Puppy paws are cute and complex little parts of our pooches. Made up of bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, blood supply and connective tissue, there is certainly a lot more going on down there than meets the eye!
Here are a few fun facts…
1. The inner layer of skin on the paw has sweat glands that aid in perspiration to the outer layer of skin. This helps cool a hot dog and/or can help the pads from getting too dry.
2. Paws have an insulating fatty tissue to keep them warm in the winter, and cool in the summer.
3. Paws exude moisture when a dog gets nervous or experiences stress. Actually, the only place dogs sweat from is their paws. Hence, the smell of corn chips...
4. Indoor dogs will have softer pads than outside working dogs. The skin adapts to a pup’s particular environment.
5. A pup’s pads will also absorb any liquids the dogs walk over (almost like a tougher version of the tongue).
*** Safety reminder *** make sure they aren't trotting on any chemicals or winter salt!
6. 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.
