As dog owners, we all know that our furry friends communicate in ways that go beyond barking or wagging their tails.
One behavior that often catches our attention is when a dog covers its face with its paws. While this action is undeniably cute, it can also reveal a lot about how a dog is feeling, whether physically or emotionally.
If you’ve ever wondered, Why do dogs cover their faces with their paws?, you’re at right place to find the best answer.
In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons behind this behavior and what it means for your dog’s well-being.
Understanding Why Dogs Cover Their Faces with Their Paws
1. They’re Relieving Itchiness or Discomfort
One of the simplest reasons why dogs cover their faces with their paws is that they’re trying to scratch an itch or relieve some discomfort.
Dogs experience irritations just like humans, whether from dust, allergens, or insects. When a dog feels something uncomfortable on their face, they instinctively use their paws to rub or scratch the area.
If your dog’s face-covering is brief and followed by some scratching, it’s likely they are just relieving that annoying itch.
However, if your dog is constantly rubbing or scratching their face, there might be an underlying issue like allergies, flea infestations, or dry skin.
Pay attention to other signs such as hair loss or redness, and consider taking your dog to the vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
2. They’re Feeling Anxious or Stressed
Dogs are incredibly sensitive to their environment, and they can easily become stressed by changes or unfamiliar situations.
Loud noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or even construction work nearby, can trigger anxiety.
Your dog might cover their face with their paws as a way to cope with the overwhelming stress, much like how humans might rub their temples when feeling anxious.
In addition to covering their face, anxious dogs may display other behaviors such as pacing, drooling, or excessive barking.
If your dog is showing signs of anxiety, try to identify the source of the stress. Creating a calm environment, offering comfort, and sometimes even consulting with a vet or animal behaviorist can help your dog feel more secure.
3. They’re Feeling Scared or Fearful
Fear is another common reason why dogs cover their faces with their paws. Dogs can feel frightened by many things—whether it’s an unfamiliar person, another dog, or sudden loud noises like thunder.
When a dog feels scared, they may instinctively try to shield themselves from whatever is causing their fear. Covering their eyes with their paws is one way they attempt to block out the source of the fear.
If your dog is feeling fearful, you might notice other signs of distress such as trembling, hiding, or avoiding eye contact.
In these cases, it’s important to provide a safe, comforting space for your dog and avoid exposing them to the things they find frightening.
Over time, with reassurance, your dog may learn to feel safer.
4. They’re Showing Submission
Dogs have a unique way of communicating with each other, and body language plays a huge role in these interactions.
If your dog covers its face with its paws in the presence of another dog or person, it could be a sign of submission.
This is often accompanied by other submissive behaviors like lowering their body, rolling over, or tucking their tail.
When a dog covers its face as a sign of submission, they’re essentially saying, “I don’t want to fight. I’m not a threat.”
This is particularly common when a dog feels intimidated by a more dominant presence. If you notice this behavior, it’s likely a sign that your dog is trying to communicate their peaceful intentions.
5. They’ve Learned to Seek Attention
Dogs are highly intelligent and can learn quickly what behaviors get them attention from their owners.
If your dog has ever covered its face with its paws and you responded with laughter, petting, or a treat, they may repeat this behavior to elicit the same response.
Over time, this can turn into a learned habit, with your dog covering their face simply to get your attention, rather than because they’re experiencing discomfort or anxiety.
If your dog seems to be covering its face to seek attention, it’s important to consider how you respond. Reinforcing this behavior with too much attention can encourage them to continue.
Instead, redirect their focus to other positive behaviors like sitting or playing, and only reward them for those actions.
6. They’re Trying to Protect Themselves
While your dog is safe at home, they may still carry with them an instinctual need to protect their vulnerable areas, like their face or eyes.
Dogs who have had traumatic experiences, particularly rescue dogs, may instinctively cover their face as a form of self-protection. This could be a behavior carried over from a time when they felt physically threatened.
If your dog has had a difficult past, they might be more prone to covering their face as a way of shielding themselves from harm.
In these cases, providing a safe, loving environment is key to helping your dog feel secure enough to stop this behavior over time.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Covers Their Face with Their Paws?
In most cases, there’s no need to stop your dog from covering their face with their paws, as long as it doesn’t seem to cause them distress or discomfort.
If you notice that your dog is scratching their face excessively, you might want to check for any signs of skin issues, allergies, or fleas. A trip to the vet might be necessary to ensure your dog’s health.
If your dog is covering their face due to anxiety or fear, try to identify and address the source of their stress.
Creating a calm, safe space for them to relax can help reduce these behaviors. In some cases, consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer might be helpful to resolve any anxiety-related issues.
If the behavior seems to be motivated by a desire for attention, consider redirecting your dog’s focus to other behaviors.
Offering praise and rewards for more positive actions can help break the cycle of attention-seeking behaviors.
Other Fascinating Dog Behaviors
While covering their face with their paws is one of the many ways dogs communicate, there are plenty of other intriguing behaviors to observe in your pet. Here are a few more common actions and what they might mean:
- Why Do Dogs Hide Under Blankets?
Many dogs enjoy burrowing under blankets, pillows, or even clothes. This behavior harkens back to their wild ancestors, who would seek shelter in dens to feel safe and secure. It’s a comforting and instinctual action that many dogs continue to do, even in a modern home. - Why Do Dogs Rest Their Head on You?
When your dog rests its head on you, it’s a sign of affection and trust. They may simply want your attention, whether it’s for a petting session, a walk, or just to let you know they’re there. - Why Do Dogs Spin Before Lying Down?
Spinning before lying down is another instinctual behavior inherited from wild dogs. In the wild, dogs would circle to check the area for safety, flatten any grass, and ensure their resting spot was secure. Though no longer necessary in a safe home environment, many dogs still perform this behavior.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve explored why do dogs cover their faces with their paws?, you should have a better understanding of this intriguing behavior.
Whether it’s due to physical discomfort, anxiety, fear, or a learned habit, covering their face provides valuable insight into how your dog is feeling.
By observing the context of the behavior and responding appropriately, you can help your dog feel more secure and strengthen the bond you share.
Dogs communicate in many ways, and understanding their body language, including why they cover their faces with their paws, is just one of the many ways to deepen your connection with your furry companion.
By paying attention to their needs and emotions, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your dog.
