Do Dog Whiskers Grow Back?
Do dog whiskers grow back?
Yes, dog whiskers grow back, and more importantly, it is ok to cut your dog’s whiskers especially if it is required for health and cleanliness reasons. When it comes to the Havanese, from personal experience with our Nessie, it is ok to cut the whiskers, they definitely grow back, and it helps with eating fatigue and cleanliness around the muzzle.
Is it possible to trim your dog’s whiskers, and will it hurt them?
Do dog whiskers grow back after being cut?
And why do dogs have whiskers in the first place?
These questions are commonly asked of vets, groomers, and online search engines. Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more!
Will My Dog’s Whiskers Grow Back?
Yes! Whiskers are similar to hair. They grow, just like hair, fur, and nails. Dogs can have up to 20 whiskers on their faces, meant to assist with navigation and sensing– similar to echolocation in bats or some marine mammals. If you cut or trim your dog’s whiskers, they will grow back, so not to worry! Since they are different kinds of hair, whiskers grow at a similar rate. The amount of whisker you cut or trim off will of course affect how long it takes for them to grow back to their original length.
Will It Hurt to Trim My Dog’s Whiskers?
If trimming your dog’s whiskers, it will not hurt them, but is still better to ask your groomer to do so, as they have more experience with this. The act of clipping a dog’s whiskers is not painful. It is when you twist, pull, or otherwise handle the whisker roughly that you will hurt your pet. If you think that your dog will be reactive and will not sit still when you are trimming their whiskers, enlist help so as to make it an easy, painless process for your pet.
There are a number of different “cuts” you can give a Havanese dog, and each of them has different pros and cons. We usually go for the teddy bear cut or the puppy cut with Nessie. This includes cutting her whiskers. It helps her with eating and staying clean.
Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers?
Whiskers, or vibrissae, are hairs that are different from the hairs or fur on the rest of a dog’s body. They help a dog to feel its way around the world. The base of each whisker has a high concentration of touch-sensitive neurons. If the whiskers are touched or they touch something, a signal is then sent to the neurons that serve as a warning that there is a foreign object close to the dog’s face. These signals help the dog avoid colliding with objects and walls, and also help it to navigate its world.
There are also different types of whiskers on a dog. For example, the whiskers around a dog’s mouth and snout are called “mystacial whiskers”. This moniker originates from the word mustache. The whiskers located around and above the dog’s eyes are called “supraorbital whiskers”; the whiskers on the dog’s cheeks are known as “genal whiskers”. Some pets may even have whiskers under their chin, in the middle. These chin whiskers are called the “interramal tufts”.
Reasons to Trim Your Dog’s Whiskers
While it is okay to trim your dog’s whiskers, you should avoid removing them entirely. After all, they use their whiskers to navigate their environment. If you are considering cutting or trimming your dog’s whiskers, it is best to consult your groomer beforehand.
For Show
Show dogs often have their whiskers trimmed or upkept differently than others of their breed. If a dog attends dog shows, it may be advisable to trim its whiskers. This is generally done for cleanliness, as well as to achieve the “clean” look. Dogs that attend dog shows are known to have trimmed whiskers, so in this case, it is the norm.
For Cleanliness
Long-haired breeds, such as the Havanese, may have issues with food, dirt, or debris getting caught in their whiskers and the hair on their muzzles. Trimming whiskers and chin hair to avoid this issue might then be advisable. Be sure to only do so in moderation, or better yet, trust the trimming to a grooming professional. This way, you can avoid causing your dog any unintentional discomfort during the process.
Cutting My Havanese Dog’s Whiskers
Just like other long-haired breeds, such as the Maltese, the Havanese dog requires some extra grooming. After being bathed, which must be done more often than with a short-haired dog, the dog must be brushed and detangled. Havanese dogs have very hairy faces that can often attract dirt and debris. The next step would be to clean up the face of the Havanese dog; this typically includes detangling, then trimming your pet’s facial hair, and sometimes, its whiskers.
While this is best left to a professional, you can also do it yourself if you have the necessary tools– and the patience! Be sure to take your time and ensure your dog is happy and comfortable during the grooming process. Just like any other dog, you can trim the Havanese’s whiskers without hurting or harming them. It may also be necessary to do so to keep your pet clean and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a dog’s whiskers to grow back?
A dog’s whiskers, also known as vibrissae, are specialized tactile hairs that provide the dog with sensory information about its environment. If a whisker is accidentally trimmed or plucked, it will grow back on its own, similar to other types of hair. The exact time it takes for a whisker to regrow fully can vary based on the individual dog and the circumstances, but typically, a whisker can take a few weeks to a couple of months to grow back to its original length. However, it’s worth noting that you shouldn’t intentionally trim or remove a dog’s whiskers, as they serve essential sensory functions.
Is it okay to cut a dog’s whiskers?
Yes, it is all right to cut a dog’s whiskers. It is done often by groomers in order to keep your dog clean and healthy.
However, it is not generally recommended if you can help it, and here are some of the reasons why.
- Sensory Function: Whiskers, or vibrissae, are tactile hairs that serve a significant sensory function for dogs. They are incredibly sensitive to touch, helping dogs detect changes in their environment, especially in low-light conditions. Whiskers can sense even minor changes in air currents, informing the dog about nearby objects, walls, or other obstacles.
- Spatial Awareness: Whiskers help dogs gauge their physical space. For instance, the whiskers located above the eyes can detect objects above the dog’s head, alerting it before it bumps into something.
- Mood Indicators: Whiskers also play a role in body language. Their position can provide clues about a dog’s mood.
- Protection: The whiskers located near the eyes can act as a protective mechanism. If something brushes against these whiskers, the dog will instinctively blink or shut its eyes to protect them.
Trimming or cutting off the whiskers might deprive the dog of these sensory functions. It might not cause them physical pain, but it can be disorienting or stressful for them. If you’re grooming your dog, it’s best to leave the whiskers intact. If you have concerns or questions about your dog’s whiskers or grooming needs, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional groomer or veterinarian.
What happens when a dog’s whiskers get cut?
Whiskers act as a sensory device for your pet, so if they are removed entirely, it may interfere with its ability to navigate its surroundings. Whisker removal is not always necessary and is something you should discuss with your groomer. Do not take it upon yourself to do so.
Does it hurt to cut a dog’s whiskers?
No. You can trim or cut your dog’s whiskers without harming the pooch. Of course, if you pull, twist, or pluck a dog’s whiskers, this will still hurt the animal.
Why do groomers cut dog’s whiskers?
Your groomer may often clip or trim your dog’s whiskers, as well as the hair on its muzzle, for cleanliness purposes. This process removes the possibility of food trappings and other causes of smells, etc.
Source – https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-to-know-dogs-whiskers