You might have spotted your Dogs often rubbing their faces on walls, furniture, the ground, and other things. This behavior doesn’t always have to be concerning, it may be as simple as an itchy face. However, there are some reasons why a pet owner needs to address it.
Why Do Dogs Rub Their Faces?
If your dog happens to be rubbing its face regularly on something, then it could mean there is a problem. However, if the rubbing is intermittent, then it can also be of no concern. Face rubs can be caused due to annoyance such as wet or dirty fur, pain from a bad tooth or eye injury, irritation from fleas or allergies, or simply because it feels good.
Allergies
Few dogs develop allergies that cause them to be itchy and cause them to rub their faces. Skin inflammation might cause itchy skin or eyes, which prompts your dog to rub their faces in an attempt to scratch this itch. Allergies might be caused due be to food or a treat that your dog eats. Or it could also be due to household and environmental allergens, for example, dust mites, various types of grass, or pollen. These allergies can be constant or seasonal. A dog that suffers from allergies will likely have other symptoms including itchy and/or malodorous ears, itchy paws, and hind end. Also indicated by other skin changes including redness, hives, and thickened skin.
Fleas, Mites, and Ticks
External parasites include fleas, mites like Demodex and scabies, or even ticks that cause itching. These parasites bite or burrow into the skin of your dog, however not all of them cause itching. Fleas and scabies are the itchiest, these kinds of infestations lead to itchiness all over your dog’s body. Preventative medications can be utilized to prevent common skin parasites. If your dog appears highly itchy, you should take it to be examined by a veterinarian.
Collar Irritation
New collars or collars that fit too tight may cause a dog to rub its face and neck to relieve the discomfort. If you bring your dog a new collar, check it to make sure it isn’t too tight or causing irritation on your dog’s neck. If your dog hasn’t had its collar removed and washed in a while, or if your dog has gained weight, it could now be too tight or in need of adjustment. The golden rule is that you should be able to comfortably slip two fingers underneath your dog’s collar.
Something On your Dog’s Face
Dogs might have food, dirt, or even water on their faces and may rub them on something to wipe them off. Rubbing can be done after a meal, playing outside, or even after a bath or a swim. If your dog is rubbing its face due to this, then there is no cause for concern. However, your dog may need a little assistance in wiping its face off.
Pain
A bad tooth, mouth pain, nose pain, or even ear pain can cause your dog to rub its face on something to ease the pain. Dogs with dental pain will be eating less than usual, only wanting to eat soft food, or only chewing on one side of the mouth. Bad breath, bloody saliva, as well as dropping food out of their mouths are signs that may hint towards a dental problem. Loose, broken, or diseased teeth cause pain as well as infections and need to be checked by a veterinarian. Ear pain can also cause dogs to rub their faces to soothe the discomfort. Ear pain due to an infection will usually be accompanied by a bad odor and redness within the ear.
Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are not a common occurrence, these are a rare cause for any dog to rub its face on something. Brain tumors can put pressure on the brain which is painful and uncomfortable. Dogs that have brain tumors might rub their heads because of discomfort. However, many other symptoms could accompany a brain tumor. Seizures, behavioral changes, and changes in vision or hearing might also be signs of a brain tumor. If any of these symptoms are observed in your dog, it is best if you get your dog examined by a veterinarian.
Eye Irritation
An itchy or painful eye could occur if foreign material gets stuck in your dog’s eye. If there is a scratch or ulcer on the cornea, or if the dog has dry eyes or environmental allergies it also causes the eye to get itchy. These things cause discomfort, leading your dog to rub its face. A dog with eye irritation will also often paw at their eye or keep it shut. If an eye problem is suspected, take your dog to the veterinarian to relieve the irritation and prevent the problems from becoming serious.
Something Smells Good
Dogs have a very acute sense of smell, if they like the smell, they may just rub their entire face as well as their body on it because they enjoy it. The item may not have a pleasant smell to you, but your dog might love it.
Marking Territory
Dogs leave their scent on an item to mark their territories, this is done by urinating, defecating, or by simply rubbing their face or bodies on it. The action of rubbing leaves invisible pheromones behind on the furniture, carpet, or other items your dog is rubbing its body on. This is normal behavior, though humans cannot smell these pheromones, other dogs can.
It Feels Good
Dogs are similar to people when it comes to feeling different fabrics and textures and sometimes the reason for rubbing their faces on things could be summed up as simply feeling good. If you have ruled out concerning reasons for why your dog may be rubbing its face on things, then this could be why the behavior continues.
Low Calcium Levels
Low calcium, or hypocalcemia, can lead to facial itchiness as well as rubbing of your dog’s face. Low calcium can happen for numerous medical reasons, it can also include other signs such as twitching, seizures, restlessness, and aggression. Also includes excessive drinking or urinating. The condition must be diagnosed as well as monitored by a veterinarian so make sure your dog is examined right away if these clinical signs appear.
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