What happens when you trim a dog’s whiskers? Trimming or removing a dog’s whiskers, also known as vibrissae, can impact their ability to sense their environment and move around:
Spatial awareness
Whiskers help dogs judge how close objects are and feel out new spaces. Trimming them can make dogs less spatially aware and more likely to move slowly in dim lighting.
Balance and movement
Whiskers are important for a dog’s balance and sensory perception. Trimming them can throw off a dog’s balance and make it harder for them to move easily.
Stress
Removing whiskers can cause significant stress to a dog, especially if they struggle to detect nearby objects and movements. This can lead to increased anxiety or confusion, and make dogs feel less confident.
A dog’s whiskers also communicate a dog’s emotions:
Relaxed: Whiskers lie flat against the dog’s face.
Happy or curious: Whiskers are elevated above the dog’s eyes, giving it a wide-eyed appearance.
Threatened or scared: Whiskers are flared out and directed forward toward the threat. This can be part of a dog’s defense strategy and help signal to other dogs that it’s unhappy.
Stressful situation: Whiskers can communicate anxiety.
Ensure you tell your groomer not to cut whiskers the next time they have an appointment. You significantly hinder your ability to observe your dog and for them to communicate with the world.
Content shared from Jennifer Carter – Harness Canicular