How to Trim Your Dog's Dewclaws (And Why Most People Miss Them)
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Most dog owners remember to trim the regular nails. The dewclaw is a different story.
Tucked higher up on the inner leg, the dewclaw never touches the ground — which means it never naturally wears down the way other nails do. It just keeps growing. And because it's easy to overlook, it often gets missed trim after trim until it's curved so far it's becoming a problem.
If you've ever wondered what that extra nail is, why it's there, and how to trim it safely at home — this is the guide for you.
What exactly is a dewclaw?
The dewclaw is essentially a dog's thumb — an extra digit located on the inner side of the leg, usually just above the paw. Most dogs have dewclaws on their front legs. Some have them on the back legs too, and certain breeds like Great Pyrenees and Briards can even have double dewclaws on the rear.
Some dewclaws are firmly attached with bone and tissue. Others are loosely attached — sometimes called "floating" dewclaws — and move more freely. Both need regular trimming, but loosely attached dewclaws are more prone to snagging and injury if left too long, so they deserve extra attention.
Why dewclaws need special attention
Because dewclaws don't contact the ground, they have no natural wear. Left untrimmed, they grow in a curve — and if ignored long enough, they can curve back toward or even into the paw pad, which is painful and can lead to infection.
They also snag more easily than regular nails. A dewclaw that's grown too long can catch on carpet, bedding, or outdoor terrain and tear — which is as unpleasant as it sounds and often requires a vet visit.
The good news: catching them early makes trimming easy. It's only when they're neglected for months that dewclaws become a real problem.
How to tell when it's time to trim
Unlike regular nails, you can't use the click test for dewclaws — they never touch the floor. Instead, do a visual check during your regular paw inspection:
- Is the dewclaw starting to curve noticeably?
- Is it getting close to the leg or paw pad?
- Has it been more than 3 to 4 weeks since you last trimmed?
If the answer to any of those is yes, it's time. Because dewclaws grow faster relative to other nails — with no wear to slow them down — some dogs need their dewclaws trimmed more frequently than their regular nails.
How to trim a dewclaw safely
The process is similar to trimming regular nails, with a few adjustments for the awkward position and the fact that dewclaws are often darker and harder to see clearly.
Step 1: Get your dog comfortable first. If your dog isn't used to having the dewclaw area touched, spend a few sessions just handling that part of the leg before you bring clippers near it. Calm, rewarded handling goes a long way.
Step 2: Use a lick mat. Stick the Zakity Lick Mat to a smooth wall with your dog's favorite treat and let them settle in before you start. The distraction gives you a longer, calmer window to work — especially useful with dewclaws, where you may need to reposition a few times to get a good angle.
Step 3: Find the quick before you cut. This is where most owners struggle with dewclaws. The nail often curves, which changes the angle you'd normally cut at. And if the dewclaw is dark, the quick isn't visible to the naked eye at all.
The Zakity Dog Nail Clipper's positionable 3× magnifier is especially useful here — you can angle it to follow the curve of the dewclaw and see the cut surface clearly, watching for the gray or pinkish center that signals you're approaching the quick. The dual nail guards keep each cut conservative, so you're not taking off too much in one snip.
Step 4: Follow the curve, don't fight it. Cut parallel to the curve of the nail rather than straight across. This keeps the tip from being left at an angle that catches on things, and reduces the risk of cutting into the quick at an awkward spot.
Step 5: Take small amounts and check often. Same rule as always — more cuts, smaller amounts. With dewclaws especially, where repositioning can be tricky, conservative cuts are your friend.
What some big box stores won't tell you
Here's the thing about buying nail clippers from a big box store: you get a product, not a guide. You get a set of blades in a box, with maybe a pamphlet that tells you to "avoid the quick." That's it.
What they don't tell you is that dewclaws exist and behave differently from regular nails. They don't tell you that loosely attached dewclaws are higher injury risk. They don't tell you how to angle a clipper around a curved nail, or what to look for on a dark dewclaw when you can't see the quick from the outside.
Zakity was built by someone who spent the better part of two decades working as a veterinary technician, watching pet owners struggle with exactly these situations. The 3× magnifier isn't a gimmick — it's the answer to a real problem that every standard clipper on the market ignores. And guides like this one exist because knowing how to use the right tool matters as much as having it.
For a complete step-by-step nail trimming walkthrough beyond just the dewclaw, our Dog Nail Trim Guide covers the full process from start to finish.
The short version
Dewclaws grow faster, snag easier, and get overlooked more than any other nail on your dog. Check them every time you trim, follow the curve when you cut, and use a magnifier on dark dewclaws so you're not guessing where the quick is. Stay ahead of them and they're a non-issue. Let them go too long and they become a real problem.
Every Zakity purchase gives back — 3% of each sale goes directly to animal shelters and rescues. Learn more about how Zakity gives back.
About the Founder: Christina is the founder of Zakity and a former veterinary technician with nearly two decades of hands-on animal care experience. She has worked in animal rescue, conducted animal cruelty investigations, and educated pet owners on proper animal care, including time spent as an adjunct professor. Christina founded Zakity to give pet owners better tools for caring for their animals confidently at home, and to give back to the shelters and rescues she is deeply passionate about supporting. 3% of every Zakity purchase goes directly to animal shelters and rescues. Learn more at www.zakity.com.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding specific health concerns or conditions affecting your pet.