What is a dog's dewclaw and what function does it serve?

Those curious toenails on your dog’s upper leg are called dewclaws. They grow on the inside of a dog’s front legs and sometimes on the hind legs. Early in canine evolution, dewclaws likely helped your dogs grip their prey and gain traction when running. They can still serve these purposes, even though they are considered vestigial toes.

Some dog owners decide to have their pet’s dewclaws removed to prevent potential injuries caused by snagging. Often this is done when the pooch is a pup and the dewclaw is soft and pliable. But if your dog still has his dewclaws, don’t fret – they rarely cause problems, and will likely be nothing more than a mysterious legacy of your best friend’s wild past.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

• previous: Why does my pet shed all year round?
• next: When I bathe my dog, do I also need to condition his coat?