Why Do Dogs Rub Their Faces On The Ground?

Have you ever seen your dog rubbing its face against the ground? Wondering why it's doing this? Dear friend, you're not alone with this issue. It is natural and behavioral; sometimes, it's caused by various health-related problems, such as itching or a blocked nasal cavity. Some breeds do it more often than others, like Bulldog, Pug, and Bloodhound.

Stay with me on this topic as we dive into the core reasons and preventions for this problem.

Why Does My Dog Rub Its Face?

Dogs instinctively rub their face on the ground, grass, dirt, or rug. They may be suffering from any kind of physical discomfort. It can cause:

• Skin irritation
• Allergy
• Blocked facial/nasal cavity
• Teeth problem
• Wrinkled face
• Pain

In this blog, we will address the problems, target why your furry friend is doing that, and offer some ideas and advice on resolving this issue.

1. Irritated Skin

One of the main reasons is dirty and itchy skin. If the dog has not been groomed for a long time or after a playing session on dirt, it may rub its face on the ground. The main reason is that dogs can’t sweat, but the heat builds up inside, and the dust, dirt, and debris make the skin itchy and uncomfortable for the dog. Then, it may rub its face and whole body on the ground. 

To solve this problem, you can clean and cool your canine friend with clean water. You may also use shampoo or soap and gently comb the fur to loosen up all the dirt. This remedy will give relief to your dog

2. Dirt Removing

If the dog’s face has dirt build-up and is irritating, causing disturbance and itchiness, it will surely rub its face. The dog wants to eliminate the dirt and particles causing the issue this time. So, that’s what is pushing it to rub its face on the floor. 

For this reason, you must clean and remove all the visible dirt and rinse it with water. If the dirt is oily, gently scrub it with soapy water.

3. Dog Collar Too Much Tight

A tight collar can cause harm and blood clotting on the face. Tight collar leads to suffocation, blurry vision, and shortness of breath. If the collar is too tight, that can lead to death. For this reason, your buddy can rub its face on the floor.

If your dog's collar is too tight, just loosen it. To make the collar fit, make sure you can insert two fingers easily.

4. Allergies

Dogs are not only allergic to chocolate, but other allergens are tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens, weed pollens (ragweed), molds, mildew, and house dust mites. So, if your pet is exposed to anything it’s allergic to, it will trigger an allergy reaction and force your dog to rub its face against any surface.

To resolve this issue, you can use an antihistamine, epinephrine pen, or penicillin. After that, you must take it to a vet ASAP.

5. Parasite Attacks

A dog can be a host for different parasites inside and outside its body. Whether it has external parasites like mites, ticks, and lice or internal parasites like various types of worms, coccidia, or fleas, when your furry friend is infected, it can cause irritation and pain, leading to rubbing its face on the ground.

For external parasites, give the pet a salt and vinegar bath once or twice a week, and for internal parasite issues, seek medical help.

6. Teething Phase

Teething can cause this problem for younger and older dogs. When a dog is growing or losing a tooth, it can have severe pain, which causes it to rub its face on the ground. Sometimes, if it has a cavity or other gum-related issues that cause pain and discomfort, your dog can scrub its face on the ground.

If your dog is rubbing for this, maintain oral hygiene and irradiate the problematic teeth for older dogs. If it’s a younger dog teething, just use a simple painkiller.

7. Eye Irritation Problems

Like us, dogs can’t reach their eyes with their paws. When they have irritation in their eyes, such as a burning sensation or itch, they rub their faces on dirt just to get relief. Sometimes, dangerous parasites like worms can cause this problem.

If you can locate a worm or parasite, grab a tweezer and pull it out. Rinse the eye with disinfectant and take your pet to the vet for medical attention. If it’s caused by dirt and dust, just wash with clean water, and your mate is good to go.

8. Attraction To Scent

Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell. They can smell a foul scent from 6m underneath the surface. Any foreign or foul smell can drive the dog crazy, and it will rub its face on the ground.

There is nothing much to worry about here. It’s an evolutionary trait. Perhaps you should also investigate this issue if your dog is very curious about any place for the smell that leads to rubbing its face.

9. Territory Marking

Like other canine animals, dogs are territorial animals. When it’s the mating season, and your dog is in the heat state, it’ll mark its territory with its distinct smell. For this, they usually piss or poop to mark, but sometimes it can be rubbing its face on the ground.

To resolve this problem, you can neuter your dog or use an Elizabethan collar. It’s not big of an issue, so just be on the track and don’t be anxious.

10. Something On Its Face

Other dogs, insects, and animals can harm a dog in the face. Or maybe it’s too late to notice, and a parasite is crawling under its skin. Or maybe there are thorns or spikes from animals like porcupines. For that pain, your dear friend can scratch your face.

For this situation, just wash the visible scar and rush to a vet to give your canine friend the proper treatment it deserves.

11. Pain

Face pain can be caused by fighting issues, getting hurt, or calcium deficiency. In this type of situation, the dog will have a swallowed face with lymphoma, which will cause it to scratch its face.

For this, just watch the swollen part of the face and if it's filled with liquid, grab a sterile syringe and suck out the liquid. After the quick pain relief, just seek professional help.

12. Wrinkled Face

Dog breeds with wrinkled faces trap more dust and debris on their facial structures, which can lead to itching and discomfort. Wrinkled-faced dog breeds often rub their heads on the ground to release blood pressure, muscle tension, and itchiness.

If you have a wrinkled-faced dog breed, clean its face with warmer water, massage the wrinkles, and use a shoulder belt or leash rather than a collar.

Should You Be Concerned If Your Dog Rubs Its Face?

In most cases, you don’t need to be concerned about your dog rubbing its face on the ground, floor, or any surface. Most probably, it’s natural. On the other hand, if your furry friend is rubbing their face for allergy, lymphoma, or parasite, it’s high time to take the necessary steps mentioned above. We advise you to be conscious of your pet's overall health and mental state.

Conclusion

A dog is the most loyal pet a human can have. If your dear canine friend is rubbing the face for natural instinct, don’t worry; just play along. When it’s happening for medical reasons and physical or internal discomfort, then follow the leads and take it to a vet. Dogs are smart, but treat your dog like a toddler with care, love, and compassion.