By Zoe Forward, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (canine/feline)
EVER WONDER WHY YOUR
DOG HAS WHISKERS?
Those long hairs on the muzzle do have purpose! Like other
hairs they can fall out and regrow. Most people believe the primary purpose of
whiskers are sensory. They can help a dog maneuver in the dark by detecting with
touch or sensing vibrations like air currents. Whiskers above the eye can
protect the eye from getting poked by objects.
They also can serve
as a form of communication between dogs. Dogs that are excited can actually
move their whiskers back and forth to signal emotions to another dog such as
fear or confidence.
Old wives’ tale or truth? If you cut off a dog’s whisker(s)
they will affect his balance. False. But loss of whiskers could affect the dog’s
ability to sense or feel on that side. So, if you’re tempted to clip your dog’s
unruly whiskers, resist. Best to leave them alone.
Thank you to Dr. Ernie Ward for providing some of the
information in this article.
Photo credits:
Lower pic (http://bit.ly/1E5rbuS)
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