Most animals have whiskers. Whiskers or vibrissae are the big, long and sparse hairs found on the muzzle, chin, upper lip and on the area above the eyes of animals. Dogs are furry animals and whiskers are believed to be the first hairs that puppies grow. The whiskers or the vibrissae will stand out amidst the hair covering as although sparse, these hairs are longer, thicker and larger as compared to ordinary hair. The roots of whiskers are set three times deeper than ordinary hair. The roots that are set on a network of nerves make whiskers very sensitive and complex receptors.

Dogs are noted for their very sensitive senses. Dogs are admired for their very sensitive hearing and scenting abilities. Dogs would not go bumping in the night because unlike human eyes, the eyes of our four legged friends can see much better in the night. As if these ultra sensitive senses are not enough, nature has gifted dogs with whiskers that improve the senses furthermore. Whiskers are very sensitive to the touch and serves as radar or antennae.

The roots of these special hairs are embedded on a network of nerves so that when they are touched or when the tips brush against objects, the nerves will transmit a message to the brain and the dog will be able to sense nearby objects. For dogs that hunt prey in burrows, the whiskers would be efficient tools. Dogs don’t have shoulders and the body is a bit wedge shaped so that it would be easy to go in but going out would be difficult. The sensitive whiskers are longer than the rest of the dog’s hair. A dog will enter a burrow head first and if the whiskers do not touch the walls of the hole it means that it would be alright to go in.

Aside from being navigation tools whiskers are self preservation tools as well. Whiskers have helped dogs evade predators. Although this theory is up for debate, scientists believe that through the whiskers the dog can pick up the predator’s worst fears. Dogs are cunning animals and they can turn the table by using these fears to intimidate their predators.

Whiskers are very sensitive thus try not to rub these hairs against the hair growth when patting the pet as this will make the dog very uncomfortable. Whiskers are called bleeding hair as the dog would bleed if the whiskers are plucked.

Want to know more about why dogs have whiskers and dog first aid? Visit Sarah’s Dogs.

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