Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers?

contrast whiskers are connected to striated muscle the type of muscle thats involved in voluntary movements 1 Dogs can control whisker movements moving and extending them as needed.
Whiskers develop very early in the embryonic stage of dogs and appear before any other type of hair 1 Because of this whiskers may perform important functions in newborn puppies who cannot see for the first ten days of life like finding their mother and locating nipples for nursing.
What Are Dog Whiskers For?
Whiskers help dogs perform a variety of vital functions including
Finding their way in the dark
Navigating through narrow or tight spaces
Distinguishing objects up close where eyesight is less reliable
Locating food and water
Determining threats in the environment
Expressing interest or curiosity
Detecting wind direction for locating smells
Picking up small objects with the mouth1
Whiskers also protect the eyes and face from injuries by triggering reflex reactions like blinking when something touches the whiskers above the eyes. Whiskers let a dog know ahead of time when a sharp stick or branch is near the face allowing the dog to avoid potential injury.
For blind dogs or senior dogs experiencing visual impairment as a result of aging whiskers are crucial for these dogs to continue to navigate their homes in comfort.
Dangers of Removing Dog Whiskers
Whiskers may not seem like theyre doing much to the naked eye but they are essential for dogs to avoid danger and safely move through their environment. Dogs who have had their whiskers removed are more prone to injuries and sightless dogs without whiskers will bump into walls and corners 1 Whiskers should never be removed because of the important sensory function they perform in dogs unless there is a medical reason to do so like treatment of a wound or an abscess. 
While the whisker itself does not feel pain when cut because there

are no nerves in the actual hair dogs will still feel discomfort when their whiskers are cut or shaved. Dogs with trimmed whiskers have difficulty fetching balls and have been observed dropping the ball immediately after picking it upa possible indication of discomfort due to missing or shortened whiskers 1 
Dogs may occasionally damage or shed a whisker here and there but as long as the follicle beneath the skin is not damaged the whisker will grow back. 
Dogs rely on whiskers to let them know about their surroundings and its important to never deprive them of that critical sensory
organ. And the next time you see your dog sniffing or exploring youll know about the incredible interplay of senses that give your dog an accurate picture of the world.