Dew claws are often removed when our dogs are puppys. If they haven't been, I wouldn't worry about it --- but you do need to keep an eye on this area.
I knew nothing about dew claws and had another dog whose nail grew in a circle and then back into the skin (on her leg) causing a great deal of pain and an infection. The vet removed her dew claws when this happened.
What you need to do is trim these nails the same as you do the others to keep them from turning in on your dog's leg. They tend to grow around almost in a circle. With routine trimming, you shouldn't have any problems.
These claws, if your puppy has them are not with her other nails, they are on the side or toward the back --- up higher on the leg.
Carol Jean |