Healthy foot pads should be soft, spongy and slightly moist when the dog or cat is panting.
The foot pad is one of the few places dogs and cats can sweat to balance their internal temperature.
When pads are calloused, dry and cracked there is less cushioning for the movement of the leg.
Dogs and cats stand on their toes. It is like humans standing on the balls of their feet.
All of the weight during standing and movement is distributed into the pads.
The pads protect the underlying joints and the small bones called the sesamoids. The sesamoids guide the tendons that reach all the way to the base of the nail. If the cushioning is deficient, sesamoiditis may occur causing pain.
Cat foot pads are also soft, spongy and sweat when warm to regulate their temperature.
The pads act as shock absorbers. They are the reason cats can move quietly. The pads add traction for take off jumps and landings.
We often say walk your dog when limiting exercise. However, dogs don't really like to truly walk any distance, they start to amble, trot or pace.
How those four legs move can also show what problems are occurring with the legs or back.
As our dogs age, getting up can be a challenge. Help from a human is often needed. The Help'Em Up Harness is well designed for lifting the front and rear end together. They make harnesses for all size dogs even the extra large patients.
The booklet by veterinarian Tony Buffington reviews the basic needs for creating the right habitat for indoor cats.
He reviews such topics as high places and private spaces for cats to find refuge.
One helpful suggestion is that cat that are obsessed with eating can be redirected at the food bowl with a good action toy.
Dr. Buffington is part of the indoor cat initiative at Ohio State University. The Booklet is only 26 pages. The web site offers some of that advice for free.
When pads are calloused, dry and cracked there is less cushioning for the movement of the leg. 
