Why Dogs Rub Their Faces: The Surprising Reason!

Today's article invites us to explore the intriguing question: Why do dogs wipe their faces?

Happy Expression

Renowned canine psychologist Stanley Coren has observed this behavior for years. He has discovered that dogs use their paws to rub their faces and their faces against carpets or sofas as a way to express their joy. This is a sign that their needs have been met, a clear demonstration of their contentment.

Unconventional to Us

While this might seem illogical from a human perspective, it's no less surprising. Dogs, like cats, are known to clean themselves whenever possible. Unfortunately, not all dogs are equally aware of this need, with some being very particular about cleanliness while others seem to embrace a more relaxed approach.

Allergies

Don't be startled; dogs' facewiping behavior is akin to that of cats. We're all aware that cats groom themselves meticulously. Dogs do the same. However, it's important to note that not all dogs are equally conscious of this; some are very meticulous, while others prefer to let loose.

Adverse Reactions

Allergies are the most common reason for dogs to wipe their faces. The things that make your dog uncomfortable could range from dog food to certain items or even airborne substances. Use the process of elimination to quickly identify the allergen.

Dental Issues

As the saying goes, "Toothache isn't a disease, but it can feel like one." If a dog experiences dental abnormalities, it may also exhibit the behavior of rubbing its face and mouth. Early detection and treatment are key.

Marking Territory

We all know that dogs mark their territory by urinating. But did you know they also use the scent from their eye glands to mark their territory? When a new guest or another dog enters the home, a dog might rub its face against furniture like sofas or beds first, signaling to the newcomers, "This is my territory." The same goes for rubbing against their owners.

Eye Conditions

Foreign objects can get stuck in a dog's eyes, causing irritation. This can lead to the dog rubbing its face excessively. It's important to check for such issues promptly.

Brain Tumors

This is the least common cause but not impossible. If your dog exhibits this behavior despite ruling out all other factors, it's advisable to have them examined by a vet. These tumors can compress the brain, causing dogs not only to rub their faces but also to撞墙 (撞墙 literally translates to "hit the wall," but in this context, it refers to headbutting walls) to alleviate pain.

In a Nutshell:

Lastly, for breeds like the French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, and Bull Terrier, which share similar features, this behavior is quite common. The most frequent cause is often an abnormality in the facial grooves. Issues like mites and fungi can be at play, so maintaining the cleanliness of these facial grooves is crucial.