Ever wonder why your dog chases his tail? Or why he spins in a circle before he lays down? Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your dog’s behavior is normal, or slightly… odd.
With the help of Google, we’ve rounded up the internet’s top ten googled dog questions to bring answers to your burning pet questions. Bear in mind that these questions are meant to be entertaining, if your dog is displaying any signs of distress then you should take him to a vet immediately!
1. Why Does My Dog Lick Me?
Dogs are sensory creatures just like humans. They use their eyes, noses, mouths, and paws to understand the world around them. So, when your dog licks and kisses you, they might simply be trying to understand you and show you affection.
Plus, human skin is slightly salty, particularly when sweating. If your dog likes to give you wet kisses after a hard workout, chances are they simply like the taste of your sweat.
2. Why Is My Dog’s Nose Wet?
Dogs’ noses serve many purposes. For starters, dogs do not have sweat glands, so the mucus lining inside their nostrils allow them to regulate their body temperature while simultaneously smelling scents at maximum strength.
Next time you go to boop your pup, remember that their nose wetness might actually be their own perspiration!
3. Why Does My Dog Steal My Socks?
Dogs love socks. Clean, folded socks, dirty, stinky socks- whatever the type of sock you have, your dog will likely find them at some point and play with them. Sock stealing may be a behavior your dog learned as a puppy to help them during teething or simply because they like your scent and it brings them comfort.
If you’ve ever played tug with your dog and your socks, your dog might associate your socks with playtime and use them as their toy. Long story short, your dog steals your socks because he loves you and wants some attention.
4. Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
Sometimes dogs eat grass. It may be partially explained by dogs’ genetic makeup- they are omnivores by nature and might enjoy chewing grass as part of their evolution of hunting for their prey in the wild.
Other dogs like to eat grass simply because they enjoy the texture, the smells, and the taste. Many dog parents get nervous when their pup chews grass because of a potentially upset stomach, but fewer than 25% of dogs experience any negative symptoms of eating grass.
5. Why Does My Dog Stare At Me?
Ever wonder why your pup keeps his gaze on you from time-to-time? Well, the truth is, they’re trying to show you affection. Dogs release the love hormone known as oxytocin when they lock eyes with humans, so it is likely that they are trying to communicate their love to you.
Dogs use their eyes as one of their main senses of their environment, so they might actually be staring at you to interpret their surroundings. They might be trying to show you that they want attention, or need to eat or go to the bathroom.
6. Why Does My Dog Lick His Paws?
Most of the time, paw-licking is a normal part of your dog’s self-cleaning routine. If your pup recently went outside, he may be cleaning any dirt remnants off his paws that may be bothering him, or maybe he’s learning some new smells and tastes!
If you notice your dog is licking at one spot in particular over a short period of time, it may be a sign that there could be an infection. Be sure to reach out to your vet if you think this may be the case, and check your pet insurance coverage to see if the condition is covered.
7. Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass?
Asking why dogs roll in the grass is like asking why people like getting massages- they just feel good! Dogs can’t reach their backs to itch and scratch like humans, so naturally rolling around on hard surfaces like the grass helps them relieve this need.
They may also be rolling around in the ground to rub off your scent and pick up a new one. Or, they might just be trying to clean any leftover dirt or debris off their back.
8. Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers?
Whiskers sometimes seem like a funny feature to be on our furry friends, and one you might initially think should be reserved for felines. But, whiskers actually play a vital role in dogs’ normal function.
Dog whiskers are technically called vibrissae, and their purpose is to help dogs sense the physical space around them. They are quite sensitive, so be careful not to play with them too much. If you accidentally clip or cut your dog’s whiskers, it’s okay- just be careful near your dog’s face because they might have a harder time judging how close they are to objects or walls.
9. Why Do Dogs Howl?
Howling is one way dogs try to communicate with others. They may howl out of separation anxiety, response to high-pitched noises, or because they don’t feel like barking or crying.
If your dog is howling in the middle of the night, they (believe it or not) might actually be sleep-howling! In most scenarios, dog howling is perfectly normal. If your dog is limping, howling when they normally do not, or showing other signs of distress, please take them to the vet! They might be trying to tell you that they are injured.
10. Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
It’s true that dogs (especially large breeds) can spend up to half of their day sleeping. Think about it- their small bodies consume a lot of energy staying alert, so they need to rest in order to function.
Not only do they sleep alot, but dogs love to chill, too. Aside from sleeping, dogs spent approximately 30% of their day relaxing and not really doing much. This is normal! Your dog is simply getting the beauty rest he needs to make sure he’s ready-to-go in the morning.
If you’re ever unsure of your dog’s behavior, it is best to skip Google and call your veterinarian. They will be able to provide more accurate information based on your dog’s health record and provide a better course of action than the internet.
If your vet believes your dog does need care, Spot Pet Insurance provides plans with flexible coverage to help make sure your dog stays his happiest, healthiest, and wackiest self.
