Why hairy animals shake themselves dry

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…