MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why do dogs have whiskers?

A young golden retriever puppy is excited and does not hide it.

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why do dogs have whiskers?

One of the many mysteries of man’s best friend. Why do dogs have whiskers?

The whiskers on a dog are very different from all the other hair that is on their body. Besides them being long and stiff, the whisker hairs are also packed with nerves in the follicles that go deep into their skin. When one of their whiskers brushed up against something or touches it, like someone’s hand or their food/water dish, it sends sensory information to the dog’s brain to help figure out what’s in front of them. Think of it like fingertips on humans.

The next time you’re patting a dog this will absolutely be on your mind.

 

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