Mustache, A Fundamental Tool For Dogs

More or less thick, long or shorter, the whiskers are a detail that brings grace and personality to the muzzle of dogs. In addition to an aesthetic question, however, they exist for a specific and fundamental function. Today we will reveal what it is.

The importance of not mutilating animals for aesthetic reasons

It is always good to inquire about the physical and behavioral characteristics of our pets.

By doing so, in addition to understanding them better, we will be able to avoid making some serious mistakes dictated by fashion issues or because we believe that their beauty will gain.

We refer to the tendency to mutilate tails and ears, remove nails or even cut the mustache.

So if you want to take your dog to the barber, or if you have a passion for hairstyles, keep in mind that the mustache should never be cut.

Why are whiskers essential for dogs?

So what is the role of whiskers in dogs? Those hairs that are so long compared to the rest of the hair perform a function similar to that of the fingertips for us humans.

Although the sense of touch in dogs depends on some skin receptors spread all over their body, most of them are found right at the base of the hair follicles.

Apparently, some of our four-legged friends’ hair exists specifically to transmit tactile information to the brain. These are the so-called tactile hairs, which also include the mustache. But there are also others, divided into five groups:

• Eyebrow hair
• Hair on the chin
• Zygomatic hair (cheek area)
• Lip hair
• Mandibular hairs

Tactile hair, an essential resource for dogs

Tactile hairs, also called vibrissae, are therefore essential for dogs as they allow them to capture various types of information. How does this mechanism work?

Well, every slightest movement of these hairs is actually magnified. In this way, it creates a stimulus for the large amount of nerve endings that surround the follicles.

In this way, when the animal touches an object with one of its follicles, its brain can instantly have information on the proximity and shape of that element.

Learn more about whiskers and other tactile hairs in dogs

The whiskers act in all respects as a support to the sense of sight, especially when the animal has problems seeing or is in areas of low light.

The follicles therefore allow him to measure spaces and, for example, to determine if the environment in which he is located is confined – without having to use vision. These special hairs also help protect the eyes. How? Forcing animals to blink when their whiskers come into contact with some object.

Although the number of hairs in the whiskers of dogs is not fixed – the number and size varies according to the breed and genetics – the ability of our furry friends to move in the dark without bumping into objects depends on them. we humans.

Remember, never cut your pets’ whiskers

Now there are no more doubts: the whiskers and all the other thick hairs that are on your dog’s face are essential to make him orient and make him perceive the environment around him.

Now you know why they should never be cut. Always remember that. Do not let yourself be tempted by scissors even when, according to your human criteria, it seems that your dog has a somewhat neglected appearance. You must learn to appreciate its beauty, including whiskers.

If you think about it, most mammals with whiskers use them as sensory organs. Just think of the cats themselves, who could not do without it. Just because we do not have such a resource does not mean that we cannot appreciate and understand their importance in animals that have them.