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Answered 2007-03-16 22:27:21
A dewclaw is a vestigial digit of the paw. It grows higher on the leg so that in digitigrade species, when the animal is standing, it does not make contact with the ground.Dogs almost always have dewclaws on the inside of the front legs and occasionally on the hind legs. Unlike the front dewclaws, the rear dewclaws tend to have little bone or muscle structure in most breeds. There is some debate about whether the dewclaw helps dogs to gain traction when they run because, in some dogs, the dewclaw makes contact when they are running and the nail on the dewclaw often wears down in the same way that the toenails on their other toes do, from friction with running surfaces. However, in many dogs, the dewclaws never make contact with the ground; in this case, the dewclaw's nail never wears away, and it must be trimmed to keep it at a safe length. It is notable that the dewclaws are not dead appendages. They can be used to lightly grip bones and other items that dogs hold with the paws.
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What Dogs have dewclaw on back legs?
Great pyrenees
Does a dogs dewclaw help it run in heavy snow?
no it cant get a good grip
What do you do if a dogs dewclaw breaks off?
Nothing, many people get them cut off as pups.
What is dewclaw?
The dewclaw just above the front paw of a dog or cat is the equivalent of the human thumb. It is often removed on hunting dogs because it can become torn or infected while the animal is running through brush and briars. However, the dewclaw does serve an important purpose for dogs: It allows them to hook onto ice at the edge of a partially frozen pond and pull themselves out of the water.
Why is a dewclaw called a dewclaw?
probably because it dewclaws;)
What do you do when your dogs dew claw comes off?
Dewclaws are the "fifth finger" on the dog's front legs. Since dogs essentially walk on their toes, the dewclaw - the dogs thumb - usually dangles uselessly several inches above the ground. The dewclaw can catch on brush, logs, rocks, or other trail obstructions the dog has to navigate over, under, or around. A torn dewclaw can bleed a lot, but generally it isn't a serious injury. The prescribed treatment is to stop the bleeding through direct pressure. Next, wrap gauze around the dewclaw and leg, then wrap tape around it to hold the dewclaw firmly to the leg. Don't wrap too tightly, however, or you'll constrict blood flow into the lower leg.
What do you if your dogs dewclaw broke and hanging?
Don't mess with the dewclaw - it is probably very sensitive and painful to your dog right now. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment - your veterinarian can use local anesthetic and remove the rest of the dewclaw if it is almost out, or can schedule general anesthesia and surgical removal within the next few days.
How do you treat a dew claw?
Dewclaws are the "fifth finger" on the dog's front legs. Since dogs essentially walk on their toes, the dewclaw - the dogs thumb - usually dangles uselessly several inches above the ground. The dewclaw can catch on brush, logs, rocks, or other trail obstructions the dog has to navigate over, under, or around. A torn dewclaw can bleed a lot, but generally it isn't a serious injury. The prescribed treatment is to stop the bleeding through direct pressure. Next, wrap gauze around the dewclaw and leg, then wrap tape around it to hold the dewclaw firmly to the leg. Don't wrap too tightly, however, or you'll constrict blood flow into the lower leg.
Do purebred Labrador retrievers have front dew claws?
I'm pretty sure all dogs have a dewclaw on each front foot.
How do you treat the paw when the dew claw breaks off?
Dewclaws are the "fifth finger" on the dog's front legs. Since dogs essentially walk on their toes, the dewclaw - the dogs thumb - usually dangles uselessly several inches above the ground. The dewclaw can catch on brush, logs, rocks, or other trail obstructions the dog has to navigate over, under, or around. A torn dewclaw can bleed a lot, but generally it isn't a serious injury. The prescribed treatment is to stop the bleeding through direct pressure. Next, wrap gauze around the dewclaw and leg, then wrap tape around it to hold the dewclaw firmly to the leg. Don't wrap too tightly, however, or you'll constrict blood flow into the lower leg.
Is it better to dewclaw a puppy or not?
Dogs need their claws and I highly doubt you would ever find a vet to declaw them. This is only done in cats.
Do Golden Retrievers have five claws?
All breed dogs have five claws so, Golden Retrievers have a fifth claw called a DEWCLAW.
What is a dewclaw for?
They are used to help hold bones etc. while eating. Some dogs with larger dewclaws use them for better balance when running. Some dogs do not use them at all. It depends on the size of the dog and breed.
What animal has dewclaw?
Canids have dewclaws.
What is the inner toe of a dog called?
Dewclaw
What is the closest relative to a dog?
The closest relation to the dog is not the wolf, the dogs closest relation is in fact the bear.
Do dogs have five claws?
Yes, a dog has four toes at the front and one toe near the back, like a thumb. Each toe has a claw on it. The one at the back is called a dewclaw.
What is that thing on a dogs arm that looks like a toe?
first of all dogs do NOT have arms, they have 4 legs, 2 forelegs and 2 hind legs! And the toe to which you refer is known as a DEWCLAW and is the result of an genetic adaptation over time that reduced the dogs paws from having 5 toes to 4 toes.
How much does it cost to get dew claws removed?
cost of dewclaw removal
Will a torn off dewclaw nail grow back?
Yes, my dog has broken his dewclaw nail, and it grew back- for a while it looked like he had 2 nails, but the old one just fell off.
Are dogs related to rats?
Both are mammals. That is the only relation of a dog and a rat.
Are rabbits related to dogs?
no a rabbit is not a dog so they are not related
Where in the bible does it mention dogs?
Dogs are mentioned 23 times in the Bible - too many to list. They are mentioned in relation to eating people and in comparison of wicked people.
Why are pitbulls the most dangerous dogs?
Well its a stereotype, its just that most of the dangerous dogs seen are pitbulls, they're defensive and fight and are the closest relation to some of the wild dogs. some pitbulls are very nice though
What kind of symbiotic relation ship for dogs also fleas?
The relationship between fleas and dogs is commensalism, which is a kind of symbiosis. Dogs provide fleas with nutritious blood to drink, and the flea dosesn't hurt or help the dog.
