Why Do Dogs Cover Their Faces With Their Paws? 6 Common Reasons

Dogs have a lot of habits and actions that can seem strange to us humans, but they can give away a lot about the dog’s physical state and comfort level. As they can’t talk in the same way as people, dogs have to rely on other methods of communication, and we have to rely on other ways of understanding our canine companions.

One common habit that we see in a lot of dogs is covering their faces with their paws. Your dog may be simply scratching its face, or it may be related to normal grooming, irritation (such as allergies or debris), or displacement behaviors associated with stress or uncertainty. It may also be a learned behavior: if you have acted positively to how cute your dog looks while covering its face, it may do it again to try to elicit the same positive response.

Read on for more information about this action, its likely causes, and some other common habits dogs have.

The 6 Reasons Dogs Cover Their Faces With Their Paws

1. Scratching

Your dog may just be itching its face. Irritation can be caused by anything from a piece of grass or falling hair to fleas and in the same way that people itch to alleviate the discomfort or irritation, so do dogs. It should be quite obvious if your dog is covering their face while scratching, rather than covering their face for a longer period of time. Dogs that are prone to tearing or have ocular irritation are more likely to want to scratch their faces, and if you see your dog scratching more than usual, it is worth checking for fleas or mites, and if your find something or the behavior persists, getting them checked by the vet. 

2. Anxiety

Anxiety is more common in some dogs than others, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. Your dog may be anxious because of an unexpected and unexplained noise or activity. It could be anxiety because of a change in surroundings or habits. Other signs of anxiety can include inappropriate urination, drooling, panting, destructive behavior, and excessive barking. Try to find the cause of the anxiety and reduce exposure to triggers while using gradual desensitization, counterconditioning, and providing a safe, predictable environment.

3. Stress or Overstimulation

Stress is similar to anxiety and can be caused by many of the same things. If there’s a storm or loud weather conditions, the noise and activity could upset your dog. If you have introduced a new dog to the house, either the new or existing dog could feel uneasy around the other. Even if you or other family members have been shouting or arguing, this could affect your dog.

Covering the face with the paws may be a way for your dog to briefly disengage or cope with what is happening around them, rather than a specific attempt to block out or ignore the source.

4. Learned Behavior

It can look cute when a dog covers its eyes, and if you do find it cute, you have likely responded positively to this action in the past. If your dog recognizes this positive reaction. By putting their paws over their face again, they may be hoping for the same positive reaction. Alternatively, if your dog has responded this way to stress or uncertainty in the past and you have provided reassurance or offered them treats or some other positive experience, they may repeat the behavior because it has been reinforced.

5. Comfort or Resting Preference

Covering the face with their paws may simply be a comfortable position or a way to block out light and reduce environmental stimulation while resting.

This behavior can vary between individuals and may be more common in dogs that prefer to sleep in certain positions or environments. It is generally a normal, relaxed behavior.

Should I Stop My Dog Covering Its Face?

Generally, there is no reason to stop your dog from covering its face with its paws, unless it is causing problems for the dog. If your dog is scratching its face, rather than simply using its paws to mask its eyes, you should find the cause and try to remedy the problem. If your dog is attention-seeking, you may want to ignore the problem so that they stop this habit.

Why Do Dogs Bury Their Face in Blankets?

In the wild, dogs would sleep and rest in dens or other confined spaces. By burying themselves in blankets while sleeping, they are likely seeking comfort, warmth, or reduced stimulation. Certain breeds, like Dachshunds, are especially prone to this kind of activity because they have been bred to burrow. Unless it is causing problems with breathing, there is no reason to stop a dog from covering itself in blankets.

Why Do Dogs Rest Their Head on You?

Typically, a dog resting its head on you is a sign of social bonding or a sign that your dog wants attention. It may be gently letting you know that it’s time for a walk or dinner time. It may simply want a head rub, or your dog might just be seeking contact or interaction.

Why Does My Dog Stare at Me?

Your dog staring at you is often part of social communication and can be associated with attention-seeking or anticipation. It is known to release oxytocin when a dog stares at you, and you stare back. This hormone is known as the love hormone, and its release can help build a very strong bond between the two of you.

Why Do Dogs Turn Around Before They Lay Down?

Circling before lying down is quite common in dogs. It’s not usually a taught action, which means that it is a normal, instinctive behavior. Turning in circles allows your dog the opportunity to adjust their resting area, check comfort, and position their body.

Summing Up

Dogs have many habits and actions, some of which can be difficult to explain, and many of which have several possible causes or reasons. Look for context when determining the cause of any such action and use this to ascertain whether your dog may be experiencing stress, discomfort, relaxation, or seeking interaction.

Your dog may be covering its face because it wants a positive reaction from you, or it may be responding to environmental stimuli such as noise, irritation, or internal states like fatigue or stress. As long as it isn’t causing injury or other potential problems, it isn’t usually necessary to stop your dog from covering its face in this way.

Related Read:

• Why Do Dogs Cross Their Paws: 6 Likely Reasons

• Why Do Dogs Tuck Their Paws

Featured Image Credit: Taras Verkhovynets, Shutterstock