Whiskers are a facial feature on a dog, present in all dogs and in most mammals. While cats may have whiskers in a set formation, dogs have more diversity in their whisker formation and features. These sensory hairs are present on the muzzle, below the chin, and above the eyes, and each dog's whisker formation is unique.
Though whiskers are a part of a dog's physical appearance, their role extends far beyond the physical. Whiskers are a vital component of a dog's ability to sense their environment, giving them sensory input to prevent bumping into things and even detecting possible danger. With their significance considered, pet owners wonder: What happens if a dog's whiskers are cut? And do they grow back?
The Role of Whiskers
Dog whiskers, or vibrissae, are specialized thick hairs that differ greatly from the usual hair found on a dog's body. Not only are they longer and stiffer, but they are also implanted deeper in the skin—at about three times deeper than regular hair. This unique structure allows whiskers to be sensory organs. Whiskers are able to sense delicate vibrations in their environment, such as tiny changes in air currents, allowing dogs to better sense the world around them.
Whiskers are similar to human fingertips because they help dogs to gauge their environment. The follicles of whiskers are packed with nerve endings and blood vessels, which connect to areas of the brain that deal with tactile information. Whiskers provide dogs with a finer sense of their environment and enable them to detect an object's shape, texture, and even its temperature.
Different Types of Dog Whiskers
Whiskers are not all equal—they vary based on where they're located on the dog's face. Though all whiskers help dogs navigate and perceive the world around them, some have more specialized functions.
Mystacial Whiskers: These are located around the muzzle area and are the longest whiskers. They help dogs with general navigation and can be especially useful for locating food or objects when exploring.
Genal Whiskers: These whiskers are found on the cheeks and provide additional coverage, sensing peripheral movement, which makes dogs spatially aware.
Interramal Tufts: Originating from the moles under a dog's chin, these whiskers assist the dog in being aware of what's below them, an area they cannot see directly.
Supraorbital Whiskers: These are whiskers found above the eyes and play a crucial role in protecting the eyes. The whiskers help dogs detect objects that could harm their eyes, such as branches and other items.
Why Are Whiskers Important?
Whiskers play a crucial role in a dog's day-to-day functioning, offering a range of benefits that humans can't fully appreciate. While dogs share the same senses as humans, these senses function quite differently. Whiskers are a significant component of how dogs navigate their world, especially when other senses, like vision or hearing, are impaired.
Navigation: Whiskers help dogs navigate in their environment, especially in the dark. For instance, dogs don't have special night vision, but their whiskers help them prevent collisions by sensing air pressure changes as they approach objects. This skill is more useful in tight spaces or when navigating through tunnels.
Vision Aid: While dogs are unable to see directly in front of their noses, their mystacial whiskers and interramal tufts allow them to detect objects at ground level nearby, like a descending treat or ball. These whiskers allow dogs to basically "see" what their eyes can't.
Protection: The supraorbital whiskers above the eyes act as an early warning system. When dogs rub their faces against objects or branches, these whiskers send a message to the brain, which makes the dog blink or close its eyes, protecting them from potential injury.
Should You Trim Your Dog's Whiskers?
Given the importance of whiskers to your dog's sensory experience, it is critical never to cut them on purpose. Cutting a dog's whiskers will impair their ability to navigate and understand their environment, resulting in temporary confusion or disorientation. While dogs will adjust in time, losing their whiskers can make everyday tasks more difficult, especially when trying to detect obstacles or locate food.
What If a Dog's Whiskers Are Cut?
If a dog's whiskers are cut by accident, there is no need to panic. Like normal hair, whiskers go through a growth cycle, and the whiskers will just grow back. Whiskers naturally fall out with time, and new whiskers will grow in to take their place. It is also a myth that whiskers hurt if they are cut—whiskers do not have pain receptors, so cutting whiskers is not painful. Yet, whisker twisting or pulling can put stress on the follicle, leading to pain or discomfort.
Do Groomers Trim Dog Whiskers?
While some breeds of dogs' grooming requirements include trimming or shaving the face, it is not common for groomers to trim whiskers intentionally. When groomers need to trim around the whiskers, they may shave over the whiskers, but this does not harm the dog in the long term. Your dog's whiskers will regrow over time, and they will resume their valuable role of sensory perception.
How Long Does It Take for Whiskers to Grow Back?
The rate of growth of whiskers growing back varies in individual dogs but generally can take months. On average, it can take up to 16 weeks or longer for whiskers to grow back to their complete length. The growth rate can be determined by breed, overall health, and age. If your dog's whiskers are cut or fall out, simply be patient and allow time for it to grow back.
Final Thoughts
Whiskers are a valuable part of your dog's sensory system, and they help your dog navigate the world, avoid danger, and "see" in a sense that their eyes cannot. While it's never ideal to intentionally cut them, accidents will happen, and when whiskers get cut, they do grow back with time. Understanding what whiskers do in your dog's life will enable you to help take better care of them so that they may continue to live a healthy and enriched life.
