Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers?

Most dog parents know that their pup has whiskers that make them look adorable. But not a lot of people know why their dog has them. Do they have a purpose or are they just cute accessories?

Whiskers are specialised hair that grows from follicles. They actually have a lot of uses, and are present on all types of dogs, regardless of the breed, gender, or other factors. These hairs are thicker than regular hairs. They also have deeper roots in the dog’s skin. The main uses for these hairs are for communication, protection and sensing the surroundings.

Whiskers help dogs with spatial awareness. They provide sensory information that aids dogs in walking around. In this sense, they are similar to antennae in insects. When anything toucher the whiskers, they will vibrate letting them know something is there. They can help with hunting, as whiskers on dogs bred for hunting are designed to help them navigate through trees and other obstacles.

The movement of the whiskers can tell other animals and even people what they feel. If they flare their whiskers, that means they sense a threat and are anxious. They can also have a protective role. The whiskers on the dogs’ eyebrows catch unwanted particles from falling into their eyes.

Whiskers can fall out, but they always grow back, so you shouldn’t be worried about your dog losing them. One thing you should never do is cut your dog’s whiskers. Even though it won’t physically hurt them, it can affect their spatial awareness, making it harder for them to get around.

Whiskers are super important so make sure you don’t mess with them, and that they are always taken care of.