10 Commonly Asked Questions About Dogs and Their Surprising Answers

gp.api • October 19, 2022

Share this article

Sometimes, we witness our dogs acting strangely or doing something that makes us curious. Much like humans, dogs have habits, rituals, and personality traits that make them unique, and we're left to decipher what they mean in the absence of human conversation.

From wrapping their paws around your arm to tilting their head, we've compiled the top 10 most commonly asked questions about dogs and their surprising answers.

1. Why do dogs wag their tails?

Most people assume that dogs wag their tails when they're happy, which is true most of the time. Dogs instinctively wag their tails when happy or excited, but they also wag their tails to express other emotions, such as nervousness or anxiety.

2. Do dogs dream?

It's not uncommon to see your dog twitching or letting out a quiet bark or growl while in a deep sleep. This is because dogs dream just like humans, and even go through a REM state of sleep when dreams are most likely to occur. Interestingly, puppies and older dogs tend to dream more often than middle-aged dogs.

3. Why does my dog lick everyone?

Dogs lick people they've become comfortable with for two very different reasons. They're giving that person a sign of affection, or they like the taste of their skin. Sometimes you'll notice your dog licking your hands and fingers after a meal, and that's because they smell the food. If you haven't eaten anything recently, it's more likely a sign of affection.

4. Why does my dog howl?

Dogs are descendants of wolves, so howling is an instinctive trait passed down from their ancestors. Domesticated dogs howl for three reasons: to communicate, because they're sick or injured, and separation anxiety. It's normal for a dog to howl as long as it's not happening several times a day, and often a dog doesn't even know why they're doing it. You'll also find that a dog will repeat a howl if its owner howls, which is their way of trying to communicate and be a part of the pack.

5. Why does my dog scoot its butt along the carpet?

Scooting is a common dog behavior, so don't worry. Your dog could just be relieving an itch. However, if it's happening every day, it might require a trip to the veterinarian since it could indicate allergies, parasites, or a clogging issue with your dog's anal glands. The American Kennel Club offers more insight into butt scooting.

6. What does it mean when my dog wraps its front paws around my arm?

Simply put, your dog adores you. A dog wrapping its paws around your arm is one of their highest levels of affection. Considered to be the human equivalent of hugging, dogs will often do this to return or give affection since they can't embrace you in a real hug.

7. Why does my dog tilt its head?

When a dog cocks its head to the side, they're focused on hearing your words and understanding what you're saying. In other words, they're in a heightened state of concentration. You've probably noticed this also happens when they hear strange noises, often high-pitched. They're trying to figure out the sound, where it's coming from and what it means.

8. Why is my dog's nose wet?

The science behind your dog's wet nose is quite surprising. While many assume it's because they're trying to smell something, dog noses are also wet because that's one waythey regulate their body temperature. Dogs evaporate heat through their nose since they don't sweat like humans, which helps keep them cool. Learn about other reasons your dog's nose may be wet or dry from the ASPCA.

9. Why does my dog circle before lying down?

This goes back to our previous answer about howling and the fact that dogs are descendants of wolves. They made their bed by flattening grass and brush in the wild to create a safe, cozy sleep space. Domesticated dogs circle for a similar reason, which is to define their space and claim it as their own. They also might scratch at their bedding before lying down, which is how they leave a scent and further claim the space as their own.

10. Why does my dog stare at me?

This common question has many possible answers, so it's best to connect the stare to the current environment or situation. Dogs stare at their owners because they're gazing in adoration, reading your body language, or want something like attention or food. These types of stares are very different from aggressive stares, which often come with a growl or showing teeth.

If your dog is exhibiting curious behaviors that indicate injury, illness, or aggressiveness, contact your veterinarian to discover the root cause of the habit or behavior. Contact us to learn more about your dog's interesting habits.

Recent Posts

By ella.martin May 5, 2025
We might not be in Lexington city limits, but we serve the Lexington pet community every single day.
By gp.api April 14, 2025
As veterinarians, we often get asked about a common canine behavior : licking. Licking is a natural and normal behavior for dogs, allowing them to groom, investigate their surroundings, and even communicate with other people and pets. Whether it's a quick swipe of the tongue or a full-on facial bath, dogs lick for a variety of reasons – some you might not even expect.
By gp.api April 14, 2025
Cats are true masters of disguise, fitting into the smallest spaces, concealing themselves in hard-to-find places, and even hiding their pain from their owners. It can be quite challenging to tell when your feline friend needs a bit of medical attention. This may explain why more than 90% of dog owners make sure to take their pups to the vet each year, while only around 40% of cat owners do the same .
By gp.api February 5, 2025
Introducing dogs to one another may seem simple, but without the right approach, these interactions can go wrong quickly and result in a number of socialization issues for your dog later in life.
By gp.api February 5, 2025
When I think of acne, I’m instantly transported back to middle school me — awkwardly putting on way too much foundation in a shade that didn’t even slightly match my skin tone, all in a desperate attempt to conceal the unconcealable. The struggle was (let’s be honest, is) real!
By gp.api January 22, 2025
Constipation might not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s a bigger deal for cats than you might think. While a little tummy turmoil here and there isn’t unusual, ongoing difficulty with bowel movements can lead to serious discomfort—or even a medical emergency for our felines.
By gp.api January 22, 2025
Love, it turns out, isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, even in the animal kingdom. As veterinarians, we have the privilege of witnessing the diverse and heartwarming ways animals express their affection. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re exploring the love languages of the animal kingdom and sharing some of the unique ways dogs and cats communicate their love and devotion. So, let’s journey into the delightful realms of tail wags, purrs, and everything in between.
By gp.api January 15, 2025
Just like a lot of humans, pets thrive on structure, and a good, consistent routine is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support their overall health and well-being. A routine helps them feel safer in their environment, reduces feelings of stress and anxiety, and allows them to have their physical and emotional health needs taken care of in a predictable and consistent manner. Not to mention that it’s pretty cute for owners to see their dog or cat patiently waiting in front of their food bowl right at 5 o’clock waiting for dinner.
By gp.api January 14, 2025
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, has been making headlines due to its impact on wild birds, poultry, and even mammals. While it’s typically associated with birds, recent cases have raised concerns about its potential effects on our pets. Particularly cats. This evolving situation has left many pet owners wondering: Is my cat at risk?
By gp.api December 18, 2024
Vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical advancement. However, there has been a recent pushback in human and animal vaccine acceptance – known as “vaccine hesitancy.” This term refers to the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines. In fact, according to research from Boston University , nearly “40% of respondents believed that canine vaccines are unsafe, more than 20% believed these vaccines are ineffective, and 30% considered them to be medically unnecessary.”
Show More