If you’re a dog parent, chances are you’ve Googled a few of these questions yourself. From quirky habits like tail chasing to deeper mysteries like dreaming, our dogs keep us curious - and that’s a good thing!
At LeashFree.ca, we’ve rounded up the 15 most Googled dog questions and answered them using trusted, veterinarian-approved insights. Let’s decode what your pup might really be thinking (or doing).
This behavior is an ancient instinct. Dogs’ wild ancestors often buried leftover food to save it for later - nature’s version of a refrigerator!
Even though your Lab has a full bowl of kibble and sleeps on a cozy bed, those survival instincts linger. Modern dogs might bury toys, bones, or treats as a way to “store” their resources or simply because it’s fun and comforting.
💡 Tip: If your dog’s burying habit gets messy, offer them puzzle toys or a sandbox-style dig zone to redirect the behavior.
Bringing home a new dog? Introductions can make or break first impressions.
Here’s a safe step-by-step guide for smooth introductions:
👉 Related Reading: Dog Socialization Tips
Dogs dig for lots of reasons - boredom, comfort, or instinct. Some dig to find cool spots in the dirt during hot weather; others bury toys for fun.
Try these Canadian-tested tips:
🚫 Avoid deterrents like chili powder — they’re unsafe for dogs and wildlife.
Your dog’s nose isn’t just cute — it’s a powerful sensory tool.
Wet noses help them capture scent particles more effectively. The moisture traps odors, allowing them to “taste” smells better.
They also lick their noses to keep them clean and cool, which aids temperature regulation — a neat feature during Canada’s warm summers or dry winters.
Regular ear cleaning keeps infections away — especially for breeds like Labradors or Poodles who love water.
Follow these gentle steps:
If you see redness, discharge, or a bad smell, contact your vet — it may be an infection or allergy issue.
Tail-chasing can be normal play, especially for puppies discovering their bodies.
However, if your dog obsessively spins in circles or can’t be distracted, it could indicate:
✅ Tip: Increase exercise, try new games, and ensure no fleas or skin irritation are causing the habit.
Whiskers (or vibrissae) act like built-in sensors that detect air movement, helping dogs sense objects nearby — even in the dark.
They aid in:
Don’t trim them — they’re essential for navigation and confidence!
Howling is one of a dog’s oldest communication tools. Wolves howled to locate their pack — and our dogs inherited the same instinct.
Dogs may howl when they:
👉 If howling increases suddenly, rule out pain or separation anxiety. See Separation Anxiety in Dogs for calming strategies.
Yes — science confirms it! Studies show dogs experience similar REM sleep patterns to humans, which means they dream.
You might notice twitching paws or muffled barks — that’s your dog “reliving” their day.
Fun fact: small breeds (like Terriers) dream more frequently than large breeds (like Golden Retrievers).
💭 So when your pup’s paws are running mid-nap, he’s probably chasing imaginary squirrels.
It’s the internet’s most-asked dog question — and the answer isn’t as gross as it sounds.
Dogs eat grass for several reasons:
Grass-eating is typically harmless, but avoid lawns treated with chemicals or pesticides. If your dog eats grass frequently and vomits often, talk to your vet.
Gross but common — especially in puppies. Dogs may eat feces out of curiosity, boredom, or instinct (to keep their den clean).
Nutritional deficiencies can also contribute, particularly if your dog’s diet lacks enzymes or fiber.
✅ What to do:
A lick can mean many things: affection, submission, or curiosity about your salty skin. Dogs also lick to soothe themselves — licking releases endorphins that calm them down.
If your dog constantly licks you or themselves, check for allergies or anxiety triggers.
💡 Fun fact: Puppies lick their mothers’ mouths to encourage feeding — that nurturing instinct carries into adulthood.
That funny “thumping leg” isn’t your dog dancing — it’s a reflex response called the scratch reflex.
When you scratch a spot connected to nerve clusters (often near the belly or hindquarters), the nerves send a signal to “kick” the leg involuntarily.
It’s harmless — though if your dog flinches or seems irritated, that spot might be sensitive or itchy due to allergies or skin irritation.
Dogs don’t pass the traditional “mirror test” like dolphins or elephants, but they do recognize their own scent and learn patterns.
Rather than seeing “themselves,” they’re usually checking for movement, potential playmates, or even intruders.
Recent studies suggest dogs may have a limited form of self-awareness based on smell memory — so while your dog might not admire his reflection, he definitely knows who he is.
That adorable head tilt isn’t just cute — it’s functional.
Dogs tilt their heads to better locate sounds and read facial expressions. Tilting helps them pinpoint where a sound is coming from and understand your tone.
It’s also a social cue — they know it melts our hearts and earns extra attention!
From burying bones to chasing dreams, dogs do some wonderfully strange things.
Each behavior tells a story — a glimpse into instincts shaped over thousands of years. The more we understand, the better we can meet their needs.
So next time you find yourself Googling “why does my dog...?”, start here — and remember, every wag and woof has a reason.
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