The Purpose of Your Dog’s Carpal Pads
Your dogs carpal pads will not come into direct contact with the ground when your dog is running normally or just walking because of how high up they are on your dogs legs.
However, if your dog is running fast, galloping, or at a canter, the carpal pads might touch the ground briefly during each cycle of the pacing. With each stride, this happens very quickly. Even this brief amount of contact with the ground is helpful for your dog.
Your dogs carpal pads help your dog put on the brakes in emergency situations. They also help your dog make sharp turns at the last minute.
Because of this, some people call the carpal pads “stopping pads.” These pads are extra handy for running at high speeds and taking tight turns for working dogs herding livestock, or even dogs involved in canine sports that require a lot of agility. Of course, these emergency brakes help as well dogs when Rover has the “zoomies” and starts running around the yard in tight spaces.
If you have a dog that loves playing, running and jumping, chasing balls, or even doing obstacle courses in the sport of canine agility, their carpal pads will help them out with all these things.
When your dog jumps and leaps around, their front feet will hit the ground first during landing, the impact of landing will cause a minor shock throughout their body. Your dogs carpal pads absorb some of that shock when they hit the ground due to the speed and angle of how your dog lands.
The carpal pads acting as a shock absorber will also help to check a dogs speed as they descend from their jump so that they dont trip or fall over when they land. The shock-absorbing pads will reduce any jarring that occurs from a landing, giving your dog more control once he hits the ground.
Another great benefit of the carpal pads occurs when your dog is walking or running on unstable, slippery, or uneven surfaces.
The pads help your dog maintain motor control and balance by giving them extra precision and traction while they are in motion.
Your dogs carpal pads in the front legs help assist your dog when hes turning.
Your dogs carpal pads also help cushion your dogs landing following a jump, absorbing the shock.
What is the importance of my dog’s foot pads?
These pads are the thick, rubbery part of the dog’s feet that cushion every step and provide traction to prevent slipping. Foot pads protect bones and joints from the shock incurred by running and walking. They also insulate the foot from extreme weather (hot and cold) and aid navigation of uneven or rough terrain.
What happens if my dog hurts her foot pads?
Healthy foot pads are crucial so injuries need prompt attention. If your dog limps, or licks at her pads, take heed. She may have a foot pad that is torn, punctured, or burned.
A torn foot pad doesn’t hold stitches well so cuts and punctures take longer to heal. Walking on the injured foot often opens up the wound and further delays healing. And if infection sets in, the dog may end up with more than just foot problems. Since even minor foot pad injuries can be stubborn, it’s a good idea to provide first aid at home and then see your veterinarian promptly.
FAQ
What do I do if my dogs carpal pad is torn?
Do dogs need their carpal pad?