morphology of a dog [2]

dog’s forepaw

Articulated limb ending in four toes allowing the dog to move about, dig and scratch.

dewclaw

Pointy corneous appendage, the remnant of a thumb; it does not touch the ground and is often absent on the hind limb.

dew pad

Thick elastic cutaneous bulge located at the base of the dewclaw; it does not touch the ground.

toe

Terminal end of the limb supporting the body; it is formed of various articulated bones and ends in a claw.

claw

Nonretractable corneous structure that is not very sharp; the dog digs with it and it provides stability and grip.

digital pad

Thick cutaneous bulge, elastic and resistant to wear upon which the toe rests; it contributes to locomotion and absorbs shocks.

carpal pad

Thick cutaneous bulge, elastic and resistant to wear; it does not touch the ground but prevents the dog from sliding as it lands after a jump.

palmar pad

Thick cutaneous bulge, elastic and resistant to wear supporting the metacarpus; the dog uses it to move about and it absorbs shocks.