The possession of hair or fur is a distinctive characteristic of mammals.
It covers the entire body of the dog and cat except in areas such as Ihe nose and footpads. In other areas, such as the scrotum and around the nipples, the hair covering is much sparser.
Λ hair is a keratinised structure and is produced by a hair follicle. The visible part of the hair, above the skin s surface, is called the hair shaft and the part of the hair that lies within the follicle is called lhe hair root.
The hair follicle originates from a peg of epidermal cells which grows down into the underlying dermis, where it forms a Iiaircone over a piece of dermis called the (Iernuil papilla (Fig. 1 2.21. The papilla provides the blThe common integument is the outer covering of the body and includes the skin, hair, pads and claws.
■ The skin covers the entire body and provides a protective layer.
■ The skin consists of two layers; the epidermis and dermis, under which is the hypodermis or subcuticular IayenThis basic structure is also seen in footpads and claws.
■ Within the skin are a range of glands, the secretions of which contribute to the overall function of the skin.
■ Other glands in the body. e.g. mammary glands and anal glands, are also modified skin glands.
■ The skin of the dog and cat is covered in hair which is derived from epidermal cells.The function of hair is to protect, insulate and to communicate.
■ The underside of the foot is hairless and protected by the footpads, also derived from modified epidermis.
■ The ends of the digits are protected by hard epidermal structures known as claws.