Some think that dogs whiskers have no purpose and they have them snipped off at the groomers, but whiskers are actually essential in helping your dog navigate the world! Keep reading to find out more.
Many people don’t realise that the coarse, long whiskers on a dog’s face actually serve an important purpose. In fact, some dog owners try and snip off dog whiskers because they think they look untidy.
Also known as vibrissae, these dog whiskers have several uses and can help your dog navigate the world around them. They help your dog in many aspects of their life and even can guide them in the dark and help them figure out the size of different objects!
Keep reading to find out why dogs have whiskers and why you should never have them snipped off, no matter how untidy your pooch appears. In This Article
Those cute whiskers on your pup’s face aren’t just for show! I’ve been asked countless times by dog owners if they should trim their dog’s whiskers during grooming sessions. The short answer? Nope, you really shouldn’t! Let me explain why those special facial hairs deserve to stay intact.
What Exactly Are Dog Whiskers?
Dog whiskers, also called vibrissae, are specialized hairs that are thicker and more rigid than regular fur. They’re not just random hairs – they serve some super important functions for your furry friend.
These special tactile hairs can be found in several places
- On the muzzle (the most obvious ones)
- Above the eyes
- On the cheeks
- Sometimes on the chin
Unlike regular fur whiskers are deeply embedded in the skin and connected to sensitive nerve endings. They’re essentially sensory tools that help your dog navigate the world around them.
The Important Functions of Dog Whiskers
Your dog’s whiskers aren’t just adorable – they’re actually vital sensory tools! Here’s what they do
1. Navigation and Spatial Awareness
Whiskers help dogs determine if they can fit through tight spaces. When whiskers touch an object, they send immediate signals to your dog’s brain, helping them understand their surroundings.
2. Protection in Low Light
Dogs rely heavily on their whiskers when exploring in the dark or in dimly lit areas. Those whiskers can detect subtle changes in air currents, which helps them avoid bumping into objects.
3. Communication Tool
Believe it or not, whiskers play a role in canine communication! They’re part of a dog’s body language arsenal, helping them express emotions like fear, curiosity, or aggression.
4. Enhanced Hunting Abilities
For dogs with stronger hunting instincts, whiskers help detect prey movement through changes in airflow and vibrations.
What Actually Happens If You Cut Your Dog’s Whiskers?
I’ve seen some confusion among dog owners about what happens when whiskers get trimmed. Let’s clear things up:
Sensory Disruption
When you cut your dog’s whiskers, you’re essentially disrupting their “sixth sense.” It’d be like suddenly taking away one of your senses – confusing and disorienting!
Navigation Issues
Without their full whiskers, dogs may:
- Bump into objects more frequently
- Have trouble judging distances
- Feel confused in familiar environments
- Struggle with depth perception
Increased Anxiety
Many dogs experience heightened anxiety when their whiskers are cut. They suddenly lose an important tool they’ve relied on their whole lives, which can lead to behavioral changes and stress.
Communication Problems
Since whiskers are part of a dog’s communication system, trimming them might impair your dog’s ability to properly interact with other dogs, potentially leading to misunderstandings.
One dog owner told me: “I didn’t know better and had my groomer trim my Schnauzer’s whiskers to ‘neaten up’ his face. For weeks after, he seemed disoriented and kept bumping into furniture. I felt terrible once I learned how important those whiskers were!”
Common Myths About Dog Whiskers
Let’s bust some common whisker myths I hear all the time:
Myth #1: Cutting whiskers is painless
Reality: While the whisker itself doesn’t have nerve endings, the follicle at the base is highly sensitive and connected to nerves. The actual cutting might not cause physical pain, but the loss of sensory input absolutely affects your dog.
Myth #2: Whiskers grow back quickly
Reality: While whiskers do grow back, it can take several weeks to months for them to fully return to their previous length and functionality. That’s a long time for your dog to be without their sensory tools!
Myth #3: Show dogs need trimmed whiskers
Reality: Some breed standards for dog shows unfortunately still encourage whisker trimming for a “cleaner” appearance. However, many reputable dog shows are moving away from this practice as awareness about whisker importance grows.
Myth #4: Whiskers get in the way of eating
Reality: Dogs’ whiskers are naturally positioned to avoid interfering with eating or drinking. They’re actually helpful during these activities!
What Do Professional Vets Say?
I reached out to several veterinarians to get their professional opinions on whisker trimming. The consensus was clear:
Dr. Samantha Lee, DVM, says: “There’s absolutely no medical reason to trim a dog’s whiskers. They serve important sensory functions, and removing them can cause unnecessary stress and disorientation.”
Another veterinarian, Dr. James Wilson, adds: “I advise all my clients to leave their dog’s whiskers intact. The sensory deprivation isn’t worth any perceived aesthetic benefit.”
What About Groomers?
Many professional groomers have traditionally included whisker trimming as part of certain breed-specific cuts. However, attitudes are changing as more groomers become educated about whisker importance.
Professional groomer Maria Thompson explains: “I used to routinely trim whiskers for certain breed cuts, but now I always ask owners first and explain the potential drawbacks. Most choose to leave the whiskers once they understand their purpose.”
If you’re taking your dog to a groomer, make sure to specifically request that they leave the whiskers intact!
FAQ: Everything Else You Need to Know About Dog Whiskers
Will my dog’s whiskers fall out naturally?
Yes, occasionally. Like regular fur, whiskers do shed and regrow naturally as part of your dog’s normal hair cycle. This gradual process doesn’t cause the same issues as cutting them all at once.
What if my dog’s whiskers get accidentally cut?
Don’t panic! While not ideal, your dog will adapt temporarily and the whiskers will eventually grow back. Just be extra careful with your pup during this time – they might be a bit clumsier than usual.
Do different breeds have different whiskers?
Yep! Some breeds have more prominent whiskers than others. Dogs with longer facial hair, like Schnauzers or Shih Tzus, have whiskers that blend in with their coat, while short-haired breeds have more visible whiskers.
Can I trim just a few whiskers that look uneven?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Even trimming a few whiskers can disrupt your dog’s sensory system. Those “uneven” whiskers are still serving an important purpose!
Are there any circumstances where whiskers should be trimmed?
In rare medical situations, a vet might need to trim whiskers to access an area for treatment. This should only be done by a veterinary professional when absolutely necessary.
Alternative Grooming Tips That Respect Whiskers
If you’re concerned about your dog looking neat and tidy without trimming whiskers, here are some alternatives:
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Focus on other grooming aspects: Regular brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning can keep your dog looking great without touching those important whiskers.
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Gentle facial cleaning: Use a damp cloth to carefully clean around the whiskers rather than trimming them.
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Work with a whisker-friendly groomer: Find a groomer who understands the importance of whiskers and knows how to achieve a neat appearance while leaving them intact.
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Learn breed-specific grooming techniques: Many breed cuts can be modified to maintain a tidy appearance without whisker trimming.
The Bottom Line: Respect Those Whiskers!
To sum it all up: no, you’re not supposed to trim your dog’s whiskers. These specialized sensory hairs play crucial roles in your dog’s daily life – from navigation and protection to communication.
While trimming whiskers won’t cause physical pain in the moment, it does deprive your furry friend of important sensory tools and can lead to confusion, anxiety, and potential safety issues.
The good news? More and more pet professionals are recognizing the importance of whiskers and advising against trimming them. As a responsible pet owner, the best thing you can do is leave those whiskers exactly as nature intended!
Can I cut my dog’s whiskers?
We would never advise a dog owner to cut off their pet’s whiskers, unless advised by a vet. Some dog groomers snip off vibrissae for aesthetic purposes, but this is not a good idea. It’s true that dog whiskers tend to appear sporadically, while cats get whiskers in neat lines, but they serve an important purpose and shouldn’t be removed.
It doesn’t hurt dogs to cut the whiskers as the hairs don’t contain any pain receptors, cutting them off could create confusion or make your dog less spatially aware. It may affect their ability to judge when objects are nearby, which will make your dog a lot less confident.
If your groomer has cut them off though, don’t worry too much as they do grow back. Just make sure they know not to cut them again next time. You should also never pluck a dog’s whiskers as they have a lot of nerve endings at the base, which will make it painful.
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Written by Purina Editorial Team Our Editorial Team, made up of Purina pet industry experts, writers, and veterinarians, offers useful guidance to support pet owners in helping their pets live healthy, happy lives, covering topics like nutrition, training, daily care, and more.
Why do dogs have whiskers?
Dogs have whiskers to help them explore the world by sending sensory information to the brain. Dogs don’t have the strongest eyesight so they rely on their whiskers, particularly when locating small objects or anything up close. Any touch or air movement near a dog’s whiskers stimulates the nerves at the base, sending vital signals to the brain.
Whiskers help your dog figure out what things are and determine the size, shape and speed of objects. They can even help them see in the dark and work out if they can fit through small spaces.
Dog whiskers around the eyes also offer protection because when their whiskers touch anything, it usually causes them to blink, which avoids harmful things like dirt getting in their eyes. Plus, whiskers can prevent your dog being poked in the eye by branches or twigs when out walking, as the little hairs can sense where things are.
A dog’s whiskers are some of the first hairs to develop and they help your dog safely find their way around extremely early on. All of this means that whiskers play an important part in your dog’s life – they assist with navigation and understanding the environment, support poor vision and help keep your dog safe.