<P> The paw is characterised by thin , pigmented , keratinised , hairless epidermis covering subcutaneous collagenous and adipose tissue , which make up the pads . These pads act as a cushion for the load - bearing limbs of the animal . The paw consists of the large , heart - shaped metacarpal or palmar pad ( forelimb ) or metatarsal or plantar pad ( rear limb ) , and generally four load - bearing digital pads , although there can be five or six toes in the case of domestic cats and bears ( including giant panda ) . A carpal pad is also found on the forelimb which is used for additional traction when stopping or descending a slope in digitigrade species . Additional dewclaws can also be present . </P>
<P> The paw is characterised by thin , pigmented , keratinised , hairless epidermis covering subcutaneous collagenous and adipose tissue , which make up the pads . These pads act as a cushion for the load - bearing limbs of the animal . The paw consists of the large , heart - shaped metacarpal or palmar pad ( forelimb ) or metatarsal or plantar pad ( rear limb ) , and generally four load - bearing digital pads , although there can be five or six toes in the case of domestic cats and bears ( including giant panda ) . A carpal pad is also found on the forelimb which is used for additional traction when stopping or descending a slope in digitigrade species . Additional dewclaws can also be present . </P>
why do dogs have pads on their legs
why do dogs have pads on their legs
act as a cushion for the load - bearing limbs of the animal
act as a cushion for the load - bearing limbs of the animal