Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Purposes of dog whiskers

By Jerry Welsh


Nearly all animals have whiskers. Whiskers or vibrissae are the big, long and sparse hairs found on the muzzle, chin, upper lip and on the area above the eyes of animals. It seems that the fur covering the dog is not enough as they would still be seen sporting whiskers. Vibrissae are very noticeable as these are very large hairs that grow much longer and thicker than the fur of the dog. 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. Dogs are admired for their very sensitive 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. The whiskers are indeed very valuable gifts from nature as the already outstanding senses of the dogs were made even more efficient. Whiskers are very sensitive to the touch and serves as radar or antennae.

When these hairs brush against anything, the network of nerves the hairs are attached to would send a message to the brain so that the dog can sense not only the presence but the size as well of objects in close proximity. Whiskers are vital tools that allow dogs to follow prey in their burrows. It will be noticed that dogs practically don't have shoulders thus the dog may be able to enter a hole but may not be able to get out. The sensitive whiskers are longer than the rest of the dog's hair. Because these hairs are so sensitive, the dog will be informed if it is possible to enter or not.

Whiskers are also used as the dog's self preservation tools. Whiskers allows dogs to avoid their predators. Whiskers are so sensitive they can pick up the things that terrorize the dog's predators. Dogs are cunning animals and they can turn the table by using these fears to intimidate their predators.

Due to the sensitivity, the area where whiskers grow must be handled with care as rubbing the hair or patting the face will make the pet very uncomfortable. Plucking whiskers must be avoided as not only would be it remove the hair that enhances the dog's senses but it will also cause bleeding given the fact that whiskers are deeply rooted about 3 times more than the normal hair.




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