Why Does My Dog...?

Having a dog is great, but as with all pet ownership, it comes with a learning curve. You can read as many dog books as you like, spend hours researching online, but inevitably, your dog is going to do something that raises some questions. And since all dogs are different, it's only natural to wonder if other dogs do the same things, so you know whether or not to be concerned.

If you have a question about your dog's behaviour, the best person to ask is always your vet. They have an understanding of your dog and canine behaviour, and they can tell you more in-depth why your dog does what they do.

That said, below, we answer some of the most common questions dog owners ask:

Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much?

Dogs like to lick, and while there’s usually nothing wrong with your dog licking you, it can be a bit odd (or slobbery, depending on their breed) if they do it a lot.

According to the Royal Kennel Club, your dog could be licking you for the following reasons:

• Dogs lick instinctively—licking is how dogs groom, taste, show emotion, and communicate with us. Mothers will lick their puppies to comfort and clean, and puppies will groom themselves and their littermates by licking; it’s how they bond!
• To show you affection—licking can be a way for dogs to show affection, likely stemming from the comfort they felt when their mothers licked them as puppies. Licking also releases dopamine and endorphins, which help dogs feel calm, happy, and safe.
• To show empathy—to dogs, licking can be a comforting behaviour, and if your dog thinks you need some support, they may lick you to try and help.
• To get attention—chances are, you react when your dog licks you, maybe giving them a stroke or some fuss. If you respond to your dog licking you with love and affection, they’ll likely continue to lick you to get your attention.
• Because you’re tasty—if something tastes nice, your dog is going to lick it. If you’ve just eaten, handled food, or touched something they find tasty, they are likely to lick you. You might notice your dog licking you more after exercise because they like the salt and other chemicals released in our sweat.

Dogs love to lick things, it's in their nature. So why not encourage that with a tasty treat smeared on a LickiMat for some enriching licking that keeps you slobber-free?

Why Does My Dog Stare at Me?

Dogs are more observant than we give them credit, and if you feel your pup’s eyes following you, you’re not the only one!

According to the American Kennel Club, your dog might stare at you for several reasons:

• They’re trying to learn from you—dogs are intelligent animals, and far more observant than they might look. Your dog may be staring at you because they’re trying to learn from you or follow your lead in a situation, especially if they’re not sure of something, and so watch you for your response.

• They want something—your dog might stare at you because they want something and have learned that staring is the way to get your attention. Your dog might stare at you from the back door because they want to go out, or they might stare at you while you eat because they want some too. If you react to your dog’s staring, then they’ll learn it’s a way to communicate with you.

• To convey an emotion—in wolves, staring is often a threat, and some dogs still take it as one so might stare at other dogs, people, or even inanimate objects they perceive as a threat. However, it’s more likely they’re just staring at you because they love you! Mutual staring (prolonged eye contact between a dog and its owner) has also been shown to release oxytocin, the love hormone, which is an essential chemical for bonding, boosting feelings of love and trust.

Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

It's common knowledge that dogs (some more than others) eat weird things. Sand, dirt, grass, socks, you name it. However, the reasons why your dog eats weird things like grass can vary.
According to Dog’s Trust, dogs may eat grass because:

• Pica—this is a condition where an animal repeatedly (perhaps even compulsively) eats non-food items. This can include grass, sand, dirt, and whatever else they can get their chops on. If your dog frequently eats grass or other non-food items, consult your veterinarian about the causes and how to discourage this behaviour.

• They're bored—we've all done odd things when we’re bored, and dogs eating grass could be their version. In the wild, dogs would forage for food, and while it may not seem like it to us, eating grass could be their way of having fun or finding some enrichment.

• It's in their nature—unlike cats, dogs are omnivorous, and eating plants has been observed in wild dogs. Your dog may be lacking in fibre, so eat grass to try and make up for it, or they may do it because it comes naturally to them.

• They enjoy it—strange as it might seem, your dog may be eating grass for no other reason than they like the taste.

According to BBC Bitesize, a survey of “1500 dog owners found that nearly 70% said their dogs ate plant material every day”, but it clarifies that you should still call your vet if:

• Your dog eats grass obsessively

• Your dog is eating grass and being sick

• Your dog is eating grass and not any other food that’s offered.

If you want to learn more about why dogs eat grass, read our guide to why dogs eat weird things.

Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Its Paws?

While not as fastidious in their cleaning as cats, dogs also lick to groom and clean themselves. That said, there is a point where licking can become obsessive or compulsive.

According to PetMD, there are a few reasons why your dog might be licking their paws:

• Because of injury—if your dog has suffered an injury to their paw, such as insect stings, cuts, broken or overgrown nails, they may lick or chew the area.

• Because of allergies—allergic reactions can affect anywhere on the body, including your dog’s paws, making the skin itchy and inflamed. Your dog may be licking to soothe their itchy skin. Treating allergies in dogs can be challenging without identifying the root allergen, so working with your vet to develop a diagnostic and treatment plan is essential for alleviating dog allergy symptoms.

• Because of parasites—fleas and other biting parasites make pets scratch, chew, and lick themselves. If your dog has parasites on or around their feet, they may lick the area. Make sure to look between your dog’s toes for signs of flea dirt, flea bites, and even ticks, and don't forget to treat your dog for fleas.

• Because of arthritis—dogs (particularly older dogs) may lick their paws to try and soothe joint stiffness or pain. Watch for other symptoms of arthritis in dogs, and consult your vet if you think your dog may have arthritis. You can help support your dog's joints by introducing a dog joint supplement to their diet that's packed with joint-loving ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin.

• Because of boredom—dogs lick to soothe themselves, and dogs who are bored, stressed or anxious may lick their paws as a way of self-soothing.  Try distracting them with a long-lasting dog chew or even a dog puzzle toy to break their boredom and give their paws a break.

Dogs licking their paws is a natural soothing or grooming behaviour, but there are times when it goes too far. If you think your dog may be overgrooming their paws, take a look at the affected paw and book an appointment with your vet if you notice:

• Limping or lifting the paw

• Bleeding from the paw

• Broken or overgrown nails (including dew claws)

• Swollen paws

• Whimpering or crying if the paw is touched

• Not letting you touch their paw

Your vet will be able to assess any physical symptoms and advise on the best treatment option for your dog’s case. Knowing how to care for your dog's pawsis essential. If your dog's paws are dry or cracked, you can apply a dog paw balmto soothe and nourish their skin.

Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?

Dogs have been loyal companions to humans for centuries, from sitting on the laps of kings to lifting the spirits of injured soldiers during the World Wars. They are social animals that build strong bonds with their owners, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that your dog wants to follow you around. It’s in their nature, after all.

While having a canine companion is a delight, it can become troublesome if your dog is following you too closely (the term "velcro-dog" comes to mind) and getting under your feet when you’re trying to cook.

According to The Royal Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, your dog may be following you everywhere because:

• They love you—dogs are social animals and build strong bonds with their humans that may make them want to stay close to you. It may be inconvenient at times, but it’s all in the name of love.

• They are nosy—dogs like to be involved in whatever it is you’re doing, especially if it’s something new or exciting. They may be following you to see where you’re going, and if anything exciting happens for them.

• They are bored—bored dogs will seek excitement and enrichment wherever they can, and if you leave the room, they might follow you because they think something is happening. That "something" might just be you going to the bathroom, but they don't care. Giving them a chew toy or anything more interesting will likely take precedence over following you.

• They want something—your dog may follow you to try and get your attention because they need to go outside, are hungry, or just want some attention. Since they can’t ask you, they might follow you as their way of trying to communicate that they want something from you.

• They’re scared—some dogs struggle with being alone, so they follow you around. This could be a sign of separation anxiety in dogs, or it could be something else that has them feeling afraid, and they are following you to alert you or for some support.

Your dog following you around doesn’t necessarily mean they have separation anxiety. It could simply mean they want to be where you are. Separation anxiety in dogs tends to be more extreme, leading to behavioural problems and potentially requiring specialist intervention to treat.

If you’re concerned your dog may have anxiety when you’re gone, monitor them for other signs of separation anxiety in dogs(home pet cameras can be a great way to see how your dog reacts when you're gone), and book a consultation with your vet to discuss their symptoms if necessary.

Why Does My Dog Keep Sneezing?

Sneezing is typically attributed to illness or allergies in humans, but what about dogs?

According to the PDSA, “occasional sneezing can be normal in dogs, especially if they’ve gotten something up their nose, like dirt or dust." They can’t blow their nose like humans, so they sneeze to clear out the irritant.

Things that might make your dog sneeze occasionally include:

• Dust
• Dirt
• Air fresheners
• Cleaning products
• Perfume

If your dog is sneezing a lot or continuously for days, it could be a sign of something more problematic, such as:

• Bacterial or viral infections (such as colds)
• Fungal infection
• Nasal mites
• Something lodged in the nose
• Allergies may cause sneezing
• Growth inside the nose (e.g. cysts, tumours)

These conditions often exhibit other symptoms, so be sure to monitor your dog if they're sneezing excessively and contact your veterinarian if you're concerned about their health.

However, on the positive side, there is an entirely harmless (and rather adorable) reason your dog may be sneezing, as that’s because they’re playful!

According to Rover, “You may notice a dog sneeze just as play begins to escalate and become more intense.” This play sneeze is nothing to worry about. It’s just a cute social cue many dogs display when they’re playing and having a great time!

Why Does My Dog's Nose Drip?

We've all had the sniffles at some point in our lives, and you’ve likely noticed your dog’s nose dripping a little as well. But what does it mean, and when should you be worried?

According to WebMD, “you don’t need to worry about clear nose discharge in dogs unless it lingers or there are other symptoms,” which could include:

• Congestion

• Laboured breathing

• Coughing (especially to the point of gagging)

• Tiredness

• Lack of appetite

If you notice any of the above, or your dog’s nose discharge is cloudy, smelly, or an unusual colour (green or yellow), there could be an underlying condition, and you should book an appointment with your vet. While colds in dogsoften clear up on their own, it's always better to get your dog examined by a vet in case something more serious is at play.

Another reason why your dog’s nose may be dripping, believe it or not, is entirely emotional. In these instances, your dog’s nose may drip some clear, watery discharge, but only briefly when they’re feeling particularly stressed or even excited.

The drips tend to abate as soon as your dog calms down, but if your dog’s nose is dripping continuously, it could be a sign of a medical issue, rather than an emotional one.

Why Does My Dog Bring Me Toys?

Living with another species isn’t always easy, and communication barriers are the biggest hurdle that dogs try to overcome to let their owners know what they're feeling or what they want. One of the ways dogs try to communicate is by bringing us things, like their favourite dog toys, shoes, or whatever else they can find. But what are they trying to tell you?

According to PetMD, there are a variety of reasons why dogs will bring you a toy: “Most of the time, it’s their way of showing affection and wanting to connect.”

Other reasons your dog may bring you a toy could be:

• They want to play—Toys equal playtime to a lot of dogs, so if they bring you their toy, it may be their way of initiating playtime with you. If your dog brings you a ball, they likely want you to throw it, or they might bring a rope toy so you’ll play tug-of-war with them.

• They want to show off their toys—dogs have their own concept of value, and what they find valuable are things that bring them joy, such as food, treats, and even toys. Your dog may be bringing you a toy they love to show it off to you. This is especially likely if they’re happily showcasing their toy but veer away when you try to take it from them. It’s there to be looked at, not touched.

• They’re so excited they need an outlet—sometimes dogs have big feelings, and they need a way to let them out. Some dogs might bark, jump up, spin around on the spot, or even nip gently. These are all excited behaviours, and bringing you a toy is one too! Having your dog redirect their excitement to holding a plush dog toy is a great way to prevent over-excited behaviours, and it’s adorable to boot.

• They’re giving you a “gift”—as social animals, dogs do have some concept of sharing, and if they’re bringing you one of their toys, this could be their way of saying they like you and want to interact with you. If a dog is usually protective of their toys, but brings you their favourite voluntarily, it’s a good indicator that they like you.

• They find it comforting—children often carry a favourite toy or security blanket because it brings them comfort, and dogs are no different!

Regardless of the reason why your dog is bringing you toys, it’s not a problem and should be encouraged, if anything. If your dog brings you a toy to try and initiate play or as a gift, praise them and give them some fuss so they know they’ve done something good the behaviour will likely continue.

Why Does My Dog Burp So Much?

Not all aspects of pet ownership are cutesy, especially when it comes to a dog’s bodily functions.

Burping is a natural function in most animals, including humans, and is the process by which gas is released from the gastrointestinal tract and expelled through the mouth.

Dogs burp for the same reasons humans do, and some breeds (particularly brachycephalic breeds) burp more than others.  While an occasional burp is not cause for concern, frequent burping in dogs could be a sign of an issue with their digestive system.

According to Great Pet Care, some of the most common reasons dogs burp include:

• They’re eating too fast—most dogs burp because they’ve eaten too quickly and swallowed air that then needs to come back out. Dogs that frequently eat too fast risk choking or even bloat, which is a potentially life-threatening condition common in larger dog breeds. Using slow-feeder bowls can help your dog slow down eating and even make a game of every meal!

• Their diet or kibble isn’t quite right—sometimes what makes us burp is not how we ate, but what. Your dog’s food or kibble can increase burping in dogs if the food is more alkaline, which will then react with stomach acid to produce gas. The shape of the kibble might increase air ingestion (such as doughnut-shaped kibble). High-protein diets like raw dog food diets can cause more burping as the protein is digested, leading to a sulfur-scented burp.

• They’ve been scavenging—if your dog is prone to eating things, they shouldn’t how much they burp could be a sign of when they’ve been scavenging. Dogs eating things they shouldn’t often leads to digestive upset, so be sure to monitor them for more serious symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea, and check if they’ve been rummaging through the bin or cupboards.

• They have dietary deficiencies—dogs lacking certain digestive enzymes may be a bit gassier than other dogs, causing them to burp or fart more. Sometimes this can be managed by introducing dog probiotic supplements, or they may require veterinary food or medication.

• They're on medication—for all the good that medication can do, it can have its downsides, and for some medicines, that’s extra gas that comes out in burps or farts.

• They’re not well—some illnesses in dogs can cause burping, such as bloat, certain intestinal parasites, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, burping will not be the only symptom, so be sure to monitor them for other signs of illness and contact your vet if you’re concerned.

Owning a dog is a delight for thousands of people across the country, and despite their quirks, we wouldn’t change our canine companions for the world! We hope this brief overview of some common dog owner questions helps put your mind at ease that your dog isn’t actually that strange.

If we haven’t answered your question, stay tuned, because there’s more weird dog things to come!  In the meantime, why not browse our range of dog care essentials, from top-of-the-range food and supplements to toys and accessories?