The kind woman who trained me to groom taught me to count the toes out loud on each foot when I was learning to master claw care. "Look for at least five toes on every foot." Decades later, I still mutter "1,2,3,4…5?" under my breath when I lift every paw and check every leg to trim those claws. Beyond the four obvious claws on the toes, I always search for a dewclaw on every leg. Some dogs will trick us with no dewclaws on some feet but an unexpected one, maybe on a rear leg. Some dogs, such as Great Pyrenees, have multiple dew claws on a single leg.
It is common for some breeders to have a puppy's dewclaws surgically removed shortly after birth, the rationale being that these toes, located on the inner leg, near the ankle, serve no purpose. However, studies have shown that dewclaws that are attached to bone do indeed have a function. When dogs run, turn, or exercise on uneven terrain, dewclaws provide traction and stabilize the carpal joint.
Some dogs use their dewclaws when self-grooming, while others use them to grip toys or bones they are chewing on.
Dewclaws can be problematic if they are not attached firmly to the leg. If you've been grooming for very long, you have probably discovered tiny, floppy dew claws that seem barely attached to the skin. On dogs with thick coats, these little loose appendages can be easily injured during the grooming process, so it is essential to make note of their existence and position before clipping or scissoring the area.
Another difficulty with dewclaws is that they usually grow faster than the pet's other claws since they seldom come in contact with the ground. They tend to grow in a circular pattern and can curve and pierce into the dog's skin. This is obviously painful, and can cause infection as well. This brings me back to the point of counting the toes on each foot as the claws are trimmed because missing a dewclaw could cause problems.
If you find a dog with its nail grown in a circle, you will need a specific style of nail trimmer to clip it. Scissor-style trimmers like the ones made by Aussie Dog or Millers Forge will enable you to encircle the overgrown claw and clip off the excess easily. If the claw has pierced the skin, you may choose to refer the owner to their veterinarian to have the claw clipped.
Some lessons we learn stay with us. Looking for five or more claws on every foot is a good one to use on every dog, every time.
