Why Do Dogs Rub Up Against Furniture?

By paying attention to your dog's body language, it's possible to read its mind. A dog communicates by marking its territory and although urine spraying is the common form of marking, some dogs find your furniture and rub up against it to spread its scent. There are reasons your dog rubs against furniture and knowing them can help you read your dog's mood and actions.

  1. Marking Territory

    • The most obvious and often reason a dog chooses to rub its body against furniture is to mark its territory. Dogs have scent glands located throughout their entire body and as a result, they rub their entire bodies on furniture. If you happen to live in a neighborhood with many dogs, this too may cause your dog to claim its territory.

    Playful

    • Dogs rubbing against furniture also can be an indicator that your dog is attempting to gain your attention. Rather than lie still, dogs will often move about and constantly rib against objects to have some stimulation in a closed environment. Your dog could also be attempting to gain your attention depending on your past reactions to this activity. For example, if you begin to laugh and play with your dog when it rubs against your furniture, it will associate rubbing against furniture with playtime.

    Fleas

    • Whenever your dog has fleas, spots that are hard to scratch can be scratched by rubbing against your furniture. This reason for rubbing against furniture can often be seen with your dog consistently rubbing in a single area. If your dog does this, immediately comb through the fur and look for fleas that may be on its body. Reading this early sign can be crucial to stopping an entire flea infestation.

    Lack of Omega 3

    • Omega 3 is an essential amino acid that protects your dog from dry and flaky skin. Often the result of a pure dry dog food diet, Omega 3 dangers can be identified by your dog constantly rubbing against furniture. If you find no fleas upon combing your dog, flaky skin is a prime indicator that your dog's diet is lacking Omega 3s. Feeding it dog approved wet food will help.

    Allergies

    • According to The Good Dog Food Company, dogs with allergies tend to roll on the floor or often rub up against furniture for some relief. If this action is coupled with your canine sneezing, scratching or licking, it's possible it may have allergies. It may also exhibit hair loss, a greasy coat, a rash or an unpleasant odor.