What Is A Dew Claw On A Dog Used For

The dew claw grows up on the leg so when the dog is standing still the dew claw does not make contact with the ground.

What is a dew claw on a dog used for. A dog s dew claw is the claw that is completely separate from all of the other claws on his paw. Regular checks and trimmings as well as immediate attention to any dewclaw injury or infection will keep your dog s dewclaw healthy for the long run. Know this whenever your dog walks the claws or dewclaws aren t used. Dogs can also have double dew claws meaning they have two dew claws on one leg.

Among other injuries the dewclaw injury is rifer in dogs. It is the only nail found in the animal s ankle region or above the front of their feet. Check out this video to see this in action. Most front leg dew claws have structure to them and are attached by tendons.

They do not weaken or wear down. Dew claws provide extra support to the carpal wrist joint when a dog is running or making sharp turns at high speed. This claw is often found away from his paw up further on his leg. A dog s front dewclaw has several functions minor though they may be including balance and stability when dogs are in movement over uneven terrain or making landfall after swimming.

Some can even scratch the inside of their ears. At high speeds especially when turning or on slippery surfaces these dewclaws provide extra traction and help stabilize the carpal wrist joint. They can be used to lightly grip bones and other items that dogs hold with the paws. The dewclaws are not dead appendages.

In many dogs the dewclaws never contact the ground. Other dogs have figured out how to use their dew claws to scratch their noses or the corner of their eye. That s because unlike other nails they don t wear down or weaken. In this case the dewclaw s nail never wears away and it is often trimmed to maintain it at a safe length.

A dew claw injury is even more prevalent in dogs because unlike other nails. Dog thumbs also provide extra traction when a dog is trying to climb out of the water through broken ice or merely holding objects when chowing down on them. Dew claws are part of most dog s normal biology and just like the rest of your dog s nails they require some care to ensure that they are healthy and don t cause your dog any pain or trouble. A dewclaw that is attached by bone to a dog s front foot has a definite purpose.

Dogs do not use claws or dewclaws when they walk. This type of injury is pretty common and the good news is you can deal with it at home.