Why do dogs have whiskers?

Certain body hair just makes sense, like the shiny coat that protects your greyhound's body from the heat and cold, or the long eyelashes that protect them from debris. But have you ever wondered why dogs have whiskers? Apart from making them look super cute, whiskers serve many important functions.

Whiskers are a special type of hair follicle that are a lot thicker than regular hair and are attached to deep root systems which are connected to nerves and blood vessels. Whiskers are sensitive and transfer vibrations to the nerve endings at the base of the follicle. It has been said that whiskers are as sensitive as human fingertips, so much like we use our hands to touch the world - dogs use their face to do the same.

Whiskers are used as sensory aids, guiding your dog safely through everyday activities like finding their favourite toy in the dark or sensing oncoming cars or objects.

·         Act as sensors: Despite their amazing sense of smell and hearing, dogs' eyesight isn't as strong, particularly when it comes to objects up close. Whiskers work as sensors by sending information to the brain about objects that are right under their nose. The sensors work by detecting vibrations when air currents bounce off solid objects.

·         Spatial awareness: If you’ve ever tried to fit a new harness to your dog and notice them hesitate, it’s probably because their whiskers have started tingling and telling their brain not to proceed. Whiskers help dogs to navigate small spaces by sending signals to the brain to determine whether they will be able to fit through the fence post or agility tunnel.

·         Defence mechanism: When they sense danger, whiskers are flared outwards to make them look bigger (and tougher).

·         To forage or hunt: Dogs are not great at seeing objects right in front of them, so will use their whiskers as an extrasensory tool to help them find the tennis ball that landed in the long grass or the stick buried under leaves.

Now that you know how important whiskers are for everyday dog life, I'm sure you have a newfound respect for them. When petting your pooch, make sure you take great care around these special follicles.