What’s so special about Whiskers?

Not just humble hairs…

Whiskers can be found on almost all mammals and whilst cats have their whiskers mentioned more than dogs, a canine’s whiskers are absolutely vital.  Depending on the colour of your dog’s coat, his or her whiskers may not have even captured your attention. These fine yet robust tools are the way the animal feels it’s way around the world. In addition to the sprouting on the snout they can be found above the eyes, on cheeks and under the chin.  They are used to detect vibration like a kind of antennae as well as judging space and distance.  

These incredible ‘vibrissae’ send important information down to the point where they meet the skin before the brain processes the information.  They meet a large concentration of nerve endings so that even the slightest vibrations and air currents are picked up. If your dog is aging or experiencing reduced vision, their whiskers will play an even larger role as other senses diminish. Whiskers may be flared and forward if a dog feels threatened.  They also play a role in triggering your dog to close his eyes as he brushes through long grasses.  Their width helps your dog ‘not to get stuck’ when navigating through narrow spaces.

Whiskers can shed or fall out but please do not trim or pluck them. Trimming them can negatively affect your dog’s safety and orientation.  Whiskers grow deeper than regular coat hair, and are strong and thicker at the base. Plucking them can cause infection.

If you are dropping off your pooch at the groomers or day spa, request that you don’t want his whiskers touched.  Most wouldn’t dream of trimming them but it’s better to be assured they won’t be cut in the name of looking neat and tidy.  Whiskers are wonderful tools and are sensitive like our fingertips.  Your dog depends on them. 

Leah & Angela OMearaHound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)