dew claws

Do Not Remove

Dew claws “are a functioning digit. They are the toe least likely to be injured.”

Dew claws have a function

  1. Grasp the ground when the dog is turning to prevent torque on the forelimb. [1]

  2. Grip [1]

    • Needs grip to pull themselves out of pool

    • If falls through ice needs the grip to get out of water.

There are 2 functional muscles, “attached to the front dew claw by 4 tendons.” Each of those muscle/tendon units has a different function in movement. “That means that if you cut off the dew claws, you are preventing the muscles that were attached to the dewclawsfrom functioning.” [1]

Trim the dew claws like your dog’s other nails.

How To Trim Nails