What does it mean when a dog has five scratches on its hind legs?

Author portrait of Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

Healthcare Technology Correspondent

What does it mean when a dog has five scratches on its hind legs?

If a dog has five claws on its hind legs, it is an atavism. It is a wolf toe, a deformity caused by bad genes. The wolf is the ancestor of the dog, and the wolf has five claws. Generally, dogs Normally there should be only four claws, but it is relatively rare to have five claws.

What to do if a dog has five scratches on its hind legs:

1. If it is an ordinary domestic dog, it generally does not require surgery to remove it.

2. If you have high requirements for the appearance of your dog, it is best to go to a professional pet hospital for removal around ten days after birth.

3. Trim frequently to avoid the dog’s toes being too long and embedded in the flesh.