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Mind

Why hairy animals shake themselves dry

The brain pathway that causes hairy mammals like mice and dogs to shake themselves dry appears to have more to do with pressure than temperature

By Grace Wade

7 November 2024

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Hairy animals including mice and dogs shake themselves dry

atikinka2/Getty Images

If you have ever been close to a dog after it has gone for a swim, you have probably been sprayed with water flinging from its fur. We now know the brain pathway that causes animals to rapidly wiggle themselves dry – a phenomenon known as the wet dog shake.

At least 12 different types of nerve cells help hairy mammals like mice and dogs feel physical sensations, such as temperature changes or touch. Yet it wasn’t clear which of these neurons sense irritating substances that animals want to shake…

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