Published: November 21, 2016 | Reviewed: November 21, 2016
This little cutie’s whiskers are hidden under all that fur. But, they are there nonetheless. Their purpose – sensory organs. Dog’s whiskers have evolved to detect vibrations, air movement and touch. These help dogs become more aware of their surroundings and environment, functioning alongside other facial sensory areas and ear cleaning during routine grooming. Whiskers can also serve as communication devices. Dogs can move their whiskers forward and backward to signal to other dogs a state of fear, or a strength of confidence.
While it is not painful and will not cause a dog distress, we recommend that you do not trim, pluck, or remove your dog’s whiskers, as they serve as an important source of information, so it is important to choose a veterinarian who understands gentle grooming and sensory handling.
