Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!

If you've ever witnessed your canine companion enthusiastically contorting themselves against a doorframe, a corner, or even just a flat stretch of wall, you've likely chuckled at the peculiar sight. But beyond the inherent silliness, there's a fascinating array of reasons behind this common, and often adorable, dog behavior. Let's explore why our furry friends are so fond of giving themselves a good wall rub.

Perhaps the most obvious reason a dog might rub against a wall is to relieve an itch. Just like humans, dogs get those nagging, hard-to-reach itches that their paws or teeth simply can't get to. A wall offers a solid, unyielding surface that's perfect for a satisfying scratch, whether it's on their back, flanks, or even their head. Think of it as their personal, oversized back scratcher!

Dogs experience the world primarily through their noses, and scent is a huge part of their communication. When a dog rubs against a wall, they're often engaging in scent marking. They have scent glands on various parts of their body, including their cheeks, flanks, and even near their tail. By rubbing, they deposit their unique scent onto the surface, leaving a calling card for other dogs (and sometimes, just for themselves). This is particularly true if they're rubbing their head or shoulders. It's their way of saying, "Hey, I was here, and this is my space!"

Sometimes, a wall rub can be a form of self-soothing or comfort. The pressure and sensation of rubbing can be incredibly satisfying and relaxing for a dog. It's a bit like a good stretch or a deep massage. You might notice your dog doing this after waking up, after a stimulating play session, or simply when they're feeling content and relaxed. It's their way of decompressing and enjoying a moment of physical bliss.

For dogs with shedding coats, a wall can be an excellent tool for grooming. As they rub, loose fur, dirt, and even stray bits of grass or leaves can be dislodged from their coat. It's a convenient, albeit unconventional, way to give themselves a good brush, especially during shedding season. You might even find a little "ghost dog" outline of fur left on the wall after a particularly vigorous rub!

Let's not forget that dogs are often just being dogs! Sometimes, a wall rub can be a simple act of playfulness or exuberance. They might be feeling particularly energetic, or they might just enjoy the sensation and the quirky movement. It can be a little dance, a mini-celebration, or simply a way to expend some energy in a fun and quirky manner.

While wall rubbing is generally a normal and harmless behavior, it's always good to be observant. If you notice your dog rubbing excessively, to the point of causing skin irritation, or if it's accompanied by other signs of discomfort (like licking, biting, or redness), it might be worth a chat with your veterinarian. Excessive rubbing could indicate allergies, parasites, or another underlying skin issue that needs attention.

But for the most part, the next time you see your dog doing their wall-rubbing dance, take a moment to appreciate the delightful simplicity and diverse motivations behind this endearing canine quirk. It's just one more charming example of the many ways our furry friends express themselves and interact with their world. So, go ahead and give them an imaginary high-five for their wall-rubbing prowess – they've earned it!

86% of pets aren’t insured. That means most pet parents could be on the hook for the sky-high vet bills that often come with unforeseen accidents and illnesses.

While it's impossible to pinpoint an exact percentage, it's likely your pet will get sick or injured during their lifetime. Pet insurance can help offset these unexpected costs. Many plans even let you choose a deductible and reimbursement level, which could allow you to arrive at a monthly premium you can afford. Check out Money’s list of their top pet insurance picks and start protecting your furry buddy today for as low as $10/month.

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Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

🐶 Refer 10 people: We will donate a box of treats to an animal rescue 🐶

🐶 Refer 50 people: We will donate a bag of dog food to an animal rescue 🐶

🛏 Refer 100 people: We will donate a dog bed to an animal rescue 🛏

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