Features of the structure of the paws, or How many fingers in dogs

For many people, a dog is an equal member of the family, which requires care and attention. Once there was a choice before them: whether or not to start a four-legged friend. With the advent of a small pet, all doubts fall away.

Dog owners are always ready to take care of their animals. And the situation with dogs, which is described in this article, requires special attention. But first you need to answer the question: how many fingers do the dogs actually (and yours as well)?

How is the dog's paw?

A dog is an animal that is fingered, which means that it is the fingers that cope with the greater load during walking and running than the heels.

The dog's foot has 4 fingers. But there are breeds of animals that can count 5 or even 6 fingers. These "extra" fingers were called "lucrative". Most often occur on hind legs, and sometimes on two at once. This is primarily due to the fact that most of the breeds of this animal originated from the wolf (husky, hounds).

Atavism - the appearance of an extra finger in the dog on the paw. It is possible that wolves are also subject to such a feature, but they are not under observation, and you can not say exactly about it.

On the hind legs as much as the fingers of the dog on the front paws. Unlike people, they can not move them, but still the mobility is present. The animals walk like "tiptoes", so they can quickly change the direction of the race.

Why does the extra finger appear?

Experts argue that the occurrence of excess finger in the dog - a manifestation of atavism. Atavism is the biological process of manifestation in an animal of the features of that class or group whose representatives participated in the deducing of this organism. Over time, these signs lose their function.

If we talk about how many fingers most dogs should have, then according to the law of biology - 5, possibly as a distant genetic ancestor - the wolf. This means that the appearance of an extra finger is a natural pattern.

Between experts there is still a dispute about why some puppies have such a finger, but others do not. There is an opinion that this is due to the fact that the sign of the appearance of an extra element is an overwhelming process. And if you cross a male with five fingers with a female with a normal paw, puppies are most likely born as a father.

By the number of fingers on the paw of a dog, one can not judge her health. The presence of the "fifth" finger is not considered pathology, only correct and thorough care is needed.

Is the fifth finger useful?

If the pet shows an extra finger, then it is not necessary to sound an alarm, this phenomenon is not abnormal or pathological in nature. This feature is acceptable, and in some cases is the norm. The fifth finger has certain breeds of dog, such as the hounds, huskies or bears. A similar, so to speak, element speaks of thoroughbredness and thoroughbredness.

For dog breeders who are fond of hunting, the presence of a finger in the pet is just an aesthetic problem. During the hunt, the dog has to move much faster than in a normal living environment. In this case, the extra element on the paw interferes with running in high grass or thickets. Protruding finger in every possible way clings to grass, mud, snow and rods, making walking difficult.

To remove or not the "wolf" feature?

Surgical removal is performed, the complexity of which depends on how many fingers the dogs are considered superfluous, and on how many paws. The procedure is simple and painless. Dogs easily tolerate the operation, which is performed under local anesthesia for half an hour.

It is important to know that surgical removal is not performed in newborn puppies. It is better to wait until the small dog's body gets stronger.

A similar procedure is not a prerequisite for dogs with five fingers. Most dog breeders are slow to remove this aesthetic problem, and they are not particularly interested in how many fingers are in dogs. It is better to remove the extra fingers on the forepaws, in contrast to the hind legs, because they fit tightly to the skin and interfere with walking.

There are cases when dogs generally refused to move, and the whole problem was that fingers with unstripped claws interfered with running and gave pain.

Hygiene issues

Paws require special care, no matter how many fingers a dog has. Hygiene issues become important when the dog lives in the same room with its owners. The animal should be taken twice a day in all weather conditions, and this is bacteria, dirt and dust.

Dirt, dust and small particles can absorb into the skin and harm the health of the pet. This means that it is not enough just to wipe the paws of a dog with a dry rag, a thorough washing is necessary.

Only proper and regular care will ensure your pet health.