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Do's and Don'ts of Dewclaws

Originally written: 23 February 2025

Goat dewclaws—those small, seemingly insignificant hooves located above the main hooves—often go unnoticed by many livestock owners. While they may appear non-functional, they do serve a purpose, and as hoof care providers, we believe it’s important to understand and share their role in a goat’s overall hoof health.

What Are Goat Dewclaws?

Goats have dewclaws, which are small, non-functional hooves located higher up on their legs, above the main hooves. Unlike the primary hooves that bear weight and assist in movement, dewclaws do not touch the ground or contribute to mobility. However, they are not entirely useless. In the wild, dewclaws can provide additional traction on rugged terrain, helping goats navigate rocky or uneven surfaces. Additionally, they serve as a protective feature, reducing impact and strain on the main hooves during jumps and rough landings.

Why Dewclaw Maintenance Matters

Though goat dewclaws don’t play a direct role in weight-bearing or movement, they can still overgrow, crack, or accumulate debris. Left unchecked, overgrown dewclaws often snag on objects life fences, gates, rocks, you name it, increasing the risk of debilitating injury! Additionally, dirt buildup can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infections that may affect the overall health of the hoof. Overgrown dewclaws also pose a risk from a mobility point of view. When the dewclaws become overgrown they can rub and actually begin to grow into the sensitive skin right behind the hoof. This pain can be crippling to goats and sheep.

How to Care for Goat Dewclaws

As professional holistic hoof care providers, we often include dewclaw maintenance as part of your regular hoof trimming routine by,

• Inspection: Inspecting dewclaws during routine hoof checks for signs of overgrowth, cracks, or infection.

• Trim When Necessary: If they become too long or uneven, we carefully trim them to the animals tolerance. Each animal is unique and we want to provide comfort without taking off too much, especially when overgrown. 

• Keeping Them Clean: Removing impacted dirt and debris to reduce the risk of bacterial buildup.

As you can see from our photos below, the top two  before photos of this foot shows the overgrowth and twisting of the dewclaw which is beginning to rub against and create pressure to the rear of the hoof itself. The bottom two photos show where we were able to not only remove the parts that were causing the pressure and discomfort, but also round them off nicely. 

On the other foot, we also had the same presentation. Overgrown and uncomfortable. 

This dewclaw was really pressing into the back of the hoof. You can see the curl and angle very clearly. This goat immediately had increased mobility and better posture after the trim we gave! That's the magic of the hoof care services we offer, immediate comfort! 

Our Final Thoughts

While goat dewclaws may not be as vital as the main hooves, they still play a role in protecting and supporting your goat’s feet. Pasture pets generally are not out climbing rocky mountains like their wild mountain goat relatives, so they don’t have the same opportunity to maintain their hooves naturally, making regular maintenance essential to their overall health. Ensuring proper hoof care helps prevent discomfort and health issues. Our mission is offering "More than just a trim" - we pay close attention to aspects of your goat’s hoof health, including dewclaws and other critical areas, to ensure their overall well-being.

To schedule your hoof care appointment with us, rest assured Homestead Helpers PA is here to help! Visit homesteadhelperspa.com for more information on our hoof care services and to book your appointment.