Have you ever noticed that extra nail on the side of your dog's paw? It might look like a sort of "dog thumb." That's called a dewclaw, and it's a remnant of the evolutionary past of your family pet.
Why Do Dogs Have Dewclaws?
Psychology Today author Dr. Stanley Coren traces your dog's dewclaw back 40 million years to "a tree climbing cat-like animal known as miacis which was an early ancestor of our modern dogs," he says.
"Obviously if you climb trees having five toes is an advantage. However, miacis eventually evolved into the ground dwelling species cynodictus. From this point on, successive generations of the animals that would become our dogs began to become specialized as social hunters," Dr. Coren writes.
That means the extra nail serves little purpose for today's pups. Despite that, most dog breeds still have them on their front paws. Some breeds, like the Great Pyrenees and Briards, have rear dewclaws or can have double dewclaws — called polydactyly.
While they are considered to be of little use, they are certainly not completely useless. Dogs can use them for grip. Most commonly you might see your pup gripping a bone with the help of his "thumb." A dog breed that uses his "thumbs" is a Norwegian lundehund that uses them to help him scale mountains, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Tasty Tips
The Dewclaw Debate
The AKC, however, notes that, for most dogs, the appendage is "essentially an extra paw" and "serves virtually no purpose" for most dogs.
Because of that and because some dogs are prone to getting them caught or torn — which can cause a dog extreme pain and risk infection — the AKC calls dewclaw removal one of the "safe and standard animal husbandry practices designed to protect the safety and welfare of dogs."
The AKC calls for the appendages to be removed shortly after birth. In fact, many dog breeders have the surgery done in his first days of life. That means if your dog doesn't have dewclaws, they might have been removed before you even took ownership of your pup.
But other organizations strongly believe that removing dewclaws serves little purpose and causes great pain to the animal. Because of that, some — like The Kennel Club in the UK — have restrictions on when dewclaw removal can be done.
"Beyond the risk of the dewclaw getting caught on things, there is no benefit to removing them," Albuquerque Vetco says. "It can also be a painful procedure for your dog."
Vets at the New Mexico clinic recommend owners keep the nail of the appendage trimmed short to help prevent it from catching and potentially tearing. Whatever you decide to do with your dog's dewclaw, you should consider keeping all of his claws trimmed. Unlike his ancestors or canine cousins in the wild, dog claws don't serve as great of an evolutionary need as they aren't necessary for hunting prey. After all, your lovable pup would much rather you feed him a nutritious meal than have to go hunt for his own.
The debate continues, but your dog certainly doesn't know that. All he cares about — whether he has his extra claw or not — is that he surely has full grasp on your heart.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Chicken & Zucchini Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetables & Salmon Stew Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Related articles
How to Find the Best Puppy Food for Your Dog
Discover the best puppy food to keep your dog healthy during his formative months. Breed size, ingredients & feeding time are all important considerations.
Is Your Dog a Carnivore or an Omnivore?
Learn about the different classifications between carnivores and omnivores to decide which order dogs fall under.
Aggression in Dogs: How to Train It Out of Them
Learn tips for identifying an aggressive dog, causes of aggression, and training methods to alleviate aggression toward an owner, other people & other dogs
Why Your Dog Won't Eat
Your dog has stopped eating, but why? Learn common reasons why he doesn't seem interested in food and how you can get him back to a normal eating routine.
Common Health Issues in Puppies
While vaccinations can help guard your dog or puppy against a range of health problems, there are some common dog health problems that can't. Learn more.
How to Safely Remove Burrs on Dogs
Burrs on dogs are a common problem for pet parents, especially if your dog is outside a lot. Learn how to remove burrs from your dog's fur safely.
Your Dog in Pain: Recognizing & Relieving
Learn how to recognize the signs & symptoms if your dog is in pain, whether you should give him medication, and if you need to call a veterinarian.
Why Your Puppy Won't Stop Whining
Learn some common reasons why your puppy is whining, crying, and whimpering, as well as helpful ways to change his behavior through training.
How to Make Vet Visits Less Scary for Your Dog
Is your dog scared of vet appointments? Learn tips for calming his anxiety and taking the stress out of his trip to the veterinarian.
How to Leash Train a Puppy
Get helpful tips and advice on how to properly leash train your new puppy to help make your walks together safer and more enjoyable.
Is it Safe to Feed My Dog a Banana?
Are bananas good or bad for dogs? Find out if it's safe too feed him a banana treat and what to do if he's eaten a whole one, peel and all.
Canine Influenza Vaccine: What You Need to Know
While canine influenza is a newer condition, it can be troublesome for your pup. Learn about dog flu symptoms & which types of dogs should get vaccinated.
Steps to Take When Your Dog Dies
Unfortunately death is a part of life, so be prepared to make arrangements for your dog's body if he dies at home.
Wet vs. Dry Dog Food: Which Is Right for Your Pet?
Learn why comparing wet vs. dry dog food doesn't have to be an overwhelming decision. You might even serve your pup a mix of both. Here's how to choose.
Bladder & Urinary Stones in Dogs: What They Are and How They're Treated
Learn about bladder stones in dogs, including common types of stones (struvite vs oxalate), symptoms your dog might show & treatment options from your vet.
Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Other's Butts?
Why do dogs sniff each other's butts? In short: It's their most effective option for a meet and greet. Learn more about this common dog behavior.
Recognizing Dog Obesity, Causes and Signs
Do you think you might have an overweight dog? Learn the signs of dog obesity, as well as causes, potential effects and tips for prevention.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog's Teeth Clean & Healthy
Discover how common dental disease is in dogs and what you can do to help prevent it happening to your dog.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
You know that bathing your dog is important, but how often should you do it? Learn the right dog bath frequency, based on their breed, lifestyle & health.
Time for a Gut Check: Prebiotics and Probiotics for Dogs
What exactly do prebiotics and probiotics for dogs do, and what's the difference? Educate yourself about your dog's gut health with this overview.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.