Why Dogs Rub Their Muzzles After Eating

Dogs are curious creatures with frequently bizarre behaviors. Normal behaviors for canines may puzzle humans, and a dog rubbing his muzzle is just one example of this. There are several sound reasons why dogs rub their muzzles after eating.

  1. History

    • The ancestors of dogs, who lived in the wild, did not have access to kibble. The instinct to clean their muzzles of the blood of their prey is ingrained within canines. Sometimes this behavior shows up in domesticated dogs.

    Speculation

    • Some behaviorists credit muzzle rubbin as a symbolic act of triumph, while others feel that the dog is merely expressing happiness over having eaten.

    Function

    • A dog's sense of smell is one of its primary forms of communication. By rubbing muzzles after eating, dogs may be better able to enjoy the smell of the meal.

    Considerations

    • Like humans, dogs can develop allergies to the ingredients in their food. If a dog is allergic to an ingredient in its food, it may rub its muzzle to scratch an itch.

    Warning

    • Rubbing of the muzzle may indicate a foreign body is stuck in the teeth or nostril. If the foreign object is embedded into soft tissue, it may need to be surgically removed.