Whiskers function as sensory organs. Touch, air currents and vibrations can stimulate the whiskers. They also can function as a form of communication in that dogs that are emotionally aroused move their whiskers forward or backward to signal to another dog either fear or confidence during encounters. —John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB
Whiskers are known in the veterinary anatomy world as vibrissae. Most dogs have these long, stiff hairs projecting from their jaw, muzzle and above their eyes. Whiskers are highly sensitive and help inform the dog about surrounding objects, air movements and more. You can also tell a dog is nervous or scared if the whiskers are pointing forward at a potential threat. Whatever you do, don’t trim or pluck whiskers because they serve an important information source for dogs. —Ernie Ward, DVM
