Hind dew claws on dogs

A hind dew claw is a claw located higher up on the inside of a dog’s back leg, above the other toes. Not all dogs have hind dew claws, and they are considered a normal anatomical variation.

Hind dew claws may be:

• Articulated – attached by bone and able to move
• Non‑articulated – attached by skin and soft tissue only

Articulated dew claws may function to prevent foot injury by providing support when running across rugged terrain, and front dew claws keep objects steady while a dog is chewing them.

This is a normal feature for many dogs. If the dog you are adopting has a hind dew claw, caring for this is usually straightforward:

• Trim the nail regularly – dew claws do not naturally wear down and can overgrow
• Check the dew claw often for cracks, swelling, redness, or signs it has caught on something
• Watch for discomfort, such as licking, limping, or sensitivity

With regular monitoring and nail care, most dogs experience no problems, however seek veterinary advice if you notice injury, infection, or ongoing irritation.

In New Zealand, most dew claws cannot be removed unless in response to existing disease or injury and the procedure is done by a veterinarian with pain relief. They should not be removed solely for preventative, convenience or cosmetic reasons, nor to conform to a breed standard.

While it is possible that the claw of any digit may become overgrown and catch, or become ingrown, it is more appropriate to manage this by clipping the claw from time to time rather than amputating a digit preventatively.

You can read more SPCA’s position on Dew Claw Removal, and other position statements on our website.