0
0
You might pester your significant other when he doesn’t shave and his face starts to look a little scruffy.
But when it comes to your dog, you probably shouldn’t fuss about their whiskers. Dog whiskers actually have a function.
Dogs have whiskers in several places on their heads. We see them on dogs’ muzzles, cheeks, chins, above the eyes and near the corners of their mouths. The scientific name of dog whiskers is “vibrissae.”
Besides looking cute or goofy (depending your point of view), what do these wiry hairs do?
The short answer: they are feelers. They communicate information to a dog when touched.
Canines by nature are low-light and nighttime predators. The whiskers around the muzzle help dogs understand their environment when their nose nears objects, even when it is difficult to see. (Like when we wake up at night to use the bathroom and keep an arm extended to prevent bumping into things in the dark. We “feel” our way. Because stubbing your toe is not fun!)
Dog whiskers are sensitive and trigger a response from the nervous system. They can detect changes in airflow and vibrations. Imagine you live in the wild and hunt in the dark. Being able to detect the size, shape and pace of a moving object is pretty valuable superpower – both for someone who has to find food and worry about becoming someone else’s food.
Whiskers above the eye cause dogs to blink, likely a way to protect the eye from approaching danger. Some theorize the whiskers under the chin may help keep its chin from scraping the ground when tracking.
One interesting fact about dog whiskers is that they grow in proportion to a dog’s body. Experts think this helps them with spatial awareness. Whiskers tell dogs if they can fit through small openings. (Fun fact: dog whiskers grow longer as a dog ages.)
Dog whiskers are truly amazing tools!
Some say you shouldn’t cut a dog’s whiskers because they are essential to how a dog navigates the world. It’s like depriving Spiderman of his “Spidey Sense.” (Whiskers do grow back in a few weeks.)
As for the man in your life, tell him to go find a razor.
Until Next Time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses
Candy
Sources and Links:
How Long Does It Take For A Dog’s Whiskers To Grow? – Thank Your Vet
Ask the Vet: Can You Cut a Dog’s Whiskers? – Dog Discoveries
Photo by Undine Tackmann on Unsplash
