The main anatomy of a canine’s paw consists of Claws, Digital Pads (also known as paw pads), Metacarpal Pads (front), Metatarsal Pads (rear), and the Carpal Pad (front).
Did you know that canine digital pads exist as a weightbearing surface? Therefore, canines are digitigrade mammals (an animal that stands or walks with its toes).
Digitigrade derives from the Latin digitus, 'finger', and gradior, 'walk'.
In comparison us humans are plantigrades (our feet rest flat on the ground).
Then we have unguligrade mammals who also walk on their toes, but their toes are encased in a hoof for example a horse.
What are paw pads composed of?
So, the paw pads are composed of collagen (the main structural protein found in all mammals), keratin (fibrous protein forming hair, feathers, hoofs, claws etc), and adipose (a loose connective fatty tissue, for cushioning, helps with temperature regulation and is an energy source). Canine paw pads also contain scent and sweat glands which are useful for territorial marking and temperature control. The skin on a canine’s paw is the thickest skin there is on a canine and is heavily pigmented. Elsewhere on the canine’s body, the skin itself is much thinner than ours and more sensitive. A dog's foot pads contain many blood vessels which is why they tend to bleed easily when injured. Also, because the tissues on a dog’s paws are so specialised with specific functions, it cannot be replaced with other skin from the canine body. It is so important to look after our dog’s paw’s. There are five digital pads on the front foot front, with four on hind foot.
Dogs that walk more on rough terrain or hard surfaces, have thicker pads compared to younger dogs and dogs that are walked on grass and soft cushioned flooring. As dogs mature their paw pads become adaptable to the ground beneath their feet. Dogs that are used to walking on a variety of surfaces have added traction and stability. It is important that young dogs are walked on a variety of different surfaces and textures to instil body awareness, improve proprioception and help to develop all the mechanics in the nervous system.
The metacarpal pad (front paw) and metatarsal pad’s (rear paw) function, is to also act as a shock absorber and to facilitate walking, running, jumping and self-grooming etc. The largest paw pad on both fore and hind limbs are named after the bones they protect and cover. This structure is so important in normal day to day activity, yet extremely susceptible to injury.
The carpel pad {also known as the stopper pad), is found only on the front limb (see pic) and helps a dog with slowing down, stopping, aids changing direction and balance. Did you know that the forelimbs bare 60% of a canine’s weight compared to 40% at the rear?
Dogs have four toes on each paw (the 5th toe is the dewclaw). The outer two toes on each foot bear less weight and are considered the “non-weight bearing” toes. At the end of each toe is a claw - these grow out of the phalanges (toes or digits) and shares its blood supply with that bone. Claws are not too dissimilar to our fingernails -they are thicker and stronger but grow just as quickly, they have nerves and blood vessels, yet our nails are dead. Dogs that are more active outdoors tend to keep their claw length controlled as those dogs that enjoy digging (if allowed), but our pet dogs on average need help keeping the nails at a suitable length.
Dew claws on the front paws do serve a purpose, dew claws on the rear paws not so much (unlike the front, rear dewclaws tend to have little bone or muscle structure). The purpose of a dog’s dew claw is digging, traction and holding on to and tearing prey. Dewclaws are usually found on the front paws. But some dogs have dewclaws on their hindlimbs, and some breeds are born with double dewclaws. It is of the belief that they serve little purpose these days, and that dogs have adapted to use them for gripping toys or bones. However, it is now known through research that having a dog’s dew claws removed can
result in carpal arthritis. Attached to the dew claws are 3 bones, 2 joints, 5 tendons and 5 muscles – these can become weakened with disuse. The dew claw actually digs into the ground to provide stability, prevent force on the leg, and act as a shock absorber especially when running. Dews claws also dig into the ground when turning to support the lower leg. If a dog has had his dew claw removed the leg twists and is more prone to injury. Which can cause problems also with the elbow and shoulder going forward. Carpal Arthritis can ensue. So, it is worth being mindful of this.
Dog’s paws come in three different shapes
Dog’s paws also come in three different shapes, hare feet, cat feet and webbed feet, for different terrain and breed trait capabilities. Dogs can have both hare feet and webbed feet for example- as there are many cross breeds.
Hare feet refers to a paw with two elongated middle toes which are needed for explosive speed over shorter distances for example greyhounds and whippets.
Cat feet are more rounded and are the smallest and most compact of the three paw shapes. Used more for balance, stability, and endurance. Found surprisingly in larger breeds such as Newfoundland and Akita.
Webbed feet have extra skin between their toes (note most dogs have some degree of webbing). Used for swimming, retrieving, and hunting. Newfoundland breed comes straight to mind, and the Labrador retriever but dogs like the Dachshund have webbed feet too.
Their paws need looking after
So, we’ve learnt a bit about canine paws – important take home is that our dogs’ paws need looking after. In today’s society in general, our dogs are walked mostly on soft surfaces and are adapted to central heated homes, so their paws are much more delicate than we realise. If we want to start trekking, hiking or go running with our dogs on different terrain ease them into it – start with short durations on different surfaces to allow for the paw pad to get the required toughness over time. This stands for chilly weather. We are much more aware of what the heat can do to our dogs for example heat stroke and burnt paw pads but not so much with the cold. We need to be alert for this too. Not all dogs can tolerate the extra cold and wintery conditions that we are experiencing more often now in the UK. In winter icy, cold pavements can be troublesome for our dogs. Snow, slush, ice, grit etc can also cause burns plus there is an added risk of your dog licking their pads and ingesting the harmful substance for example antifreeze (dogs love the taste of antifreeze). On a return from a walk away wash your dog’s paws, legs and stomach especially if the roads have been gritted – salt can burn pads. As a rule, smaller, younger, more senior dogs, and those with certain conditions such as arthritis feel the cold more, so it is advisable not to walk them early mornings during the winter months and avoid walking near lakes and rivers especially if your dog loves to swim. Even if it is cold never leave your dog in a car – dogs can die of hypothermia.
According to Jennifer Coates DMV, it’s time to pay attention to your dog’s outdoor activities once the temperature falls below 7.2 Celsius. While not necessarily dangerous, dogs with shorter hair and little or no undercoat will start to feel uncomfortable on these colder days. Once the temperature hits 0 degrees Celsius or below, small dogs, dogs that are not built for winter, young puppies, and older dogs should have limited time outdoors. (“Winter Safety: What Temperature is Too Cold for Dogs?”)
Of course, there are cold-weather dog breeds, such as an Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, or Samoyed, that have more protection and actually prefer cold temperatures.
Pet parents should still monitor these dogs when they’re outside. Dr. Coates recommends paying especially close attention to dogs when it’s below minus 6 Celsius degrees.
It’s also important to note that temperature isn’t the only factor to consider. Wind chill, moisture levels, and snow can further affect how a dog reacts to being outside. The simplest rule of thumb is that if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet to be out longer than a few minutes for a potty break.
We know that paws have a role in circulation, so a good and regular paw massage helps to keep their blood flowing. Also check each paw often for cuts, cracks, blisters, parasites, grass seeds etc. Keep the hair between the paw pads short and ensure their nails are at an appropriate length as this can be an irritant to them.
(Peña, 2)
(FARRICELLI, 2016)
(wikivet, 2013)
(by Alex Schechter, 2020)
(wbstadm, 2021)
(MVetStud, 2020)
(Turner, 2022)
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