topic Re: Celebrating the doggie paw... in Community Chat

Celebrating the doggie paw...

Feline Fine — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 03:57:45 GMT

18 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT DOG PAWS

(squee!)

Behold the amazing dog paw!

While the eyes, ears and tails of your dog may get most of the attention for their expressiveness, don’t underestimate the power of paws! Aside from just being awfully sweet, the paws are wonderfully designed appendages that enable canines to perform their feats of doggie derring-do. Whether slender and elegant, bold and athletic, or floppy and furry, a dog’s trotters are a fascinating study in anatomy and adaptation.

Consider the following:

1. Of the 319 bones, on average, that comprise a dog’s skeleton, a handful of those (so to speak) are dedicated to the paws. Along with bones, dog feet include skin, tendons, ligaments, blood supply and connective tissue.

2. Paws are made up of the following five components:

For your pleasure: illustrated with the paw of a 4-week-old puppy.

3. The digital and metacarpal pads help work as shock absorbers and help protect the bones and joints in the foot. The carpal pads work like brakes, of sorts, and help the dog navigate slippery or steep slopes.

4. Paw pads have a thick layer of fatty tissue that insulates the inner foot tissues from extreme temperatures, as it doesn’t conduct cold as quickly. (Think whales and blubber.) Meanwhile, as the paw gets cold when it hits the ground, arteries transfer the chilled blood back to the body where it warms up again. Because of these traits, scientists believe that domestic dogs first evolved in colder environments before spreading out into other climates.

5. The pads also offer protection when walking on rough terrain. Dogs that are outside a lot and exposed to rough surfaces have thicker, rougher paw skin; dogs that stay in more and walk on smoother surfaces have softer pads. The pads also help the dog distinguish between different types of terrain.

Paw pads are surprisingly multi-functional.

6. The inner layer of skin on the paw has sweat glands that convey perspiration to the outer layer of skin, which helps cool a hot dog and keeps the pads from getting too dry. But paws can also exude moisture when a dog gets nervous or experiences stress; dogs get sweaty hands, just like we do!

7. Dogs are digitigrade animals, meaning that their digits — not their heels — take most of their weight when they walk. Because of this, dogs’ toe bones are very important.

8. Dog’s toes are equivalent to our fingers and toes, although they are unable to wiggle them with the ease that we do.

The exuberant dewclaws of the Beauceron.

9. Dewclaws are thought to be vestiges of thumbs. (Imagine if dogs had evolved opposable thumbs? The world might be a very different place!) Dogs almost always have dewclaws on the front legs and occasionally on the back. Front dewclaws have bone and muscle in them, but in many breeds, the back dewclaws have little of either. (Because of this, dewclaws are often removed to prevent them from getting snagged. However, opinions on the necessity of this procedure are mixed.)

10. Although they don’t provide much function for traction and digging, dogs do use their dewclaws; for example, they help the dog get a better grip on bones and other things the dog may like to chew on.

11. That said, Great Pyrenees still use their rear dewclaws for stability on rough, uneven terrain and often have double dewclaws on the hind legs. Among show dogs, the Beauceron breed standard is for double rear dewclaws; the Pyrenean shepherd, briard and Spanish mastiff are other breeds that have double rear dewclaws listed for show standards as well.

The Newfoundland takes the prize for paws.

12. Breeds from cold climes, like St. Bernards and Newfoundlands, have wonderfully large paws with greater surface areas. Their big, floppy paws are no accident; they help them better tread on snow and ice.

13. Newfoundlands have the longest toes of all breeds, and Labrador retrievers come in second. Both breeds also have webbed feet, which helps make them excellent swimmers. Other breeds with webbed feet include the Chesapeake Bay retriever, Portuguese water dog, field Spaniel and German wirehaired pointer.

14. Some breeds have what are called “cat feet.” These have a short third digital bone, resulting in a compact feline-like foot; this design uses less energy to lift and increases the dog’s endurance. You can tell by the dog's paw print: cat feet prints are round and compact. Akita, Doberman pinscher, giant schnauzer, kuvasz, Newfoundland, Airedale terrier, bull terrier, keeshond, Finnish spitz, and old English sheepdog all have cat feet. (But don’t tell them that.)

The elegant hare feet of the Greyhound are responsible for the spring in their step.

15. On the other hand — er, paw — some breeds have “hare feet,” which are elongated with the two middle toes longer than the outer toes. Breeds that enjoy hare feet include some toy breeds, as well as the Samoyed, Bedlington terrier, Skye terrier, borzoi and greyhound. Their paw prints are more slender and elongated.

16. And then there’s “Frito feet.” If you notice the distinct smell of corn chips emanating from the feet of your dog, resist salivating. Because when you find out that the source of the aroma is due to bacteria and fungi, you may become mightily grossed out. Generally this doesn’t lead to complications for the dog.

17. Do you love having your hands massaged? So does your pup! According to the ASPCA, a paw massage will relax your dog and promote better circulation. They recommend rubbing between the pads on the bottom of the paw, and then rubbing between each toe.

18. Although the exact etymology isn't known for sure, the word "paw" appears to come from the Gallo-Roman root form "pauta," which is related to late 14th century Old French "patin," which means clog, as in the type of shoe. And with that in mind, we leave you with the following photo of a pup in boots (which we're guessing he jumped out of immediately after the picture was taken):

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

betteb — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 04:46:35 GMT

Awww, Thanks for posting. I love paws I play with Kitty's, but she doesn't like it much. I do it anyway

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

scotttie — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 04:53:20 GMT

Wow feline fine. That was incredibly interesting. I read every word. Thank you for sharing that.

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

sylviahomeatlast — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 05:03:39 GMT

I like my Goldens' paws when the fur gets shaggy---it looks like they're wearing fuzzy slippers

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

Feline Fine — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 05:35:11 GMT

On 6/17/2014 betteb said:
Awww, Thanks for posting. I love paws I play with Kitty's, but she doesn't like it much. I do it anyway

Thanks, BB - you're so funny.

I adore paws as well. In fact, my Google Chrome theme is this ridiculously-cute set of kitty paws:

They are, along with kitteh bellehs, some of God's greatest gits.

Your poor "Kitty", heh. But I do the same whenever I'm cat-blessed. Love to plant teeny kisses on 'em , too, even though they probably just came out of the litter box.

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

Feline Fine — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 05:39:19 GMT

On 6/17/2014 scotttie said:
Wow feline fine. That was incredibly interesting. I read every word. Thank you for sharing that.

Thanks so much for your kind words, Scottie, as well as your own thank you. Glad to hear you really enjoyed it. 8-)

Like you, I also love learning new things - especially about animals - and figured that some of the Q's animal lovers would too.

Beats a 'look-at-me' thread any day.

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

Feline Fine — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 05:42:28 GMT

On 6/17/2014 sylviahomeatlast said: I like my Goldens' paws when the fur gets shaggy---it looks like they're wearing fuzzy slippers

OMG, Golden Retriever paws... those adorable "fuzzy slippers"... 8)

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

MrsSweetieBear — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 06:21:51 GMT

Really interesting. I never knew most of that. I just knew I like doggie paw print T shirts, LOL!

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

Kachina624 — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 06:28:10 GMT

On 6/17/2014 Feline Fine said:
On 6/17/2014 sylviahomeatlast said: I like my Goldens' paws when the fur gets shaggy---it looks like they're wearing fuzzy slippers

OMG, Golden Retriever paws... those adorable "fuzzy slippers"... 8)

My female collie has such shaggy feet right now they do indeed look like fuzzy slippers. She needs to go to the groomer badly. She has a huge coat.

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

brewhaha — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 08:05:31 GMT

Just don't let them run in a cow pasture.

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

scotttie — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:46:39 GMT

On 6/17/2014 Feline Fine said:
On 6/17/2014 scotttie said:
Wow feline fine. That was incredibly interesting. I read every word. Thank you for sharing that.

Thanks so much for your kind words, Scottie, as well as your own thank you. Glad to hear you really enjoyed it. 8-)

Like you, I also love learning new things - especially about animals - and figured that some of the Q's animal lovers would too.

Beats a 'look-at-me' thread any day.

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

just bee — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:55:46 GMT

And they can do this:

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

misspammie — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:53:31 GMT

wonderful info! enjoyed reading it so much. loved the dewclaw info. always loved holding 'hands' with my darlings and giving them a foot massage. I know I'd love it.

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

Cakers1 — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:54:02 GMT

Sweet thread. Thanks for sharing this info.

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

Feline Fine — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:10:14 GMT

On 6/17/2014 MrsSweetieBear said:
Really interesting. I never knew most of that. I just knew I like doggie paw print T shirts, LOL!

Ahhh... Well hello there, Doggie Mama! Great to see you, sweetie Mrs..

Love your T-shirt, especially as I'm a fan of graphic tees. Do you remember where you got it or saw it?

Here's one that's perfect for you, $6.99 & good heavy quality at Tanga.com, LOLshirts.com, & elsewhere:

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

Feline Fine — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:11:18 GMT

On 6/18/2014 brewhaha said:
Just don't let them run in a cow pasture.

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

Feline Fine — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:11:44 GMT

On 6/18/2014 just bee said:
And they can do this:

Awesome, JB!

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

kittymomNC — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:12:00 GMT

On 6/17/2014 Feline Fine said:
On 6/17/2014 betteb said:
Awww, Thanks for posting. I love paws I play with Kitty's, but she doesn't like it much. I do it anyway

Thanks, BB - you're so funny.

I adore paws as well. In fact, my Google Chrome theme is this ridiculously-cute set of kitty paws:

They are, along with kitteh bellehs, some of God's greatest gits.

Your poor "Kitty", heh. But I do the same whenever I'm cat-blessed. Love to plant teeny kisses on 'em , too, even though they probably just came out of the litter box.

Thanks for the article - there's always something interesting to learn about animals!

I don't have doggies anymore--I loved their whole little bodies! But I love kitty paws, too (I play with them while they're asleep). And kitty bellies - the sweetest things on earth! I love to kiss and love their bellies, when they invite me to!

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

Feline Fine — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:14:41 GMT

On 6/18/2014 misspammie said:
wonderful info! enjoyed reading it so much. loved the dewclaw info. always loved holding 'hands' with my darlings and giving them a foot massage. I know I'd love it.

Glad you enjoyed it, Pammie. 8)

So cute to picture you all paws-to-hands, and I bet they love their massages. But since paw pads are so sensitive, doesn't it tickle them? Or do you just rub the tops and sides?

Re: Celebrating the doggie paw...

Feline Fine — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:22:09 GMT

On 6/18/2014 Cakers1 said:
Sweet thread. Thanks for sharing this info.

Sweet of you to say, and you're most welcome.

I share all over the Interwebz (too many times, some Q posters would say, LOL), because I'm very-limited in RL as to how I can help others, and be of service to my community and the world.

So I try to get as much as possible out into the cyberspace stratosphere, and especially on the Q boards, as there seems to be a lot of animal lovers, people with great senses of humor, and others who are just receptive to learning new stuff, here. 8)