Why do dogs have fifth toe

In some breeds, the removal is thought to improve appearance for the show ring. Certain breeds have a genetic malformation with 5 toes on their back feet. Dewclaws or extra toe on the back feet of dogs are due to the genetics of certain breeds that have adapted to the environment around them.

Polydactyly in your dog is often considered to be caused by a genetic variation. Both the Varanger Dog and the Norwegian Lundehund have two fewer teeth than all other dog breeds—one fewer tooth on each side of the jaw.

The Lundehund has six fully developed toes on each foot. In many dogs, the dewclaws never contact the ground. The dewclaws are not dead appendages. They can be used to lightly grip bones and other items that dogs hold with the paws. Because front dewclaws serve an important purpose, they should not be removed unless there is a very good reason to do so.

A lot of Siberian Huskies have extra toes. At the same time, the dewclaw also contributes to grooming, especially when dogs clean their heads and faces. The dewclaw does not have negative effects on the dog, many dogs keep it throughout their lives, and it does not represent difficulties, except in specific cases. It is easier for it to tear off if it is caught in a fence or any surface, causing a lot of pain to the animal. Likewise, since the dewclaw does not touch the ground like the rest of the fingers, the nail is not filed and can end up nailed, ingrown, or even trapped, causing infections and pain to the animal.

If the dog has presented one of the previous problems, you must go to a veterinarian, since they will always be the ones to recommend removing the dewclaw or not. It is advisable to go to the vet when the extra spur is detected in puppies, since the younger the animal, the easier the intervention will be and the faster the recovery.

If the dog is older and the dewclaw has never represented a problem, there is no reason to remove it, as long as the nail is taken good care of so that it does not grow more than normal and causing accidents to the dog's legs.

While dewclaw injuries are relatively rare, they certainly do occur. Any nail can become partially or completely pulled off, broken, split, infected, or ingrown if not properly trimmed.

He or she can remove damaged nails or trim ingrown ones under sedation, if necessary , and prescribe any needed antibiotics and pain relievers. Dogs who are extremely active may wear down their nails, including their dewclaws, to the point where nail trims are not necessary.

But for most pets who are relatively sedentary, regular trims are needed to keep their nails at a healthy length. Keep an especially close eye on the dewclaw. Since they are not in contact with the ground as frequently as the other nails, they may require more frequent trims.

Claw and Nail Disorders in Dogs. Home Dog Care Center. Published: March 21, What are Dewclaws? Do Dewclaws Have a Purpose? Should Dewclaws be Removed? Treating Dewclaw Injuries While dewclaw injuries are relatively rare, they certainly do occur.