minutes without checking too often.

3. Clean the area - If the bleeding stops, you can gently clean the site with a pet-safe antiseptic or saline solution. If it’s very dirty, a vet visit is safer.

4. Prevent infection - Wrap the paw loosely with a bandage or clean sock secured with vet wrap. If your dog allows it, keep them from licking the injury. Saltwater soaks can also help keep the area clean.

5. Call your vet - Even if the bleeding stops, most dewclaw injuries should be checked by a vet.

Depending on the severity, your vet might:

• Trim away damaged nail
• Prescribe antibiotics or pain relief
• Sedate your dog and remove the nail entirely if needed

When Lola broke hers, we managed the initial wound at home because it was a Sunday and not an emergency. We wrapped the paw, kept her calm, and booked a vet visit for the next morning. With cleaning, pain relief, and time, the claw fell off naturally within a week and healed fully.

When to Consider Dewclaw Removal

While front dewclaws are generally best kept intact, there are cases where removal may be advised:

• Repeated injuries or infections
• Severe fractures or trauma
• Structural issues or growth deformities

Your vet can advise whether removal is the best long-term solution for your dog. In many cases, trimming and monitoring will be enough to keep dewclaws healthy and safe.

Final Thoughts: Dewclaws Are Small but Significant

Dewclaws may not look like much, but they play a surprisingly big role in your dog’s mobility, health, and training success. Understanding their purpose and caring for them properly can prevent injuries and help your dog feel more comfortable during everyday activities.

Let’s recap:

• Dewclaws help with balance, grip, and joint support.
• They need trimming, especially if they don’t wear naturally.
• Injuries can be messy but manageable—stay calm and contact your vet.
• Rotary grinders like Dremel tools can help keep them safely short.
• Don’t forget dewclaws during your regular grooming or paw care routine!

If you're a new dog guardian or working on your puppy’s training journey, consider this part of your training and care essentials list. Teaching your dog to accept paw handling from a young age makes future grooming (including dewclaw care) far easier.

Need more help with grooming desensitisation, nail care routines, or puppy training? Drop us a message at lola@lolashouse.co.uk—we’re always here to support you and your dog.