Dog dew claw injury

Dogs, like humans, have nails that serve a variety of purposes. Their nails provide them with traction, help them dig, and act as a defense mechanism.

But have you ever wondered exactly how many nails a dog has? In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of dog nails and explore the specifics of their nail anatomy.

Firstly, let’s clarify that a dog has nails on all four of its paws.

What dog breeds don't have dewclaws

However, the number of nails varies depending on the breed of dog. Most commonly, dogs have four nails on their rear paws and five nails on their front paws. The additional nail on the front paw is called the dewclaw. Some dogs may have double dewclaws on their rear paws, especially certain breeds like the Great Pyrenees.

It’s important to note that a dog’s nails are not the same as our fingernails.

Dew claw dog back leg

They have a hard outer shell called the claw, which is made of a protein called keratin. Underneath the claw, there is a quick, which is a delicate blood vessel and nerve. Cutting a dog’s nails too short can be painful and cause bleed

how many nails do dogs have

how many nails do dogs have on their paws