A few weeks ago, I got chastised for not trimming Callie’s whiskers.  Not being a groomer or an expert on doggie physiology, I thought I would do a little research project about dog’s whiskers.  Here’s what I learned.

A dog’s whiskers — which are both on the side of its muzzle and above its eyebrows — serve several purposes.  When a dog is outdoors, its whiskers tell it which direction the wind is blowing — which tells it which directions ever-important smells will be coming from.  Also, if there are large objects nearby, that deflect the wind direction, a dog can detect the object with its whiskers.  Finally, if a dog chases an animal into an enclosure — or if it tries to retrieve an object from an enclosure — its whiskers help it to know how large the enclosure is and whether there is room for its muzzle, or even its head.

So removing — or substantially trimming — a dogs whiskers is almost the same as removing a portion of its sense of smell.  It deprives the dog of one of its natural ways of getting around in the world.  Just because we humans don’t have such a developed sense of smell or whiskers to tell us when we’re climbing into too small a hole, is not a reason to assume that dogs don’t need their whiskers.

So, my friends, thanks for the advice, but Callie’s keeping her whiskers.  They are an important part of being a dog.

By the way, if you’ve already trimmed your dogs whiskers, they will grow back, but, in the meantime, don’t toss your dog’s toys into a confined space.  Just kidding; he or she will probably find the toy, but it won’t have the help of it’s whiskers.

Here’s a good article on petplace.com.

This post on terrificpets.com leans toward not trimming a dog’s whiskers, but it also gives the other side of the story.

This closeup photo of Callie shows her whiskers, if you look closely.  Don’t know about you, but I’m for preserving a dog’s “dogginess” or dog nature.

Valerie Wood, author of “Breakfasts with Buster,” did a lot of research to develop her own holistic health care approach for her dog, Buster.  Working with her vet, Valerie was able to make dietary changes, in conjunction with alternative therapies, like acupuncture, to prolong Buster’s life for a year.  In the book, Valerie shares the treatment protocols, provides insights about general health and nutrition, and provides an incredible resource for cancers specific to animals.

The “My Doggie Says…” show helps listeners gain a deeper appreciation for “Man’s Best Friend.” The show is broadcast live from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights, on KFNX 1100, Phoenix. It is streamed live on www.1100kfnx.com. Host Fred Haney interviews dog whisperers, dog trainers, authors of dog books, and experts on all aspects of dogs and dog behavior and dog nature. The show is also available as a podcast on iTunes. Go to the iTunes store, click on “Podcast,” and search for “My Doggie Says…”

Check out the dog-relationship books written by all of the authors who have appeared on the “My Doggie Says…” show: http://mydoggiesays.com/blog/?page_id=1479

Also, remember to take our on-line poll: “How does your dog show affection for you?”

And…keep an eye out for the new CD, “Dog Appreciation Lessons:  Humor and Wisdom from People Who Love Dogs.”  Coming soon on this site!  It’s all about dog-bonding.

Kim Bloomer, VND, co-author of “Whole Health for Happy Dogs: A natural health handbook for dogs and their owners,” describes a holistic approach to keeping your dog healthy.

“As a dog’s caregiver, it is important to understand that the decisions made from puppyhood on affect the rest of a dog’s life.  To make these important decisions dog owners need to clearly understand the traditional as well as non-traditional approach to dog care.  With all the advances in pet nutrition and veterinary medicine, dogs should be healthier and living longer.”

The “My Doggie Says…” show helps listeners gain a deeper appreciation for “Man’s Best Friend.” The show is broadcast live from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights, on KFNX 1100, Phoenix. It is streamed live on www.1100kfnx.com. Host Fred Haney interviews dog whisperers, dog trainers, authors of dog books, and experts on all aspects of dogs and dog behavior and dog nature.  The show is also available as a podcast on iTunes. Go to the iTunes store, click on “Podcast,” and search for “My Doggie Says…”

Check out the dog-relationship books written by all of the authors who have appeared on the “My Doggie Says…” show: http://mydoggiesays.com/blog/?page_id=1479

Nancy Kay, DVM, author of “Speaking for Spot” explains how you can be an effective advocate for your dog’s health care needs — on the “My Doggie Says…” Radio Show.

The “My Doggie Says…” show helps listeners gain a deeper appreciation for “Man’s Best Friend.” The show is broadcast live from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights, on KFNX 1100, Phoenix. It is streamed live on www.1100kfnx.com. Host Fred Haney interviews dog whisperers, dog trainers, authors of dog books, and experts on all aspects of dogs and dog behavior and dog nature.  The show is also available as a podcast on iTunes. Go to the iTunes store, click on “Podcast,” and search for “My Doggie Says…”

Check out the dog-relationship books written by all of the authors who have appeared on the “My Doggie Says…” show: http://mydoggiesays.com/blog/?page_id=1479

Deb Eldredge, author of the “Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook,”  and Kate Eldredge, author of “Amazing Pet Tricks,”  on the “My Doggie Says…” Show.  Learn how to care for your dog at home.  Learn how to use a clicker to teach your dog to “shake paws.”

The “My Doggie Says…” show helps listeners gain a deeper appreciation for “Man’s Best Friend.” The show is broadcast live from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights, on KFNX 1100, Phoenix. It is streamed live on www.1100kfnx.com. Host Fred Haney interviews dog whisperers, dog trainers, authors of dog books, and experts on all aspects of dogs and dog behavior and dog nature.  The show is also available as a podcast on iTunes. Go to the iTunes store, click on “Podcast,” and search for “My Doggie Says…”

Check out the dog-relationship books written by all of the authors who have appeared on the “My Doggie Says…” show: http://mydoggiesays.com/blog/?page_id=1479

Tune in Wednesday night to hear Nancy Kay, DVM, author of “Speaking for Spot,” as she tells you how to be the advocate your dog needs to live a happy, healthy, longer life.

Link to an article in the journal “Tobacco Control” about the effect of second-hand smoke on pets.

The “My Doggie Says…” show helps listeners gain a deeper appreciation for “Man’s Best Friend.” The show is broadcast live from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights, on KFNX 1100, Phoenix. It is streamed live on www.1100kfnx.com. Host Fred Haney interviews dog whisperers, dog trainers, authors of dog books, and experts on all aspects of dogs and dog behavior and dog nature. Listen to past interviews at www.mydoggiesays.com/blog/. The show is also available as a podcast on iTunes. Go to the iTunes store, click on “Podcast,” and search for “My Doggie Says…”

Check out the dog-relationship books written by all of the authors who have appeared on the “My Doggie Says…” show: http://mydoggiesays.com/blog/?page_id=1479

Here’s another argument for exercising your dog — keeping it healthy to avoid or help treat bladder cancer.

In going through some of my radio programs last night, I re-played some of Nicholas Dodman’s (author of “The Well Adjusted Dog”) comments about how important exercise is for dogs.  To Nick, one of the most important factors in a dog’s health is the amount of exercise it gets every day.

I’m feeling really bad about Callie’s exercise program right now.  She broke her toe (5th digit, left rear) about three weeks ago, and she’s in a splint.  We thought we could continue to give her at least a one-mile walk every morning, but — in spite of valiant efforts and a purchased rubber bootie — we haven’t been able to waterproof her splint.  So now she has a little skin infection, and we’re not running or jogging with her for a few weeks.  She’s being a champ, of course, but I know she truly misses her morning three-mile run.

Here’s our champ, splint and all:

Jan Allegretti, Author of “Listen to the Silence” and “The Complete Holistic Dog Book,” talks about holistic health care for animals.  Check out Jan’s web site by clicking on this link. She has posted a lot of interesting articles.

The “My Doggie Says…” show helps listeners gain a deeper appreciation for “Man’s Best Friend.” The show is broadcast live from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights, on KFNX 1100, Phoenix. It is streamed live on www.1100kfnx.com. Host Fred Haney interviews dog whisperers, dog trainers, authors of dog books, and experts on all aspects of dogs and dog behavior and dog nature. Listen to past interviews at www.mydoggiesays.com/blog/. The show is also available as a podcast on iTunes. Go to the iTunes store, click on “Podcast,” and search for “My Doggie Says…”