Why Does My Dog Scratch Its Snout? Main Causes

A question I often get in my daily clinic is about dogs that scratch their snout frequently. Some use their own paws to rub the area, and others rub against walls, the floor, or other objects around the house.

This behavior is usually due to the dog feeling itchy or uncomfortable in that area, and it's essential to see a vet as soon as possible so they can determine the cause and start the most suitable treatment before the dog develops injuries from scratching.

These are the main causes of this behavior, which can range from completely harmless to potentially life-threatening.

Why Do Dogs Scratch or Rub Their Snout?

Scratching or rubbing the snout with the paws or against objects is a fairly common behavior in dogs, and sometimes it can point to serious underlying conditions that we need to detect so we can act as soon as possible.

The snout is dogs' gateway for information from the outside world, since they use smell as their main sense for picking up external stimuli. Because of this, being in such close contact with the ground and sources of infection, it's an area sensitive to disease.

Environmental Allergies or Atopy

One of the most common causes of snout scratching in dogs is allergies. The main symptom of an environmental allergy is skin itching, and the snout, being an area of the body quite exposed to contact with external particles (allergens), tends to be an area commonly affected in allergic processes.

When snout scratching is due to a skin allergy, we'll notice the area is red and there may be inflammation or eczema. Generally, we'll also see the dog scratching or licking other parts of its body (groin, ears, between the toes, etc.)

Skin Conditions

If the snout area is affected by a skin condition causing itching or discomfort, it will trigger a scratching behavior in the dog in an attempt to relieve the itch in the area.

One of the skin conditions that most often affects young dogs' snouts is canine acne, causing itching and even pain, especially around the chin. With this condition, we can observe papules (small bumps similar to human acne) in the area near the snout.

Other common skin conditions that come with snout scratching are Malassezia infection of the lip or facial folds, and immune conditions such as pemphigus foliaceus, which come with itching and discomfort in the facial area.

If there's a skin condition linked to the scratching behavior, we'll notice lesions on the dog's skin, such as flaking, blisters, redness, etc.

Presence of Dirt or Discharge

Sometimes, even in completely healthy dogs, we can see them rubbing their snout on the sofa, on walls, or scratching it with their own paws. This behavior is common after eating, to remove food scraps that may be left on their lips, or in the morning to get rid of eye discharge.

Other times, snout scratching is related to nasal or eye discharge during a cold, where dogs try to clear excess mucus with their paws or by rubbing against objects.

Foreign Bodies Lodged in the Nostrils

If, during a walk, a foreign object gets into our dog's nostrils (a plant awn, an insect), we'll notice it rubbing the snout area quite insistently, and this behavior is usually accompanied by more or less frequent sneezing, in an attempt to expel this foreign matter from its nose.

Insect Stings (Caterpillars)

It's common for dogs to be stung by an insect at some point in their lives, since they carry their snout close to the ground and their walks often take them through fields or parks, where these "critters" tend to be common.

Wasp stings or caterpillar stings are fairly common and can cause significant swelling within minutes, so if we notice our dog scratching its snout insistently, we should inspect the area and check for swelling, seeing a vet as soon as possible.

Nasal Tumors

A less common cause that can sometimes trigger snout scratching in dogs is the presence of a tumor in the nasal sinuses, since it causes inflammation and discomfort in the area, and the dog tries to relieve it by rubbing its snout.

Facial Paresthesia

Paresthesia is defined as a tingling, warm, or cold sensation experienced on the skin due to disturbances generally of a neurological nature. This abnormal sensation triggers a scratching response in the dog's snout, and it will rub the area quite frequently. Possible causes of canine facial paresthesia include hyperparathyroidism (due to elevated calcium levels) or facial nerve damage.

As you can see, the possible causes of snout scratching are varied and of different severity, so it's very important that, if you notice this behavior in your dog, you see your vet as soon as possible so they can determine its cause.

Bibliography Carlson and Giffin. 2002. Manual práctico de veterinaria canina. Madrid. Editorial el Drac.