Skin glands

Within the dermis are a range of glands producing secretions directly on to the skin surface:

Sebaceous glands

These are alveolar or saccular glands whose ducts open into the base of the hair follicles.

Modified sebaceous glands include:

Taihflantls - these arc found on the dorsal surface of the base of the tail. Their function is believed to be concerned with individual recognition and identification.

Circiiniaiiahflands - these are located around the entire circumference of the anus.They drain into special sweat glands and their secretion is thought to contribute to the individual smell of a dog. Λnal t∣lands - these lie within the walls of Ihe paired spherical anal sacs, located on either side and just below the anus. They produce a foul smelling secretion that is expressed during defecation, coating the faeces and serving as a territorial marker.

Cirtunioml only be a few cells thick, e.g. the skin over the abdomen. However in areas unprotected by hair. e.g. the footpads, the epidermis is much thicker.This can easily be seen when examining a cut pad.