Double Dew Claws

Double dew claws on dogs are one of the more misunderstood features a groomer or pet parent will meet. If you look at the inside of your dog's legs, you may notice an extra claw sitting higher up than the rest. It can appear as a fully formed toe or as little more than a loose flap of skin. Understanding these claws, especially when a dog has two of them on the same leg, is the key to trimming them safely and keeping your dog comfortable.

What Are Dew Claws on Dogs?

The dew claw is the fifth toe, positioned on the inside of the leg. It plays a real role in stabilising the wrist, much like a thumb does for a human hand. On the front legs, dew claws help dogs with climbing, digging, grasping objects, and strengthening the wrist joint. Because they sit above the ground, they do not wear down naturally the way the other nails do through daily contact with hard surfaces.

It is a common practice to remove dew claws in puppies to avoid potential complications later, though the procedure is not without its risks. Many veterinarians recommend removal early, typically at around three days old or at the same time as neutering. The decision is not always clear cut, and plenty of dogs live full, comfortable lives with their dew claws intact.

Front Dew Claws Versus Rear Dew Claws

Front dew claws are the useful ones, supporting climbing, digging, grasping, and wrist strength. Rear dew claws are a different story. On the hind legs they are often viewed as unnecessary vestiges, and they are less common. Some puppies are born with them on the back legs, where they can be less well developed and protrude awkwardly from the foot.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Double Dew Claws?

Double dew claws refer to two dew claws on the same leg, most often the hind legs. Scientists describe these extra toes as polydactyl mutations. A study published in the journal Genetics in 2008 attributed the trait to a specific gene called LMBR1, which is responsible for the reappearance of a fifth toe that was previously lost over the course of canine evolution.

The original purpose of this toe remains a mystery, though some researchers speculate it once aided in climbing. Dew claws are thought to be an evolutionary trait, since wolves, the ancestors of domestic dogs, do not have them. Studies suggest that dew claws in dogs may have arisen through interbreeding between dogs and wolves, marking a distinct evolutionary pathway for domestic dogs.

Breeds Known for Double Dew Claws

Certain breeds are specifically bred to retain rear dew claws, and in some of these breeds double dew claws are a standard requirement. Where the claws are part of the breed standard, removal is discouraged unless it is genuinely needed to prevent injury. Rear dew claws vary a great deal from dog to dog: some lack bone and stick out at odd angles, requiring careful grooming to avoid injury, while others are fully developed, articulated toes that closely resemble those of early canine ancestors.

How to Care for and Trim Double Dew Claws

Because dew claws never touch the ground, they do not wear down naturally, which makes overgrowth the single most common problem groomers encounter with them. An overgrown dew claw can curl right around and grow into the pad, causing real pain and injury. Double dew claws demand extra attention, since two loosely attached nails on one leg give twice the opportunity to snag or curl.

• Trim on a regular schedule. Aim to check and trim dew claws every four to six weeks, in line with the rest of the nails.
• Watch for curling. Inspect each dew claw for any nail that is turning back toward the pad or leg.
• Handle loose claws gently. Claws that lack bone or protrude at odd angles can catch and tear, so support them carefully while you work.
• Use the right tools. Sharp, well maintained grooming tools give you clean control and reduce the risk of a painful nick.

For pet parents grooming at home, the same rules apply: a calm routine, a steady hand, and regular checks will keep double dew claws from ever becoming a problem.

The Right Tools for Safe Grooming

At VUNRO we understand how much proper grooming and care mean for your dog. Our range of professional grade tools, from clipper blades to combs, is built to make grooming safe and efficient for groomers and home pet parents alike. When you are tidying feet and working around delicate dew claws, a clean set of steel clipper blades and the right dog grooming combs help you work with precision and confidence.

Key Takeaway

Double dew claws are usually harmless, but because they never wear down on their own they need a regular trimming schedule to stay comfortable and injury free. Check them every four to six weeks, keep an eye out for any nail curling toward the pad, and use sharp, reliable tools. If you would like to build a grooming kit that handles feet, coats, and dew claws with ease, explore our products for pet parents and find the tools that suit your dog best.

By Sarah Freeman @sarahspawzdogs