As loving pet parents, we spend a lot of time observing our canine companions. And let’s be honest: some of their behaviors are just plain weird. From munching on the lawn to “running” in their sleep, our dogs keep us guessing.
If you’ve ever tilted your head and asked, “Why do they do that?”—you’re not alone. We’re diving into the science and instinct behind four of the most-Googled dog behaviors to help you better understand your furry best friend.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
It’s a bizarre sight: your dog, who gets premium kibble, happily grazing on your lawn like a cow. This behavior, known as pica (the act of eating non-food items), is surprisingly common. While it can be unsettling, vets and animal behaviorists have several strong theories.
One of the most popular beliefs is that dogs eat grass to soothe an upset stomach. The idea is that the blades of grass tickle their throat and stomach lining, inducing vomiting and clearing out whatever was causing discomfort. However, studies show that less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass, and most don’t appear sick before doing it.
A more likely reason is rooted in their ancestry. As the American Kennel Club (AKC) notes, wild canids (like wolves) are omnivores and would consume the entire prey, including the plant-filled stomachs. Your dog’s grass-eating habit might just be a lingering instinct to get more fiber.
It could also simply be boredom, anxiety, or that they just plain like the taste and texture.
When to worry: While the act itself is usually harmless, be mindful of what is on the grass. Pesticides and herbicides are toxic. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, if the behavior is sudden and compulsive, it’s best to consult your vet to rule out any nutritional deficiencies or underlying illness.
- Sources:
- American Kennel Club (AKC): https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-does-my-dog-eat-grass/
- VCA Animal Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/why-do-dogs-eat-grass
Why Do Dogs Lick?
A sloppy “kiss” from your dog is often seen as the ultimate sign of affection. And in many cases, it is! But licking is a much more complex and vital form of communication than just a simple smooch.
This behavior starts in puppyhood. Puppies lick their mothers to request food and for comfort. Their mother licks them to clean them and stimulate them to go to the pot. As they grow, this instinct evolves.
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) explains that licking can be a sign of submission to a more dominant “pack member” (which is often you!). It’s a way of saying, “I’m friendly, I’m not a threat.” It can also be a very effective attention-seeking tool—they lick you, you react, and they’ve learned it works.
Sometimes, the reason is simple: you taste good. The natural salts on our skin are appealing to dogs.
When to worry: Licking becomes a concern when it’s obsessive. If your dog is licking their own paws, legs, or flanks raw, it’s a major red flag. PetMD notes that this can be a sign of allergies, skin irritation, parasites, joint pain (they lick the sore spot), or even severe anxiety. If you notice compulsive licking of themselves, you, or objects, schedule a visit with your veterinarian.
- Sources:
Do Dogs Dream?
If you’ve ever seen your sleeping dog’s legs twitch, their “voice box” whimper, or their paws “run,” you’ve probably guessed the answer. All scientific evidence points to a resounding yes, dogs absolutely dream.
During sleep, the canine brain follows sleep cycles very similar to the human brain, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. This is the deep stage of sleep where most vivid dreaming occurs in humans. Scientists monitoring dogs’ brain activity during this stage have recorded patterns that strongly suggest they are dreaming.
So, what are they dreaming about? While we can’t ask them, experts believe they dream about… dog stuff! As researchers told Psychology Today, they are likely replaying and processing their daily activities. Your dog is probably dreaming about chasing that squirrel in the backyard, mastering a new trick, running on the beach, or simply enjoying your company.
In fact, the size of the dog may influence the dream. Small dogs, like Toy Poodles, tend to have more frequent but shorter dreams. Large breeds, like Golden Retrievers, may have fewer, but longer, dream sequences. So, when you see those little twitches, just smile and know they’re probably on a fun adventure.
- Sources:
- Psychology Today (Stanley Coren, PhD.): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201010/do-dogs-dream
- VCA Animal Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/do-dogs-dream
Why Do Dogs Howl?
That long, soulful, and sometimes ear-splitting howl is a direct, primal link to your dog’s wolf ancestors. It’s a form of communication that has served canines for thousands of years.
The Humane Society of the United States explains that howling is a multi-purpose tool. In the wild, it’s a “find my pack” or assembly call. A wolf separated from its group can howl to give away its location and hear the responding howls to find its way back. Your dog might do this when you leave, a behavior often linked to separation anxiety—they are “calling” for their pack leader (you) to come home.
It’s also a territorial defense. Howling announces a dog’s presence and claims their turf, warning other dogs to stay away. This is often why sirens, musical instruments, or even your singing voice can trigger a howl. Your dog isn’t in pain; they are interpreting that high-pitched sound as another dog howling in their territory and are instinctively “answering” back.
Of course, it can also be a simple attention-seeking behavior or, in some cases, a response to pain or discomfort. Pay attention to the context to understand what your dog is trying to tell you.
- Sources:
- The Humane Society of the United States: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/howling-why-dogs-do-it
- American Kennel Club (AKC):