whiskers

[K99]

Do dogs whiskers have any purpose? What would happen if I cut one off?

[loopey]

cats use them for judging gaps they can get through,dont know if thats the same for dogs

[Clanad]

What is noticeably similar in cats and dogs is that in each if the whikers are touched the animal blinks its eyes or has some other physical reaction. In both species it can be demonstrated that the whiskers are attached, subcutaneously, to specialized nerves which, apparently, can help the animal orient itself to its surroundings. In dogs, especially, smells are directed to the nose by the hairs. Show dogs often have their whiskers trimmed for appearance sake, and nothing drastic happens. However, if the dog were in its natural state, i.e., outside, its probable that they wouldn't function as well...

[lindapinda]

Please don't even consider it.

[quibbmedusa]

ask yourself if something on your body has a purpose....if your not sure, cut it off.....see how you feel!!!! what a stupid question!!!!

[jedimistress]

Nothing really. It'll just grow back, like all hair. You could just laugh at it looking funny for a few days.

Don't pluck whatever you do as I think this would really hurt, given the shaft size of the hair and the sensitivity of the area.

[nananay]

I have a Yorkie and she needs to have her hair cut often they always cut her WHISKERS even to the rest of her hair..........I could be wrong but, I dont think it bothers them........At least my dog dosnt seem to care......

[logman]

I once saw a doberman pincer in seatle with its head stuck in park railings, all because some stupid guy decided it was a good idea to give his mutt a shave for thanks giving. It took the fire service over an hour to release his dog

[melons]

Aparantly it is to judge smell. I wouldnt personally cut them off. Its like if some one removed something on you, it might not appear to do any damage but who knows!