Dachshund Dewclaws – What You Need to Know

Does your Dachshund have a 5th (side) toe on their front or back foot? This is called a dewclaw.

Having dewclaws on the front feet is common for Dachshunds. Seeing dewclaws on the back feet is less common.

The nails of dewclaws can be the hardest to trim and it may seem like they are useless to a dog since they often feel “floppy” and. obviously, dog’s can’t use them like a human thumb.

In this article, I explain what a dewclaw is for and why your dog may or may not have one.

UPDATED: November 26, 2025

What Are Dewclaws?

A dog’s dewclaw is the fifth digit on a dog’s paws similar to a thumb or big toe. It sits slightly higher, and more towards the inside of the leg, than the rest of your dog’s toes.

At first glance, most dog owners notice only the nail. But, if you look closer, you will notice that there is an actual digit, or toe, as well. A dog’s dew claw can be either attached or detached. 

An attached dewclaw has a bone in it, allowing it to fuse and attach to the bones in your dog’s paw. 

A detached dewclaw does not have a bone. These dewclaws are often only attached by skin and also more prone to injuries. 

Unlike the other toes, the dewclaw doesn’t bear any weight when your dog is standing, which leaves many dog owners wondering: What is a dew claw for? Do they serve any purpose for your dog?

In the past, it was believed that the dewclaw had no actual purpose.

However, as we’ve learned more about dogs and how their bodies work, scientists and veterinarians have discovered that dogs can use their dewclaws in several ways in their daily lives.

Do Dachshunds Have Dewclaws?

Like most dogs, Dachshunds are usually born with dewclaws on the front feet. The majority are not born with rear dewclaws, but some are.

If you’ve never seen a Dachshund that still has their dewclaws, especially the rear ones, this may come as a surprise.

Why Doesn’t My Dachshund Have a Dewclaw? 

When it comes to rear dewclaws, your Dachshund may not have them simply because they weren’t born with them. If a Dachshund is born with them, many breeders will remove them a shortly after birth.

Since rear dewclaws are typically more susceptible to injury, the nails can be very difficult to cut, and it’s believed that the rear dewclaws don’t benefit the dog, most breeders believe it is safer and more convenient for the owners to remove them.

In contrast, front dewclaws are typical for the breed and are usually left alone unless they cause problems, as they are attached to the bone and have a function for the dog.

However, in the US, I know it used to be a more common practice for breeders to do so. Some breeders still perform this “antiquated” practice.

Honestly, it took me a couple of weeks after bringing my puppy Otter home to realize he didn’t have front dewclaws. It wasn’t something I thought to ask the breeder about, and request that it not be done, because I honestly didn’t think breeders did it anymore.

I know his dewclaws were removed because I can see a little bare patch of skin (scar tissue), and feel a slight bump under the skin, where the dewclaw would have been.

What is the Function of Dew Claws?

It’s currently believed that rear dewclaws serve no purpose, which is why removing them is “harmless”.

However, even though this “extra” toe on the front foot may not look like much, it’s now understood that a Dachshund’s dew claws provide many benefits.

The location of the front dewclaw serves an important purpose by:

• Stabilizing your dog’s wrist by helping providing strength and support when a dog is running or walking 

• Helping your dog balance when moving across a variety of different surfaces

• Helping provide traction when climbing hills or walking on uneven terrain

• Providing extra grip for holding toys and chews

The first three reasons are why I was a bit horrified and disappointed to find that Otter’s dewclaws were removed. Hiking is one of our favorite things to do, and it requires stable joints, balance, and good traction to help prevent accidents or injuries.

There is nothing I can do about it now, and I don’t believe that not having a front dewclaw is dangerous – I also don’t think my very educated breeder would do it if it was – but I will sure ask all breeders in the future and ensure the front dewclaw is not removed.

Should I Have My Dachshund’s Dewclaws Removed?

Dew claw removal has become a more controversial topic in recent years. This is because many see the removal of the dew claws as unnecessary and purely cosmetic.

However, there are some valid reasons to still do it.

When deciding whether to remove your Dachshund’s dew claws, you will need to look at the potential risks and benefits. 

You will also want to consider how late you can remove dew claws – when is too late? As your dog ages, the procedure does become more complicated.

Pros of Removing Dewclaws

The most important reason for removing dew claws is the risk of injury. The location and shape of the dew claw often cause it to become snagged in furniture, carpet, bedding, and other environmental hazards. 

This is especially a risk if your Dachshund participates in sports like Fastcat or agility.

If a dewclaw snags on something, it can lead to dislocation, a broken dew claw nail, or even the dew claw being torn off completely. These injuries are incredibly painful for your dog.

Removing the dew claw can also help with maintaining proper nail length. Dew claws are positioned higher up the dog’s leg than the rest of their nails and lay flat against the leg. 

This means that they do not wear down when you take your Dachshund for a walk. They can be easily missed when trimming your dog’s nails or difficult to cut due to the angle. 

If left to grow too long, a dew claw can curl around on itself, growing into the paw pad and causing significant pain.

Cons of Removing Dewclaws

The front dew claw has five tendons and plays an important role in many activities including stabilizing the wrist when a dog is running or hiking. 

Removing the dew claw means removing this benefit. 

Besides the risk of injury due to the dewclaw catching on something, this is why many dogs that are in sports like agility often keep their front dew claw.

There is also evidence that indicates dogs that have their front dew claws removed have a higher risk of developing arthritis later in life. 

It can also cause problems in your Dachshund’s legs and body from trying to compensate for the weakness in the wrist.

If you are removing your dog’s dew claws later in life, there could also be complications from the surgery. 

Some dogs develop problems with anesthesia as they get older. An unnecessary surgery would then create unnecessary risk. 

Dewclaw Removal Cost

There are several factors that can influence the cost of removing dew claws. This includes which paws have a dew claw and whether they are attached or detached.  

Most puppies that are born with dewclaws will have them removed just days after their birth.

This is the cheapest time to have the procedure done at a cost of only $10 to $35 per puppy. 

It’s also preferred because it is a simpler procedure at this age and the puppy is too young to remember it.

As your dog gets older, the dew claw will connect and fuse to the bone, making the removal more complex. The procedure to remove them becomes more complex and can run at a significantly higher cost. 

The price can vary significantly depending on your dog’s age, how the veterinarian does the removal and the cost of veterinary care in your area. 

The dew claw removal cost on an adult dog using a laser can cost $500 to $850 or more.

Can You Remove a Dewclaw at Home?

Given the potential costs associated with dewclaw removal, many dog owners may wonder if they can remove them at home – if this a procedure that must be done by a veterinarian?

When puppies are born and the dewclaw hasn’t yet fused to the bone, some breeders will remove it using scissors or nail clippers. 

Unfortunately, in some cases, there will be regrowth of the nail.

When the dewclaw is removed by a veterinarian, it can be done as newborn puppies under local anesthesia or later while they are under anesthetic for their spay or neuter surgeries. 

This is a more thorough removal done with a scalpel, allowing the veterinarian to remove all the bones and prevent the nail from growing back.

As your dog grows up and the dewclaw does fuse to the bone, it should only be removed by a veterinarian.

How to Care for a Dog’s Dewclaw 

Many dogs will keep their dewclaws without any serious injuries or problems during their lives. 

All my Dachshunds have had front dew claws and, in the 20 years that I have been hiking with them, we have never had a dew claw injury or issue.

But, as dog owners, we need to understand how to maintain the dewclaws and take care of an injury, if needed.

Trimming the dewclaw

One way that you can prevent potential dewclaw injuries in your dog is to focus on proper maintenance. This means trimming the dewclaw when you are clipping your Dachshund’s other nails.

Much like cutting the rest of your dog’s nails, you want to avoid cutting the dewclaw back too far as it can cause pain and bleeding if you cut the quick (the part inside that is like our own nail bed). 

If your dog’s dewclaw is overgrown, the quick may also have grown out longer. You will need to slowly trim back the dewclaw, allowing the quick to recede over time. In this case, trim the nail back as far as you are comfortable doing even if the result is not as short as you would like.

Each time you trim your dog’s nails, you will be able to cut the dewclaw back a little further until you reach the desired length that you want to keep it.

I find that the scissor style nail clippers make it easier to angle the tool as needed for the dew claw. You can also use a nail grinder to file off the end if you prefer. If you find it too tricky to get either of those tools close enough to the leg and at the proper angle, you can try using a coarse nail file to wear it down.

How to care for a broken dewclaw that is bleeding (quick exposed)

If your dog does break their dewclaw, you should take care of it as soon as possible because these injuries can quickly get worse or get infected. 

The quick of a dog’s nail may be small, but it can bleed a lot. The priority is to try to stop the bleeding. 

The best way to do this is by using some kind of styptic powder for dogs or blood clotting powder. In a pinch, I’ve heard that household cornstarch can work too.

Wet your fingertip with a tiny bit of water and dip it into the package clotting powder so that it is coated. Then, place your fingertip against the bleeding nail tip with slight pressure, holding it in place for at least 10 seconds. You may need to repeat this process more than once to get the bleeding to stop.

After you are sure the bleeding has been controlled, you can bandage the foot using a clean gauze held in place by Vet Wrap Tape Adhesive Bandage. Be careful not to wrap the bandage too tight as it can cut off circulation to the paw.

Next, make an appointment with your veterinarian. 

Your veterinarian can remove the damaged part of the nail without causing too much pain for your dog, although they may need to use sedation or a nerve block to do so. Your vet may also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection as the nail heals.

How to care for a broken dewclaw that isn’t bleeding

A broken dewclaw that isn’t bleeding is less of an urgent situation, but it still should be taken care of as soon as possible. Even a small crack in the nail can spread and become a much larger problem if it’s ignored.

If the break is at the tip of the nail without reaching the quick, cut back the nail to remove the broken part entirely. 

If the break extends back close to or alongside the quick, you need to bring your Dachshund to the vet to take care of it.

How to tell if a dewclaw is dislocated

It can be hard to identify a dislocated dewclaw, but it can be a very painful and uncomfortable injury so it’s important to check your Dachshund’s feet regularly (you should be doing this anyway). 

Not only can a dewclaw be attached to the bones in your dog’s paw, but it can also be connected to the muscles.  

The most common signs of a dislocated dewclaw include:

• Bleeding around the dewclaw

• Limping or reluctance to put weight on one paw

• Swelling around the dewclaw or paw

• Whining, pacing, or other signs of discomfort

• Biting or licking the foot, especially around the area of the dewclaw

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. 

Just like a broken dewclaw, a dislocation puts your dog at risk of an infection or other complications. 

Even if there is no visible bleeding, you may want to wrap the paw to stop your dog from being able to bite or lick the area and irritating it.

Final Thoughts

Most Dachshunds are born with dewclaws on the front feet but it’s rare for them to be born with them on the back, although it does happen.

If a Dachshund is born with a rear dew claw, it is almost always removed soon after they are born. The front dewclaws are rarely removed.

Even though it may appear as a useless digit, the dewclaw does have a purpose, including aiding with traction and providing support for the ankle.

Dewclaws are more prone to injury than the primary dog nails though so some owners opt to have them removed if they have determined that the risks outweigh the benefits.

If you are considering having your Dachshund’s dewclaw removed, weigh the pros and cons and don’t try to remove it at home (unless you are a breeder and have been trained to do it properly).

If your Dachshund has dewclaws, understand that they grow and need to be maintained just like any other nail. Because they contact the ground significantly less often than the 4 nails on the front of the foot, walking is rarely enough to wear them down to a healthy length.

By properly caring for your Dachshund’s dew claws, you can prevent many injuries. 

If you do notice that something appears “off”, contact your veterinarian to take care of it quickly and prevent infection.