Why are dogs considered to have whiskers?

Our readers sometimes ask why we call dogs "whiskers"? Yes, our four-legged friends have some unusual hairs growing on their faces. But why? Let's take a closer look.

Where do whiskers grow?

Whiskers are called vibrissae (from the Latin word vibro, meaning to wobble or wiggle). These are the first hairs to grow on puppies. They grow in groups of three to five hairs near the nose, above the upper lip, on the chin, above the eyes, and on the neck.

Structure of the mustache

Vibrissae are thick, long, and stiff hairs. The base of each is located in a hair follicle and surrounded by venous cavities. Numerous nerve endings connect to the roots of the vibrissae, making the receptors highly sensitive. Each vibrissa has its own region in the brain.

Functions of the mustache

If you touch its whiskers, the dog will alternately close its eyes and turn its head away. The dog uses its whiskers as an antenna, detecting even the slightest vibration in the air. The dog has difficulty focusing on nearby objects. This is where its whiskers come in handy, as if feeling the object. This allows the dog to determine its size and shape. The dog easily navigates obstacles thanks to its whiskers. Many animals have whiskers: cats, seals, bears, and rats.

Haircut is not recommended

Dog whiskers can be damaged by illnesses (such as mange), injuries, burns, and grooming. Not every owner or groomer understands the purpose of whiskers. Some consider them unnecessary. Consequently, whiskers are often trimmed.

Removing whiskers is a painful procedure that reduces the animal's sensitivity.

A dog with trimmed whiskers moves slowly because it lacks awareness of its surroundings. It's especially difficult for the poor thing at night. There are also dogs that frolic as if nothing had happened even after depilation. However, this is the happy exception rather than the rule.

Whiskers are an important tactile organ that helps a dog navigate in space and explore the world.

Translation by O. V. Ryndina

Read also:

• Can a cat or a female cat have their whiskers trimmed?
• How cats see our world
• Scabies mites in dogs: symptoms and treatment