Why Do Dogs Rub Their Face Against the Floor? Common Causes and Solutions

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was last reviewed Aug. 4, 2017.

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Why Do Dogs Rub Their Face Against the Floor? An Anecdotal Insight

One of the perks of being a veterinarian is helping pets and their concerned owners. Recently, a pair of first-time pet caregivers rushed in with their cockapoo, worried about an unusual behavior.

• Their dog was rubbing her face against the floor, raising concerns about discomfort.
• The owners feared their pet had something stuck in her mouth.
• To ensure her well-being, they brought her in for a check-up.

If you think your dog might have something stuck in their mouth, it’s essential to act quickly. Learn what to do by reading this guide on stuck objects in dogs.

This case highlights common reasons why dogs rub their face against the floor, such as:

• Teething discomfort in puppies.
• Irritation caused by allergies or foreign objects.
• Possible dental or health issues requiring veterinary attention.

Understanding these behaviors can help ensure your pet gets the care they need.

Teething and Why Dogs Rub Their Face Against the Floor

Teething is a common reason why dogs rub their face against the floor, especially in puppies. Recently, an 18-week-old cockapoo displayed this behavior, prompting her owners to seek help.

• The puppy appeared bright and active, showing no signs of being overly distressed.
• Her ability to eat treats normally helped rule out a blockage in her mouth.

Upon examination:

• The pup was shedding her milk teeth as her adult teeth began to grow in.
• One molar was partly attached to the gum, causing discomfort and prompting her to rub her face for relief.

Learn more about how to recognize signs of distress in dogs.

To understand the process of shedding milk teeth in dogs.

To ensure the irritation wasn’t caused by something else, I checked her ear canals and found them clear. This thorough approach is crucial because rubbing a face is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Sticks and Why Dogs Rub Their Face Against the Floor

Sticks or pieces of bone stuck in a dog’s mouth are surprisingly common reasons why dogs rub their face against the floor. These foreign objects can cause discomfort and distress, requiring immediate attention.

• Sticks may get caught between two neighboring teeth.
• They can also lodge across the roof of the mouth, causing irritation.

Additional symptoms to watch for include:

• Difficulty eating or chewing.
• An unpleasant odor coming from the mouth.

For more information on how to handle this issue, visit Petful’s article on stick injuries in dogs.

Taking swift action can help prevent further pain and ensure your dog’s comfort.

Dental Disease and Why Dogs Rub Their Face Against the Floor

Dental disease can also explain why dogs rub their face against the floor, especially when discomfort arises from their teeth or gums.

• Sore gums are a long-term issue that affects eating habits rather than causing face rubbing.
• A rotten or wobbly tooth, however, can be extremely irritating.
• Some dogs may paw at their mouth to remove the problematic tooth.

Signs of dental discomfort include:

• Yelping when eating.
• Inability to close the mouth due to a misaligned tooth.

Addressing dental issues promptly ensures your dog’s health and comfort.

Allergies and Face Rubbing in Dogs

Allergies are another common reason why dogs rub their face against the floor, often presenting as itchy skin rather than a runny nose. Learn more about the early signs of spring allergies in Petful’s guide to dog allergies.

Key signs of allergies include:

• Itchy skin, particularly on the face and paws.
• Excessive licking of the tummy, armpits, or paws.
• Rust-colored fur stains, especially on light-colored coats.

Allergies are often seasonal, peaking in summer. For a deeper dive into the connection between face rubbing and allergies, visit DailyPuppy’s article on seasonal allergies in dogs.

Understanding the signs of allergies can help you take early action to alleviate your dog’s discomfort.

This post-bath Yorkie is the master of face rubs (and leg drags):

Earache and Why Dogs Rub Their Face Against the Floor

An earache is a common reason why dogs rub their face against the floor. The dog’s ear canal, a long L-shaped structure, is prone to irritation from various sources.

Tips for checking your dog’s ears:

• After every walk, lift the ear flap to check for redness, inflammation, or discharge.
• Look out for foreign bodies like foxtails, which may have entered the ear canal.

Symptoms of ear infections include:

• A bad smell or discharge from the ear.
• Persistent scratching or head scooting.

Foreign objects often go deep into the ear canal and may require an otoscope for detection. Learn more about identifying redness, inflammation, or discharge in your dog’s ears by visiting Petful’s guide on summer ear infections.

Parasites and Face Rubbing in Dogs

Parasites are another cause of face rubbing in dogs. While fleas are a well-known culprit, other parasites like fox (sarcoptic) mange, demodectic mange mites, lice, and ticks can also cause significant itchiness.

Key details about parasites:

• Mites such as demodectic and sarcoptic mange can burrow into the skin. Learn more from Petful’s comparison of demodectic vs. sarcoptic mange.
• Sarcoptic mites are tricky to see, as they move quickly. Discover more about this condition in Petful’s sarcoptic mange guide.
• Lice require magnification or excellent eyesight for identification.

If your dog is itchy and hasn’t been treated for fleas, this could be the explanation. For additional insights, check Petful’s guide to identifying fleas on pets.

Regular flea treatment is crucial, especially during the summer months. Always consult your vet if you are unsure of the cause of your dog’s discomfort.

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