Why Does My Dog Cover Her Face With Her Paws?

Understanding Canine Body Language

Dogs are masters of non-verbal communication. They use their tails, bodies, and paws to express their feelings and needs. When your dog places her paws over her face, she's sending you a message. The key is learning to decode what she's trying to say.

Common Reasons Dogs Cover Their Faces

Emotional Mirroring and Empathy

Dogs are remarkably attuned to human emotions. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or upset, your dog may pick up on these feelings and cover her face with her paws. This gesture can be her way of showing solidarity with you—a touching demonstration of the deep emotional bond between dogs and their owners.

Fear or Anxiety

Sometimes this behavior signals that your dog is uncomfortable or frightened. By covering her face, she may be trying to self-soothe or block out something that's making her anxious. Pay attention to the context—is there a loud noise, an unfamiliar person, or something else in the environment that might be triggering this response?

Respect and Submission

Some behaviorists believe that when dogs cover their faces, they're displaying deference to their owner. This interpretation suggests the gesture is a sign of respect within the family "pack" structure.

Seeking Attention and Play

Your dog might have learned that covering her face gets a strong reaction from you. If you've previously responded with attention, pets, or treats when she does this, she may repeat the behavior simply to engage with you or receive affection.

When Face Covering Signals a Problem

Itching and Irritation

If your dog repeatedly rubs her face with her paws or against furniture and carpets, she may be dealing with an itch. Common causes include:

• Foreign objects: A small twig, grass seed, or debris stuck in her fur or near her eyes
• Allergies: Environmental allergens or food sensitivities can cause facial itching
• Skin conditions: Dermatitis or other skin issues may be causing discomfort

What to do: First, gently examine your dog's face and eyes for any visible irritants. If you find something, carefully remove it. If the behavior persists without an obvious cause, consider trying a different food for a few days to rule out food allergies. If the itching continues, schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation.

The Habit Factor

While face covering can be an instinctive behavior, it can also become a learned habit. If your dog consistently covers her face when you're around and receives positive attention for it, she'll likely continue doing it to get more pats and cuddles.

There's nothing wrong with showing your dog affection, but be mindful of reinforcing behaviors that might have underlying causes. If face covering becomes excessive, it may mask important signals about discomfort or health issues.

What You Should Do

To understand why your dog covers her face, pay attention to:

• Timing: When does she do it? During specific activities or times of day?
• Frequency: Is it occasional or constant?
• Context: What's happening in the environment when she does it?
• Other symptoms: Are there signs of discomfort, like whining, excessive scratching, or changes in behavior?

By tracking these patterns, you'll be better equipped to determine whether your dog's face-covering is simply a quirky behavior, an emotional expression, or a sign that she needs veterinary attention.

The Bottom Line

Most of the time, when dogs cover their faces with their paws, it's a harmless and endearing behavior. Whether she's empathizing with your emotions, seeking attention, or just being her adorable self, this gesture is part of what makes the bond between you and your dog so special. However, stay observant—if the behavior seems excessive or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

After all, understanding our four-legged friends is one of the joys of sharing our lives with them.