Have you ever watched your dog take a nose dive down to the carpet, followed by a good face rub? It’s a pretty common behavior amongst our furry friends. In fact, I just caught my toy poodle, Gigi, doing this today! Still, it’s an action that makes many pet parents laugh and question: “Why?!”
Good news: Typically, a dog rubbing his face against soft carpet fibers isn’t cause for concern. But, if you catch Fido doing this frequently (several times a day, multiple days in a row) then it may be time to investigate.
Here are a few common reasons dogs rub their faces on the carpet.
Marking Their Territory
According to dog psychologists, our furry friends often rub against surfaces – and even people – as a way to leave their scent behind and mark their territory. I’ve definitely seen this one in action. Whenever my mom’s dog, Pippa, comes over to visit, I see her wiggling all over my carpets and furniture. With a happy look on her face, I can tell it’s her way of saying: “Yup, I’ve been here!”
Allergies
When it comes to seasonal allergies, us humans typically experience respiratory symptoms. We may develop a tight throat, itching eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and all-around discomfort. Dogs, on the other hand, tend to experience skin issues. As an attempt to alleviate that horrible feeling of itchy skin, your pup will likely bite his paws, scratch his body, and maybe even rub his face/body on the carpet.
Dogs usually have big smiles and an overall happy expression when they’re rolling for fun. If your pooch looks like he’s uncomfortable or trying to relieve himself then he may be trying to scratch an itch. Find out more about seasonal allergies in dogs HERE.
Fleas, Ticks, and Other Bugs
Fleas, ticks, and mites … oh my! Little pests crawling over your dog’s body are bound to make them feel itchy. (Just the thought of it is making my skin feel itchy). Like with seasonal allergies, in an attempt to scratch that itch, you may find your pup rubbing and shimmying his face, back, and body all over the carpet.
Find out more about fleas HERE.
Find out more about ticks HERE.
Oral/Ear/Eye Pain
Have you ever experienced a toothache or an ear infection? What about an eye irritation? They can all feel agonizing. To help soothe the intense pain, you may have used your hands to lightly rub the area. According to canine behavior experts, dogs rubbing their faces against the ground may be attempting the same thing.
Learn more about dental issues HERE.
Learn more about ear infections HERE.
Cleaning Up
You know that feeling you get when something dirty or sticky gets on your skin and you just want to get it off? Well, Fido feels that way too! If Fido starts rubbing his face in the carpet right after a meal, treat session, or long walk where his nose was down in the dirt, he may be brushing off debris.
It Just Feels Good
One of life’s many pleasures is a massage. Sometimes Fido or Fefe will take to the carpet to do the rub and roll because it feels so good! Smart – right?!
