Introduction

Dogs are magnificent creatures. They have been known to exhibit some strange behaviors, which can be puzzling to new pet owners. These unbelievable habits have always persisted, and only experts could explain them adequately.

In this article, we are going to unravel four peculiar dog habits that will leave you astounded.

1. Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Have you ever wondered why your dog loves to nibble on grass even after devouring its food? This has always been a curious subject among many pet owners. According to experts, there is no concrete answer to this subject.

However, several theories explain this strange behavior.

One of the theories states that dogs eat grass as a way to regulate their digestive system. The grass stimulates the regurgitation of food, which makes it easy for the dog to excrete.

Dogs are natural predators, and their stomachs are not capable of handling plant matter, which causes some irritation in their digestive tract, leading to vomiting.

Another theory explains that dogs eat grass to fill a dietary deficiency. Grass contains several vitamins that are not always found in dog food, hence their habit of grazing.

Lastly, dogs may eat grass simply because they love it. Dogs enjoy chewing on different textures to strengthen their jaws, and grass is one of them.

2. Why Do Dogs Lick and Chew Their Paws?

Another puzzling habit dogs exhibit is the incessant licking and chewing of their paws. Many pet owners assume that their dogs do this habit to keep their paws clean. Although this is partially true, various other reasons explain this behavior.

The first reason is that dogs lick and chew their paws as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. Dogs react to different stimuli altering their behavior.

When a dog licks and chews its paws, it is dealing with stressors that could be found in its environment.

The second reason could be due to allergic reactions or infections. If your dog is experiencing either of these conditions on its paws, it may attempt to reduce the itching and irritation by licking or chewing on its paws.

Lastly, dogs may lick and chew their paws for no apparent reason. This may appear as a compulsion, where the dog cannot restrain itself from licking its paws.

3. Why Do Dogs Follow You Everywhere?

Have you wondered why your dog follows you everywhere, from the bathroom to the kitchen, and even outside? Dogs have been known to exhibit this trait since time immemorial, and many scientists have tried to explain it.

The first and most obvious explanation is that dogs follow their owners due to their pack mentality. Dogs are pack animals, and they love being around their pack leader.

When you establish a leader-follower relationship with your dog, they tend to see you as their pack leader, hence, following you everywhere.

The second reason is that your dog simply adores you. Dogs are social creatures and desire the company of their owners. The company of their owners makes the dog feel loved, thereby following their owners anywhere they go.

4. Why Do Dogs Circle Before Lying Down?

Most pet owners have watched their dogs circle around before lying down to sleep. Dogs have carried this habit from their ancestors, the wolves. The habit of circling is a form of inherited behavior.

However, circling is not exclusive to dogs. Wolves, their ancestor, have also been known to show this habit. Wolves do this habit as an attempt to flatten grass and brush, creating a comfortable place to sleep.

Circling is also a way for dogs to check their surroundings before settling. Dogs are natural predators, and they tend to be on alert before laying down to sleep.

Conclusion

Dogs are complicated creatures, and their actions can be intriguing. As a pet owner, it is essential to understand these peculiar dog habits, as it could give you insight into your dog’s behavioral patterns.

It is always better to understand your furry friend than being mystified by their behavior.