Dog paws are made up of five parts
The claws, the digital pads (the toes), the metacarpal pad (the pad in the middle), the dewclaw and the carpal pad (the pad farthest back). The digital and metacarpal pads protect the bones and joints of a dog’s foot by acting as shock absorbers, and the carpal pad acts as a rear brake helping dogs – particularly adventure seekers – navigate steep or slippery slopes and surfaces.
All dog paws are different though
Despite all dog paws being made up of five parts there are still different styles of doggy feet. Dogs such as Bull Terriers, Old English Sheepdogs and Akitas have ‘cat feet’. This shape of paw has a short third digital bone leaving the paw more compact like a cats – it requires less energy to lift and in turn increases the dog’s endurance. ‘Hare feet’ which have noticeably longer middle toes, enable faster running and can be found on breeds such as Greyhounds, Samoyeds and Bedlington Terriers. Dogs that are native to some of the coldest countries in the world, such as the St. Bernard, have far wider paws than those of the same size and build. Their larger pads allow them to grip and walk safely on snow and ice.
Dog paws are weatherproof
The pads have a thick layer of fatty tissue that protects our furry friends’ feet from freezing in cold temperatures. When the pad gets cold, the arteries within the foot transfer the cold blood back to the body where it is then warmed up. This fascinating bodily process has led scientists to believe that our canine companions first evolved in colder climates.
Dog paws can smell like popcorn
If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s paws smelling like popcorn or corn chips, it’s likely they have ‘Frito Feet’. As our canine companions feet are always in contact with the ground, they naturally pick up lots of microorganisms and when dogs sweat, the combination of bacteria and moisture creates a salty snack-like smell.