Why Do Dogs Rub Their Faces on Carpet? The Fascinating Reasons Behind This Behavior

When you catch your dog rubbing its face on the carpet, you might wonder why they're doing it. However, this behavior is often tied to a dog's natural instincts and can even help them accomplish a few different goals. Dogs rub their faces on carpets to mark their scent, get rid of an unpleasant smell on their face, scratch an itch, or even spread oils from facial glands to leave chemical trails for communication. While this may seem weird to dog owners, this instinctual behavior can be soothing and even help dogs meet some of their needs.

Although it may look like a funny and odd thing for dogs to do, learning about the reasons behind this behavior can help you better understand the way dogs think and how they've adapted over time. In this article, we'll explore scientific studies that have looked at the physiological, psychological, and communicative reasons for this strange behavior. By examining the potential reasons and rewards, you'll come away with a better understanding of the complex ways dogs use scent marking and facial expressions to interact with the world around them.

Medical Causes of Excessive Face Rubbing

If your dog is rubbing their face frequently or excessively, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Some of the most common medical reasons for face rubbing in dogs include allergies, parasites such as fleas, dental issues, eye irritation due to blepharitis, and painful ear infections.

That said, a study cited by Southeast Veterinary Neurology notes that neurological issues like Chiari-like malformation can cause excessive face rubbing due to neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by a problem with the nervous system. This genetic condition is characterized by a skull malformation that causes the brain and spinal cord to be compressed.

If your dog is rubbing their face or scratching at their head, neck, or ears, make sure to see a vet right away, especially if your dog is experiencing other symptoms like eye discharge, lethargy, or a change in appetite. Catching the issue early is important because, as Wag Walking explains, treatment can help address the underlying medical cause of the face rubbing before it causes more serious problems. In some cases, waiting to get medical attention can lead to the progression of nerve damage or pain.

Allergies: A Leading Cause of Face Rubbing

Allergies are one of the most common reasons for itchy skin and face rubbing in dogs. The College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University notes that dogs can be allergic to inhaled allergens such as pollens, molds, and dust mites. VCA Animal Hospitals adds that atopic dermatitis, an inherited allergy to environmental allergens, is a common cause of face rubbing, as well as licking of the feet and general itching.

Dogs can also be allergic to certain foods, which can lead to skin problems and face rubbing, according to WebMD. It's important to have a vet perform skin or blood tests to determine the cause of the allergy, whether it's an inhaled or food allergy. Treatment for allergies can include avoiding the allergen, using medications such as antihistamines and steroids, and in the case of food allergies, changing the dog's diet through an elimination diet.

Once the allergies that are causing a dog to rub their face are identified, pet owners can work with their vet to develop a plan that will help their dog feel better. This will help ensure that the dog is as comfortable as possible and that they won't continue to suffer.

Grooming and Hygiene: How to Keep Your Dog's Face Clean

Regular grooming and hygiene can help to avoid face rubbing due to dirt, grime, or other irritants on a dog's face. As noted by Cuteness, it's important to make sure that you're only using lukewarm water and dog-safe, gentle products when you're wiping down your dog's face. Pedigree suggests using a soft washcloth or sponge that's been dampened with water and wiping around the eyes, making sure to avoid scrubbing too hard or getting water and soap in the eyes.

Dogs with wrinkles, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, require special care. The Natural Dog Company says that you should make sure to clean between the folds at least a few times a day to avoid irritation and infection. You can use a damp cloth to wipe the area and then make sure that it's completely dry to keep it healthy.

If your dog has any facial wounds or injuries, it's important to make sure that you're talking to your vet about the best ways to clean and the best products to use, as noted by Wag!. Regular grooming and hygiene can help to make sure that your dog doesn't have to rub their face too much.

How to Train and Manage Face Rubbing

Positive reinforcement training is an effective way to stop dogs from rubbing their faces on furniture and other household items. Country Life explains that this can include training the dog to respond to commands like "leave it" and "go to bed" so that the behavior can be redirected to certain areas. The article also notes that deterrents like aluminum foil and mats with mild corrections can be used on furniture to keep dogs away.

To make sure that dogs have a comfortable place to rub their faces, pet owners can also make sure that they have a specific bed or blanket that they can use. wikiHow explains that this can be encouraged with treats, as well as the "go to bed" command. Big Dog Mom explains that a clicker can be used to reinforce the dog when it stays off the couch.

It's important to be consistent and patient when training dogs to stop rubbing their faces on furniture. However, with the right training and management, pet owners can make sure that their dogs are able to express this natural behavior in a way that won't damage their furniture.

When to See a Professional

If your dog continues to rub their face on the carpet even after you've tried to address the issue through grooming and training, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. As the blog post on Dalworth Rug Cleaning explains, outdoor allergens such as grass or burrs could be causing irritation that leads to more face rubbing. The post also explains that food, water, and slobber can get stuck to a dog's face and cause them to rub it on the carpet.

If the face rubbing is happening in conjunction with other symptoms, such as lethargy or changes in eating habits, it's best to see a vet. The Omlet guide also recommends taking your dog to the vet if the face rubbing results in any injuries or wounds on their face, as the vet can help rule out any underlying issues and provide the necessary treatment.

It's important to get help as soon as possible, as the blog post on PetBucket explains, the face rubbing could be a sign of an issue like ear mites or allergies. Getting these issues taken care of quickly can help prevent your dog from experiencing any more discomfort or issues.

Conclusion: What to Know and How to Help

There are many reasons why dogs might rub their face on the carpet. According to Proud Dog Mom, one of the most common is to mark their territory with their scent. Dogs may also be trying to relieve itchy skin caused by allergies, or they may be responding to pests like fleas, ticks, and other insects that can cause a dog to feel itchy and uncomfortable.

Dogs may also be trying to relieve pain in their mouth, ears, or eyes by rubbing their face on the carpet, much like humans might rub a sore area. The Spruce Pets also notes that dogs may be trying to clean their face after eating or simply enjoying the feeling of the carpet on their face. Scent marking, pleasure, and the need to relieve an itch are all common reasons why dogs may rub their face on the carpet.

That said, if a dog is rubbing its face on the carpet frequently, it may be a sign of an underlying issue. PawSafe lists a number of potential causes, including allergies, skin infections, parasites, dental issues, and even neurological problems like brain tumors. It's important to get to the bottom of the issue so that the dog can find relief and avoid future discomfort.