why do dogs have whiskers

Dogs have whiskers primarily for sensory perception and communication. These whiskers, also called vibrissae, are specialized, thick hairs deeply embedded in the skin with nerve endings that send sensory information to the dog's brain. They help dogs understand their environment by detecting nearby objects and movements through the sensing of air currents and vibrations. This assists dogs in navigation, especially in low-light conditions, helps them measure the size, shape, and speed of objects, and keeps them safe by triggering reflexes like blinking to protect the eyes. Additionally, whiskers can convey a dog's emotions, such as relaxation or stress, based on their position and movement.