To look cuter than they already do! Okay, jokes apart, dogs have whiskers because of evolution. When ancient dogs first saw cats with long whiskers, they started wondering if these came with some superpowers. So, they started manifesting whiskers every single day. And today, because of their dedicated efforts and the power of manifestation, dogs have whiskers!
Just kidding. But seems believable, right?
A lot of people think that a dog’s whiskers are of no use. That they are just like human hair. And that it doesn’t matter how long or short, they are only about the looks. But it isn’t true. Whiskers are a really important part of a dog’s body.
Whiskers, also known as vibrissae, are long hairs around a dog’s muzzle, eyes and jaw. They are embedded deep into their skin. Do not think of them as a part of their fur because they aren’t. They are extremely delicate and sensitive. They are actually sensitive to touch just like our fingertips. (1)
Unlike us humans who primarily rely on our eyes for assessing the environment around us, dogs rely on a combination of senses. They are born with extremely strong noses, especially the hound breeds. But their eyesight is not the strongest. This is where the whiskers help.
Dogs typically have 4 types of whiskers – (2)
Genal – The ones on their cheeks to aid peripheral vision
Interramal – Below the chin to sense what’s beneath their faces
Mystacial – The ones located on their upper lip. Also, the most visible ones
Supraorbital – The ones that look like eyebrows
When these whiskers touch something, they bend. The receptors inside the follicle (a small, fluid-filled sac or pouch-like cavity in an organ or tissue that contains developing hair) then sense the touch and send the information to the brain. These whiskers are made up of keratin, the same protein that makes up hair, skin and nails. However, it is the follicle that makes a difference here. They are larger and contain many more nerve endings.
Are Dog Whiskers Actually Useful?
Whiskers help figure out the size and shape of objects near dogs, especially in the dark when eyesight is not very reliable. They even help them navigate through small spaces. The ones around their eyes protect them by making their eyes blink whenever they touch anything, including flying dirt. They help protect them from branches and twigs in the wild as well by sensing them beforehand.
Whiskers can also be credited for dogs being great at hunting. When air moves, it bounces back and is picked up by whiskers. The whiskers then send this signal to the brain indicating the size and shape of the object moving in front of them. Think of them as an in-built GPS for dogs.
Whiskers are not just a sensory tool but also a communication tool. In case a dog feels threatened or anxious, they will point their whiskers forward. This is a sign of the dog accepting its weakness and signaling other dogs that they are unhappy.
Can Dogs Feel Their Whiskers?
Can you feel your hair? Not till they touch your face or get stuck in something and get pulled, right? It’s probably the same for dogs. But given the ultra-sensitivity of whiskers and the fact that they can sense the slightest change in the air currents, dogs can definitely feel the presence of their whiskers.
What Happens If You Cut Off a Dog’s Whiskers?
Firstly, you’ll be causing a lot of pain to your dog. As mentioned above, the whiskers are deeply ingrained in their skin. Plucking them out will cause major pain to your dog. We sort of understand why you would want to trim off the whiskers. They may not be able to rock it like cats. But we highly recommend prioritizing your dog’s needs over yours here. (2)
Trimming them off wouldn’t cause any pain to your dog as just like our hair, they do not have any pain receptors. However, even a small trim can affect their spatial awareness. And the reduced ability to sense the environment around them can make your dog less confident.
Do Dogs Whiskers Actually Grow Back?
In case you’ve already made the mistake of cutting your dog’s whiskers, don’t worry. They do grow back. It can take up to two months for them to grow back though. (2)
It was either you or your groomer’s stupid idea. Irrespective of it, you need to be punished for taking away your dog’s superpowers temporarily. Don’t worry. Here’s one that will feel like a reward.
Just so you don’t end up making any wrong decisions for your dog, you need to make the best one – get a pet health insurance plan. Yes, you’ll be spending some money every month on it but when the time comes, you’ll be saving thousands by saving up to 90% on vet bills and much more.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
FAQs
Is it okay to touch a dog’s whiskers?
A dog’s whiskers are extremely sensitive. They can sense the slightest change in the wind speed. You should never pluck or pull a dog’s whiskers. You can touch them along the grain, gently though.
Do whiskers shed?
Occasionally, whiskers may shed. But, if they are shedding excessively, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition like alopecia. Some dental problems can also cause dogs to lose their whiskers.
Why do groomers cut dog whiskers?
Just for the looks. This practice is common in show dogs as trimming the whiskers gives the dog a clean and neat look. It is not recommended to cut whiskers off though.
Grucza, A. (2022, June 19). What to know about a dog’s whiskers. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-to-know-dogs-whiskers
