dewclaws

Dewclaws are small, non-weight-bearing digits located higher on the leg than the main paw or hoof. In many mammals they are considered vestigial or auxiliary digits, though their presence and prominence vary by species and individual.

In dogs and cats, dewclaws are typically the first digit on the forelimbs. Hind dewclaws are less common and may be present in some individuals or breeds. Among hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, dewclaws are small secondary digits situated above or alongside the main weight-bearing hooves and may contact the ground only in specific conditions. The dewclaw’s structure includes bones, joints, tendons, and a keratinous claw or nail connected to the limb’s skeleton much like the other digits.

Functionally, dewclaws are thought to aid in grip, stability, or maneuvering in certain situations, such as climbing, turning, or handling prey. In livestock, dewclaws may assist traction on uneven terrain, though they are not usually essential for locomotion. The practical importance of dewclaws varies widely among species and individuals, and many dewclaws have little active role in everyday movement.

Clinical relevance includes potential injuries, overgrowth, or dermatitis of the dewclaw. Veterinary care may involve trimming, protecting, or treating dermatitis, and in some contexts dewclaw removal is performed—typically in puppies or young animals for medical, genetic, or cosmetic reasons. The practice and recommendations regarding dewclaw removal vary by region and veterinary guidance.

See also: digits, claws, ungulate anatomy.