CPG Animal Anatomy & Behavior 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which part of a dog's paw acts as the primary shock absorber when the dog lands after jumping?
- Nails
- Digital pads (Correct answer)
- Carpal pad
- Metatarsal pad
Correct answer: Digital pads
The digital pads (toe pads) cushion impact force during movement and jumping alongside the large central metacarpal/metatarsal pad.
Question 2: A dog that yawns, licks its lips, and looks away when approached by a stranger is most likely:
- Tired and wanting to sleep
- Offering calming or appeasement signals (Correct answer)
- Displaying dominance
- Inviting play
Correct answer: Offering calming or appeasement signals
Lip licking, yawning, and gaze aversion are classic calming/appeasement signals dogs use to de-escalate perceived threats.
Question 3: What is the term for the soft undercoat found in double-coated breeds like Huskies and Golden Retrievers?
- Guard coat
- Topcoat
- Plush coat
- Undercoat or secondary coat (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Undercoat or secondary coat
The undercoat (secondary coat) is the soft, dense layer beneath the outer guard hairs that provides insulation.
Question 4: Where is a dog's anal sac located?
- Just inside the rectum at 12 and 6 o'clock positions
- On either side of the anus at approximately 4 and 8 o'clock positions (Correct answer)
- Beneath the tail base on the dorsal surface
- Inside the abdominal cavity near the colon
Correct answer: On either side of the anus at approximately 4 and 8 o'clock positions
Anal sacs are paired glands located at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions on either side of the anus.
Question 5: In cats, what is the specialized sensory organ located in the roof of the mouth used to detect scents?
- Eustachian tube
- Vomeronasal (Jacobson's) organ (Correct answer)
- Olfactory bulb
- Turbinate bone
Correct answer: Vomeronasal (Jacobson's) organ
The vomeronasal (Jacobson's) organ in the palate detects pheromones and chemical signals, triggered when cats display the flehmen response.
Question 6: Which muscle group do groomers need to be careful around when scissoring the area between a dog's front legs and chest?
- Gluteal muscles
- Pectoral muscles (Correct answer)
- Quadriceps
- Trapezius muscles
Correct answer: Pectoral muscles
The pectoral muscles run along the chest between the front legs and can be nicked if scissors are used carelessly in that area.
Question 7: What behavioral sign indicates a cat is in a highly agitated or overstimulated state and may bite or scratch?
- Slow blinking and kneading
- Purring with eyes closed
- Rapid tail lashing and skin twitching (Correct answer)
- Slow grooming of paws
Correct answer: Rapid tail lashing and skin twitching
Rapid tail thrashing and skin rippling (called 'petting-induced aggression' signs) warn that a cat is overstimulated and may strike.
CPG Animal Anatomy & Behavior 3
Which part of a dog's paw acts as the primary shock absorber when the dog lands after jumping?