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10 Weird Little Hacks Costco Shoppers Should Know

Do you shop at Costco? Then you know the thrill of saving money. But you might be missing other smart ways to stretch your dollars. Check out our list of genius money hacks—almost as good as that $1.50 hot dog!

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Why Dogs Rub Their Muzzles After Eating

You’ve just served your pup their favorite meal. They polish off the bowl in record time, licking every last speck clean. But before you can even pick up the dish, your dog trots straight over to the living room rug, drops their head, and begins an energetic, enthusiastic face-rub against the carpet, the couch, or even your pant leg.

It’s one of the most endearing—and puzzling—post-meal rituals in the canine world. Is your rug acting as a giant living-room napkin, or is there something more going on?

The Built-In "Living Room Napkin"

The simplest explanation is often the most accurate: dogs don’t have thumbs, but they still like a clean face.

When a dog eats—especially canned wet food, raw diets, or fresh toppers—bits of grease, gravy, and food particles stick to their snout, whiskers, and chin. Breeds with long facial hair, floppy ears, or folded skin (like Schnauzers, Spaniels, and Bulldogs) get extra messy.

Since paws aren't great at wiping sticky faces, rubbing against a textured surface like a woven rug or couch cushion acts as an effective DIY towel.

Pure Contentment and Endorphin Surges

Have you ever noticed the body language that comes with the post-dinner face rub? Tail wags, soft eyes, and happy grunts are standard procedure.

Eating releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins in a dog’s brain. For many dogs, rubbing their face and rolling on their shoulders is an outburst of pure joy—their way of doing a happy dance after a satisfying meal. It feels good physically, relieves tension, and expresses contentment.

Leaving Their Signature (Scent Marking)

Dogs have scent glands located around their faces, specifically near their cheeks, lips, and ears.

When your dog rubs their muzzle against the rug, furniture, or your lap after eating, they are transferring their unique scent to their environment. In dog language, this serves a few purposes:

• Claiming comfort: Marking their favorite resting spot with a fresh layer of scent after a high-value event (eating).
• Affection: If they wipe their face on you, it’s a sign of trust and inclusion—you’re part of their pack, and dinner was a shared success.

When Should You Be Concerned?

For the vast majority of dogs, the post-meal face rub is a harmless, adorable habit. However, it's worth taking a closer look if the rubbing becomes compulsive, frantic, or accompanied by other symptoms.

Keep an eye out for:Food Allergies or Sensitivities: If the rubbing is accompanied by red skin, hives, paw-licking, or ear scratching, your dog might be allergic to an ingredient in their food.Dental Issues: Rubbing one side of the face repeatedly can indicate a sore tooth, inflamed gums, or something stuck in their mouth.Eye or Ear Irritation: Check for redness, discharge, or bad odors around the ears and eyes.

If the behavior is lighthearted, playful, and finishes within a minute or two, sit back and enjoy the show. Your pup is simply living their best life—one carpet-slide at a time!

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Pedigree - High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor Wet Dog Food: Potential plastic contaminants
• Steve's Real Food - Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe Cat and Dog Food: Possible Low Thiamine Levels (B1)
• Raaw Energy - Dog Food: Potential Listeria Contamination

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