Why whiskers on dogs

Vibrissae are shed normally, like other types of hair, says Dr. And if you already did some whisker grooming, the good news is that they do grow back. Home Dog Care Center. Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers? Written by: PetMD Editorial. Published: August 23, Do Whiskers Differ Between Breeds? Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Yes No. Apart from the tactical advantages of whiskers, these special facial hairs can also relay messages about how a dog is feeling.

When a dog is threatened, it will often reflexively flare its whiskers and then point them in a forward direction. Some scientists believe this behavior indicates that whiskers play some part in a canine's defense strategy during combative situations with predators and other dogs. Despite the apparent advantages of having whiskers, many pet owners — particularly those who "show" their dogs — opt to pluck, trim or surgically remove these vital sensory tools. Anecdotal evidence suggests that tampering with a dog's whiskers can lead to confusion and decreased spatial awareness.

These special hairs are so sensitive that they also register slight changes in air currents. As a dog approaches an object like a wall, some of the air that he stirs up by moving bounces back from surfaces, bending the vibrissae slightly.

The resulting neural response is enough to inform him that something is near well before he touches it. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid.

Additional Resources AKC. Clubs Offering: Training Classes. Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers?