Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Momo!
Meme of the day: Top of the list, every time!
The Playful Puffs: The Doggy Play Sneeze
That adorable little “achoo!” erupting from your furry best friend mid-zoomie or during a particularly enthusiastic tug-of-war match – it’s a sound that often elicits a chuckle and a heartwarming “bless you!” But why do our canine companions sometimes pepper their playtime with these unexpected nasal bursts?
Far from being a sign of a burgeoning cold, the play sneeze is a fascinating and endearing quirk of dog behavior, a little punctuation mark in their joyful expressions. Think of it as their way of saying, “Hey, this is all just fun and games!”
One of the most widely accepted theories behind the play sneeze is that it serves as a communication tool. In the whirlwind of playful nips, mock growls, and excited body language, a sneeze can act as a clear signal to their playmate – be it another dog or their beloved human – that their intentions are purely playful. It’s their way of saying, “Don’t worry, this isn’t aggression, just pure, unadulterated fun!”
Imagine two puppies tumbling and nipping at each other. A sudden sneeze can diffuse any potential misunderstanding, reassuring the other pup that the playful mouthing isn’t meant to escalate into a real fight. It’s a little canine peace treaty delivered through a puff of air!
Another compelling explanation links the play sneeze to excitement and overstimulation. Just like we might get a little breathless or clumsy when we’re particularly thrilled, dogs can experience a similar surge of energy during playtime. This heightened state can sometimes cause a slight irritation in their nasal passages, triggering a sneeze. Think of it as their little bodies trying to regulate themselves amidst all the joyful chaos.
Furthermore, the act of playing often involves a lot of sniffing and investigating. Whether they’re chasing a ball through the grass or wrestling with a squeaky toy, their noses are constantly working, taking in a flurry of scents. It’s possible that this increased nasal activity can occasionally lead to a mild irritation, resulting in a quick sneeze to clear things out.
It’s also worth noting that some dogs might simply learn that a sneeze gets a reaction from their humans. If your enthusiastic “bless you!” and subsequent cuddles always follow a playtime sneeze, your clever pup might have figured out a delightful way to get your attention!
Whatever the exact reason, the play sneeze is generally considered a perfectly normal and harmless behavior. It’s usually a fleeting event, quickly followed by a return to the joyful antics. In fact, many dog owners find it to be an incredibly endearing trait, adding another layer of charm to their furry friends’ playful personalities.
So, the next time your dog punctuates their playtime with a little “achoo!”, don’t reach for the tissues. Instead, smile at this adorable form of canine communication and revel in the pure, unadulterated joy radiating from your playful pup. It’s just their way of saying, “Life is good, and playtime is the best!”
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Family Photo of the Day: Maddie!
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Sources:
Dog of the day: IG momndmomo
Meme of the day: IG dogsgettingsurprised