The Dogs Whiskers

Just as a cat’s whiskers are vital, so are a dog’s.  Depending on the breed or colouration of your dog his whiskers may or may not be obvious.

Although an occasional whisker may fall out or shed, please do not allow them to be trimmed.  Plucking is no good either as it can promote infection. They help a dog to detect when something is close in the range where his vision is not sharp.  They are one tool he uses to investigate his world.  There is such a concentration of nerve endings where the whiskers attach to the body that even vibration and air currents are picked up.  Dogs with poorer vision also use them as guide when making their way in the world.

These remarkable ‘vibrissae’ even help us to see how our dog is feeling and in a threatening situation you may even notice them pointing more forward.  To a dog they are as sensitive as our fingertips.  Whiskers also help protect in e.g. long grass.  The grass brushes against the whiskers and he blinks or closes his eyes to protect his peepers.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)