If you’ve ever caught your dog in the act of covering her face with her paws, you might have found yourself wondering, why does my dog cover her face with her paws? It’s one of the most adorable things, and it can be both curiosity, comfort, and even a particular mystery in some cases.
Like all mammals, dogs are very vocal animals and, similar to their counterparts, use nonverbal signs. This is one of those aspects of dog body language that people rarely understand because if a dog hardly ever covers its face with its paws, then it’s not a sign of happiness.
When done lightly, it may seem cute and even a little funny when you are conversing with your dog.
In fact, such gestures are your dog’s way of communicating a number of things. From tension to calm, playfulness to even shame, there’s certainly a lot one can read into this adorable sign.
As you continue to read this blog, we shall discuss why such behavior occurs and what you should expect concerning your pet.
What Does It Mean When a Dog Covers Her Face with Her Paws?
Pawing is another one of the peculiarities that canines are famous for, and covering one’s face is one of them. In fact, it may appear quite confounding at first, but once you know the background of what your dog is doing, then it is possible to decipher the message that your pet is endeavoring to put across to you. So, why does my dog cover her face with her paws? Here are a few reasons:
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Comfort and Self-Soothing
One of the most common reasons dogs cover their faces is for comfort. Just like people may rub their eyes or curl up into a ball when they are having a stressful day/night, dogs do that, too. However, there are times when if your dog covers her face with her paws, it simply means she wants to cool down. It’s a defensive one, a mannerism that looks like a form of withdrawal. She does it when she is overwhelmed.
It may be demonstrated when your dog is home alone, in a new environment, or when they are scared, for example, when there are fireworks or loud noises. She may be covering her face to block out these distractions and create a sense of safety. -
Relaxation or Sleepiness
It is okay to find your pet dog covering its face with its legs either when it is tired and planning to take a nap or when it is extremely calm. This is what you might have if you see your dog lying on her bed, positioned with her paws above her face. It is most probable that she is ready for a nap. This can be part of her “night time,” so to speak, to indicate to everyone that she is now ready for bed and to sleep.
In these cases, the face-covering gesture isn’t necessarily about distress or discomfort but rather about seeking comfort and relaxation. Dogs, like humans, need a comfortable space to rest, and this behavior helps them feel secure. -
Shyness or Embarrassment
The other probable reason why your dog is covering its face with its paws is shyness or embarrassment; this makes your dog very adorable indeed. Have you ever found your dog doing something that they should not, for instance, go for the bin or knock something over? She will often look like she is embarrassed and hide her face in shame or like she is saying sorry. I have the impression that she feels some shame and is attempting to avoid it.
If this happens when your dog is around new people or every time they are taken to a new place, it may also possibly be due to shyness or social anxiety. Dogs are affected by their environments and may put a cover on their face to confirm that they are pulling out into themselves when they feel so. -
Playfulness and Attention-Seeking
Dogs are by nature playful and may choose to cover their face with their paws. It is just that your dog loves the drama. If your dog does this and stares at you, it may well be her cue to come over, play, or something similar, and ask for your attention. Some will put their paws over their faces to invite play. Such games are like peekaboo or the like.
If the dog appears to like the attention she gets when she does this, then it might just be that this is her way of being affectionate or that she demands just a little extra petting from time to time. -
Shielding from Visual Stimulation
Some dogs are known to be able to pick things via their vision, and when they cover their face with their paws, this is a result of too many sights. Noticing that your dog reaches for the television set to watch a program or notices bright lights or excess eye openings, the dog might put her head down in an attempt to block a view. This is in the same way that it refers to our reaction to too much light – something deserting our eyes in a manner that makes us shut them.
Why Does My Dog Cover Her Face with Her Paws? Understanding the Emotional Triggers
Since we have an understanding of the basic causes of such an action, let us turn our focus on factors that evoke certain emotions in your dog that make her cover her face. Why does my dog cover her face with her paws? It’s all about how she’s feeling at the time. Here are a few common triggers:
- Anxiety and Stress: If the dog is nervous or anxious, covering her face is likely to minimize things that are causing her stress or discomfort. This response may occur due to noise, the presence of unfamiliar sites or objects, or being left alone.
- Feeling Tired or Sleepy: Dogs will often cover their faces as part of their winding-down process. After a long day of play, they might use this behavior to signal that they’re ready for rest.
- Social Discomfort: If your dog is in an unfamiliar social setting or around strangers, she may cover her face as a way of retreating or showing shyness. It’s her way of saying, “I need some space.”
When to Be Concerned
Although it is perfectly natural for cats to cover their face with paws in certain situations, this sometimes means that something is wrong. Some dogs are very pampered, and they can cover a great deal of their face, but if your dog starts doing this more frequently or if the poor animal also sheds tears when doing this, then it might be time to concentrate.
Signs to watch for:
- Constant pawing at the face or excessive licking
- Disinterest in food or water
- Changes in behavior, like excessive lethargy or aggression
Difficulty breathing or unusual panting
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult your vet for further advice.
If you’ve been wondering why my dog covers her face with her paws and why people do it again, the list is endless. It ranges from comforting themselves to playing with the cat to shyness. Knowledge of these signals will enhance your ability to communicate with your pet and promote her well-being. Dogs use body language a lot, and simply turning her face away could tell you a lot about how she feels.
If you feel your dog is naughty or if this face-covering behavior looks unusual, then you should consult your veterinarian. They can be used to check whether there is a problem that needs intervention. And so, let me remind you that the next time your dog starts to cover its face with its paws, you will know what she wants from you!
