One of the main reasons a dog will rub their face on your bed is to claim ownership of it. Dogs often claim ownership by leaving their scent. Rubbing fur on your bed is a way to leave a scent. He might also just like the way the sheets feel!
One thing all dog owners can agree on is that dogs exhibit many different behaviors. Most of these behaviors are funny and playful, but some behaviors can be destructive and potentially dangerous.
One common behavior many dogs share is rubbing their furry face on your belongings, especially your bed!
Why do dogs do this? Does it mean something is wrong? Are they trying to tell you something? Is your dog a weirdo?
Your dog certainly isn’t a weirdo! This behavior is entirely normal, especially if your dog is in an unfamiliar environment or experiencing changes.
This guide will cover the primary reasons your dog is rubbing his face on your bed. Figuring out why they’re doing it will make it much easier to correct this behavior.
What You'll Learn
Expressing Ownership
Dogs like to claim territory, and they have several ways to do so. Each way involves leaving their scent. Although urinating is the most common way to leave their scent, another way is to roll on it.
When your dog rubs his face on your bed, they might be quietly claiming the bed as “theirs.” Although you may not enjoy the fact that they’re trying to claim your bed as theirs, be thankful they aren’t leaving their urine or feces on it!
Health Concerns
Occasional face rubbing is harmless, but if it’s happening daily, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Dogs express discomfort through scratching and biting. But when the discomfort is in a location they can’t reach, they’ll express it through rubbing.
If you notice your dog constantly rubbing his face on your pillow, check to see if he’s rubbing the same spot on his face each time. You may find a scab, redness, or irritation that requires your attention.
Here are the two most common health reasons that would trigger this behavior.
Allergies
Humans express allergies through watery/red eyes and sneezing. Dogs express allergies through their skin.
This causes severe irritation that results in rubbing or scratching. Certain foods and household items can cause an allergic reaction in your pup. Other common allergens include grass and pollen.
Be aware of any substances in your home that could pose a threat to your dog and be sure to keep them out of reach.
When you introduce your dog to new food or treats, start with a small amount to make sure they don’t have an allergic reaction.
Infection
Continuous damage to the skin from rubbing and scratching can cause an infection. Signs of infection include redness with possible hair loss, pimple-like skin formations, and itching.
If you notice an infection forming, be sure to contact the vet ASAP. They’ll prescribe antibiotics to speed the recovery of the infection.
Creepy Crawlers
The great outdoors contains an innumerable amount of critters that will make themselves at home on your dog.
Fleas, ticks, and mites are creatures that thrive in the fur of your dog. These critters cause itching and irritation. If you notice your dog rubbing his face on your bed, it might be his way of relieving an itch on his face.
Fleas
Every dog owner knows about fleas. Most dogs will get fleas at least once or twice in their life.
If your dog has fleas, action needs to be taken as soon as possible. Fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day, so each day you put off treatment, the infestation will get worse.
There’s a good chance fleas will go unnoticed the first day or two. After day three, you’ll notice your dog excessively scratching and rubbing.
The good news is with proper treatment, it will only take about three months to get rid of all the fleas.
Ticks
Ticks are often found in grass, brush, and heavily wooded areas. Ticks feed off the blood of your dog, just like fleas. However, the amount of blood they consume can be detrimental to the health of your pup.
To make matters worse, ticks carry diseases that can be spread through their bites and cause illness.
But why would ticks cause your dog to rub his face on a surface like your bed? The answer is simple. Ticks are often found around the neck and ears of your dog. Your dog is rubbing that location to relieve the itching and discomfort caused by the tick.
If you find a tick on your dog, immediate removal is essential. Don’t remove the tick yourself, have it done by a professional.
Mites
There are different types of mites that can cause discomfort to your pup. Mites spread rapidly from animal to animal, so if your dog has come into contact with another animal that has mites, there’s a good chance your dog now has mites.
Mites are too small to be seen by the naked eye. They can cause irritation in the ear canals, around the ears, and under the skin. If your dog is rubbing his ears on your bed, mites could be to blame.
Simple Enjoyment
Although claiming territory is the primary reason for this behavior, some dogs may simply enjoy the sensation of rubbing their face against the surface of your bed.
This can be their way of finding comfort and peace in your home. We all have our favorite blanket that we like to snuggle up with. Dogs find comfort in certain items as well. For some dogs, rubbing their head on your sheets feels amazing!
Unless your dog has been infected with critters, this behavior is nothing to be concerned about. Keep an eye on your dog. If it happens every single day, bring your pup in for an examination.
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