Trimming a canine's whiskers above their eyes isn't advisable. These whiskers protect the eyes from foreign objects the same way eyelashes do in humans.
Cutting or trimming your dog's whiskers is never recommended. While it may be tempting if they appear long and unruly, they are necessary for sustaining your pet's ability to successfully navigate his environment healthfully and happily.
Eyebrow whiskers – Also known as superciliary/supraorbital whiskers, they detect potential threats to the eyes. When whiskers are moved due to air currents or other external stimuli, the whiskers signal the brain to trigger the blink reflex, thus, closing the eyelids and protecting the eyes.
Whiskers that grow above a dog's eyes are called supraciliary or supraorbital. Whiskers on a dog's cheeks are called genal. Muzzle whiskers, which are typically the most abundant, are called mystacial (derived from the Greek root word for mustache).
Trimming the dog's hair which overhangs the eyes is necessary, not only to allow the dog to have clearer vision, but also to prevent this falling against the eye and causing irritation. The thickness of the hair on the dog's nose can also get too long and block the dog's vision from the corners.
“Whiskers that grow above a dog's eyes are called supraciliary or supraorbital. Whiskers on a dog's cheeks are called genal. Muzzle whiskers, which are typically the most abundant, are called mystacial (derived from the Greek root word for mustache).
Finally, remember to be careful when handling your dog's face and whiskers, for example when doing some basic grooming or giving them a bath. It's also important to never pluck or twist your pet's whiskers. With the large supply of nerves at their base, this will cause a significant amount of pain for your pooch.
The vibrissae serve as an early warning device that something is near the face and thus helps the dog prevent colliding with walls or objects and alerts the dog that something is approaching which might damage his face or eyes.
Although the whiskers are different from the hair coat, they are shed as the hair coat is and will grow back.
Shears are a much safer, if only a little slower, method of trimming your dog's face without cutting his whiskers. You may choose to alternate between shears and clippers, but ensure that you're taking your time either way.
Groomers often clip the hair on the muzzles of longhaired dogs, removing the possibility of food trapping and smelling. This helps keep the face clean and helps prevent bacteria from forming in the hair.
Trimming doesn't cause your dog pain, and the whiskers will grow back as long as the follicle at the root isn't damaged. It can take up to two or three months for them to grow back to their original length, according to Simon, depending on how much was trimmed off.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Besides keeping a tidy look around your dog's eyes, trimming your dog's eyelashes is important for several breeds because they can become so long they can turn and enter the eye, causing discomfort or pain. Some breeds, such as Shih Tzus, can have long eyelashes that don't cause any harm to the eyes.
A happy or curious dog will elevate the whiskers above his eyes giving him that cute, wide-eyed appearance his owner loves. If a dog feels threatened, he will flair the whiskers on his muzzle and direct them forward toward the threat. These sensitive hairs respond when touched by the smallest particles.
Whiskers, or vibrissae, are long, coarse hairs protruding from a dog's muzzle, jaw and above its eyes. The follicles at the base of these hairs are packed with nerves that send sensory messages to a dog's brain.
Yes, all dogs have whiskers.
The technical term for whiskers is vibrissa1, and they are more important than the hair that humans grow on our faces.
The thick whiskers that you see on the sides of your dog's muzzle, above their eyes, on their chin and on their upper lip are scientifically named “vibrissae.” The word “vibrissae” comes from the Latin word “vibrio” which translates to mean “vibrate.” That is exactly the function of these thick, deeply rooted hairs – ...
You may notice that even the loving family dog might lean away slightly when you reach for her face to pet her. It's a personal space issue for dogs just as much as it is for us. Interact with your dog by gently petting her back or rear, but don't pat, and definitely don't go for the dog's face.
However, a dog's saliva and pathogens can be absorbed more easily through the mucous membranes of a person's nose, mouth and eyes. Though illnesses transmitted this way are rare, Dr. Kaplan said it was best to avoid having your dog lick those parts of your face.
Groom the hair on your dog's head and face with clippers, but use scissors to trim around their eyes. You can use either tool to trim your dog's muzzle, depending on their size. Play with your dog ahead of time so they're calmer before your grooming session.