Why dogs rub their faces after a meal

Many owners notice that their dog rubs his face against his bowl, the carpet or other surfaces after meals. But why do they do this?

There are several theories as to why dogs rub their faces against something after eating. Some people believe that their pet so the joy of delicious bites erupts, but the expert says it is possible that there may be more practical reasons behind it.

Why does a dog rub its face after eating?

“As a dog expert and a dog parent, I have learned that dogs’ particular actions are usually an attempt to communicate a feeling or need, or simply to express contentment or anxiety” – said Richard West, founder of Puppyhero.

So it could be feeding rubbing motion after feeding. The topic has now been raised in a TikTok video, in which a dog called Soffie is seen rubbing her face against the carpet and then the bed after her meal.

“Is that what your dog does after eating?” – his owner asked in the caption accompanying the post.

@soffie.thepomshih Does your dog also do this after eating?
😆 #dogfacts #dogtips #furbaby #funnydogs #doghabits ♬ Touch My Body – Mariah Carey

As usual, there were a number of responses to the phenomenon in the comments.
Some believed that the dog may have been using the surfaces in question as napkins, while others suspected that eat something you are allergic to, with some noting that their favourite behaves in the same way after a walk or a bath.

What does the expert say?

Richard West says there are two possible explanations for the dog’s behaviour.

“The truth is that dogs often pick up human habits, even if their owners have no intention of teaching them. Your dog is watching you, and if it sees you wiping your face with a napkin after eating, it’s natural to want to imitate you – even though there may not be anything to wipe.”

The other possible reason is more practical. It could be that the dog is not trying to imitate, but is acting in his own well-understood best interests.

This could be his natural reaction to get rid of food particles that have become stuck in his fur.

It may be uncomfortable for the dog to have something stuck to its face, so it rubs against the nearest surface to remove it. West added, this kind of behaviour can in a sense express the dog’s satisfaction and pleasure after a hearty meal.

If you notice food residue stuck to your pet’s face and it’s visibly bothering him, you can help him. If you wipe his face so he doesn’t have to struggle with it any longer, he’ll be grateful. Not to mention it’s much more hygienic than using the carpet as a napkin.

There could be more serious problems

If this behaviour persists for a long time after eating, including trying to wipe your mouth with your paws, it is worth checking for food residue stuck between or on the teeth. If this is the cause of the discomfort you are trying to get rid of, you can try to remove it with a toothbrush.

Pay close attention to your dog’s reactions. If he is not used to being picked at, he may become tense or even aggressive. In such cases, if the problem does not go away, it is worth seeking veterinary help.