Dog Whiskers

[CrystalsMom]

Crystal's whiskers are so thick and have sharp ends, almost like plastic toothpicks. She's been on Baytril for the past 10 days and today 4 of them fell out. I noticed that some new whiskers, much thinner and more normal looking are replacing the thick ones.
Has anyone ever heard of such a strange thing?

[davet]

nope. neverdid hear of that..Whiskers grow to a certain weight, not length...whenth get to the so called critical point they fall out and start all over again..Possible Baytril caused them to grow heavier, how or why ??? i have no idea but it is an interesting thought

[CrystalsMom]

The whiskers were always thick and sharp....ever since we got her.
It's weird. I've never seen a dog with such thick whiskers, like a walrus.

[Ash]

Hair thickness and growth, which whiskers fall under I assume, is influenced by hormones isn't it?

[Traci]

Not necessarily. As for losing them, Davet is correct, it is a cycle of growth and regrowth, but environment, activity, grooming, diet, medications (rare) could also play a role. Cats and dogs, for example, if they groom excessively, their whiskers will be more brittle or fall out more easily.

As for strength of whiskers, it is probably breed or genetic related.