Nearly all animals have whiskers. These widely spaced long hairs that are usually found around the muzzle, on the chin, on the upper lip and above the eyes of most animals are also called vibrissae. Dogs sport whiskers too in fact these are the first hairs grown by puppies. Whiskers are longer, thicker and larger hair so that even among the fur, whiskers will be very noticeable. The hair follicles of whiskers are set about three times deeper than common hairs. Unlike the ordinary hairs, whiskers are considered as live hairs because the network of nerves on the roots of these hairs make them ultra sensitive receptors.
Dogs are acclaimed for their ultra sensitive senses. These animals have legendary hearing and scenting abilities. While it is difficult for humans to see at night, foraging in the dark will be an easy task for dogs as their eyes have the ability to see better in the dark. 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 have small heads but these animals practically do not have shoulders so that when following a prey, the dog can enter the burrow but going out would be difficult. The sensitive whiskers are longer than the rest of the dog's hair. If whiskers have brushed against the walls of the burrow, a message will be sent to the brain informing the dog that entering the hole is not a good idea.
Apart from being an efficient navigation tool, whiskers are also serving as the dogs' self preservation tool. These highly sensitive hairs coupled with the ultra sensitive scenting ability allow the dog to detect the presence of predators. It is believed that the sensitivity of these special hairs allows dogs to pick up the fears of their enemies. Dogs will subconsciously use these fears to terrorize the predators.
Rubbing the whiskers must be avoided as these affectionate action will bring the dog immense discomfort. These hairs should not be plucked as well as it would cause bleeding.
Dogs are acclaimed for their ultra sensitive senses. These animals have legendary hearing and scenting abilities. While it is difficult for humans to see at night, foraging in the dark will be an easy task for dogs as their eyes have the ability to see better in the dark. 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 have small heads but these animals practically do not have shoulders so that when following a prey, the dog can enter the burrow but going out would be difficult. The sensitive whiskers are longer than the rest of the dog's hair. If whiskers have brushed against the walls of the burrow, a message will be sent to the brain informing the dog that entering the hole is not a good idea.
Apart from being an efficient navigation tool, whiskers are also serving as the dogs' self preservation tool. These highly sensitive hairs coupled with the ultra sensitive scenting ability allow the dog to detect the presence of predators. It is believed that the sensitivity of these special hairs allows dogs to pick up the fears of their enemies. Dogs will subconsciously use these fears to terrorize the predators.
Rubbing the whiskers must be avoided as these affectionate action will bring the dog immense discomfort. These hairs should not be plucked as well as it would cause bleeding.
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