Neuroscientists Unravel the 'Wet Dog Shake' Phenomenon in Mammals

Researchers identify specific neurons and pathways responsible for this common behavior, shedding light on its evolutionary purpose.

A study at Harvard Medical School has mapped the neural circuitry that triggers the 'wet dog shake' in mammals, focusing on mice as a model.
The research identifies C-LTMRs, specialized touch-sensing neurons, as pivotal in initiating the shaking response when water or irritants are detected on fur.
Optogenetics was used to activate these neurons in mice, inducing the shake without any actual water, proving their role in the behavior.
Eliminating C-LTMRs resulted in a 50% reduction in shaking, confirming their critical function in this adaptive behavior.
The findings suggest that this neural mechanism may also relate to tickling sensations, providing broader insights into sensory processing in mammals.