## The mistake some groomers make

"Has a long beard, should I trim it?"

Often, during grooming, whiskers (whiskers) are **cut for aesthetics**. It seems like a small cosmetic correction.

**Reality**: the dog’s whiskers **are not normal hairs**. They are **sophisticated sensory organs**, comparable to small "antennas" connected to the brain.

Cutting them causes:
- Disorientation.
- Anxiety.
- Loss of "perception" of the world.

Knowing the truth is important.

## What are whiskers

**Whiskers**: specialized sensory hairs.

**Location on the dog**:
- **Above the eyes** (eyebrows).
- **Cheeks** (longer).
- **Chin** (below).
- **Nose** (around).

**Difference from normal hairs**:

**Normal hairs**:
- Keratin fiber.
- No nerves at the base.
- Serve for thermal protection.

**Whiskers**:
- 3 times thicker and deeper.
- **Innervated** at the base.
- Directly connected to the **nervous system**.
- Transmit sensory information to the brain.

## The function of whiskers

### 1. Detection of air movement

Whiskers can detect:
- **Minimal air currents**.
- Movements of objects nearby the muzzle.
- Approaching other beings.

**Useful for**:
- Hunting.
- Navigation in the dark.
- Safety.

### 2. Measurement of openings

Whiskers measure:
- Width of openings.
- "Can I pass?".

**Example**: the dog uses whiskers to "assess" narrow passages.

### 3. Communication

Whiskers move and change position:
- **Relaxed**: calm dog.
- **Erected forward**: attentive dog.
- **Pulled back**: frightened or aggressive dog.

Dogs communicate their emotional state also through whiskers.

### 4. Spatial mapping

Whiskers help the dog to:
- Build a mental map of the environment.
- Navigate in the dark.
- Find food.

### 5. Protection of the eyes

Whiskers above the eyes:
- Warn before objects touch the eye.
- Stimulate the blink reflex.

## What happens if cut

**Immediate effects**:
- **Disorientation**.
- Anxiety.
- "Strange" behavior.
- Clumsiness.

**Medium-term effects**:
- Reduced confidence in movements.
- Increased caution.
- Difficulty in the dark.

**Psychological effects**:
- Stress.
- Possible behavioral changes.

**Regrowth time**: 2-3 months.

**During this time**: the dog is "sensorially incomplete".

## What veterinary associations say

**AVSAB** (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior):
> "Whiskers are essential for the well-being and orientation of the dog. **They must not be cut**."

**AKC** (American Kennel Club):
> "In beauty shows, cutting whiskers **is not recommended**. Some breed standards specifically prohibit it."

**Veterinary behaviorists**:
- Confirm the negative impact of cutting.

## When groomers cut them

**Reasons (incorrect)**:

**1. Aesthetics**:
- To "clean up" the muzzle.
- For a "show ring" look.

**2. Breed standards**:
- Some beauty competitions required cutting.
- **Modernly**: trends have changed, many standards no longer require it.

**3. Ignorance**:
- Not knowing the importance of whiskers.

**4. Owner's request**:
- Owners who are unaware.

## What to do with the groomer

**Before the appointment**:
- **Ask specifically**: "**do not cut the whiskers**".
- Explain the importance.

**Red flags**:
- Groomer saying "it's just for aesthetics".
- Groomer cutting them "as routine".

**The right groomer**:
- Knows the importance.
- Doesn’t touch them.
- Refuses to cut them even if you ask.

## The "special cases"

### Puppies

Puppies **do not need** their whiskers cut.

Puppy grooming: only occasional trimming of the fur around (not the whiskers themselves).

### Bearded breeds (Schnauzer, Spinone, Bouvier)

**Beard hair**: okay to tidy up for cleanliness.

**Inner whiskers** of the beard: **leave them**.

Important difference for experienced groomers.

### Dogs with skin problems

In rare cases (serious allergies, dermatitis), it may be necessary to temporarily remove whiskers for treatment.

**Under veterinary prescription**.

## The correct care of whiskers

**What to do**:
- **Nothing**. Let them grow naturally.
- During washing: wet them but do not rub them aggressively.
- During brushing: avoid "combing" them with force.

**What NOT to do**:
- Cut.
- Pull.
- Tug.
- Burn (with candles, flames... never).

## Puppies and whiskers

**Sensory maturity**:
- Puppies use whiskers from birth.
- The mother dog has long whiskers to "guide them".

**Never cut** whiskers on puppies (even if they look "cute").

## The "broken" whiskers

Sometimes dogs that play hard or fall may:
- Break their whiskers.

**What to do**: nothing. They will regrow.

**Never pull**: pain + possible bleeding (there are blood vessels at the base).

## Dogs without whiskers

**Breeds without whiskers**:
- No dog breed is completely lacking whiskers.
- Some breeds have less prominent whiskers.

**Difference from cats**:
- All dogs have whiskers.
- All use them functionally.

## Whiskers in cats

**For comparison**:

Cats have **even more important whiskers**:
- More developed.
- More sensitive.
- Never cut them (causes severe disorientation).

Same principles apply as for dogs.

## The history of "acceptable" cutting

Historically:
- Breed standards in English/American dog shows required cutting.
- Aesthetic influence.

**Moderately** (last 10-20 years):
- Growing scientific awareness.
- Standards have changed.
- Outdated practices.

**Today**:
- Trained groomers: DO NOT cut.
- Informed owners: request NOT to cut.

## Myths to debunk

**Myth 1**: "They are just hairs, they regrow".
**False**: during their absence, the dog is disoriented.

**Myth 2**: "It doesn't hurt to cut".
**False**: minimal pain, but significant sensory impact.

**Myth 3**: "Breed X requires cutting".
**Almost always false**: modern standards leave them alone.

**Myth 4**: "The dog doesn’t notice".
**False**: behavior changes.

**Myth 5**: "It's a normal practice for groomers".
**False**: only groomers who are not up-to-date do this.

## The truth

The **whiskers** of the dog are **sensory organs**, not "aesthetic whiskers".

**Functions**:
- Spatial perception.
- Communication.
- Safety.
- Orientation.

**Cutting them**:
- Causes disorientation.
- Reduces well-being.
- Without real benefit.

**Defensive measures**:
- Alert the groomer.
- Find updated professionals.
- Never ask for cutting.

And remember: the "perfect show look" **does not value** your dog's well-being.

Your dog’s whiskers are an integral part of its sensory identity. Leave them alone. They will thank you every day of their life.