The dew claw is a nail located on the side of a dog's front legs, near the ankle. It doesn't serve much functional purpose, but does need to be trimmed regularly along with the rest of the dog's nails to prevent overgrowth. It is reportedly called a 'dew' claw because it skims the top of the grass when a dog walks, thereby coming into contact with the morning dew that sits atop the blades of grass. According to AbsoluteAstronomy.com, there is great debate over whether or not troublesome dew claws should be surgically removed because some believe this surgery causes the dog great pain.
Instructions
1. Kneel down on the ground and gently roll the dog onto its side. Once in this position, maneuver your body above the dog, then pet the dog while occasionally touching its paws.
2. Hold a pair of nail clippers designed for dogs in your predominant hand; lift your dog's paw with your other hand. Pull the dew claw slightly away from the paw to gain more access to it.
3. Snip the tip of the dew claw, being careful not to cut the quick--the inner part of the nail that contains blood vessels.
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