Why don’t dogs like when you blow on them?

Most dogs don’t like being blown on because it’s an odd, uncomfortable sensation that comes out of nowhere: a sudden rush of air hits their sensitive nose, eyes and ears, while your face is very close to theirs. To a dog, it doesn’t mean anything friendly, so it can feel annoying, confusing or even threatening, which is why some dogs flinch, bark, or snap.

Dogs and puppies love being petted and scratched behind the ears, so why do they react so badly to a little puff of air? Let’s look at the most likely reasons, and what to do instead.

Reasons why dogs don’t like when you blow on them

Here are 5 possible explanations for why dogs might not enjoy being blown on:

1Coming too close with your face

When you blow on your dog, you are coming close to their face with yours. For some dogs, this can be uncomfortable or even scary. In dog body language, putting your face right up to another’s face can come across as pushy or confrontational, and some dogs may not appreciate having someone invade their space in such a way. If your dog seems uncomfortable when you blow on them, it’s best to respect their space and back off.

This is especially important for children. Many dog bites to kids happen when a child puts their face close to a dog’s face, so teach children never to blow in a dog’s face.

2The sound of your breath

Dogs have much sharper hearing than we do, which means that sounds that seem normal to us can be quite loud and startling to them. When you blow on your dog, especially near their ears, the rush of air makes a sudden whooshing sound that they may find confusing or even frightening. If this is the case, your dog may startle or try to move away from the source of the noise.

3They may not like the feeling

While we might enjoy the feeling of a gentle breeze on our skin, dogs may not feel the same way. Some dogs may find the sensation of your breath on their skin to be unpleasant. If your dog doesn’t like the feeling of your breath on them, they may try to move away or even growl or snap at you.

4Dogs have sensitive noses

When you blow on your dog, the air from your mouth hits their nose and often their eyes too. Dogs have very sensitive noses that they keep moist to help them pick up scents, and a blast of air can dry the nose and feel unpleasant. It can also make their eyes water or blink. If this is the case, your dog may try to move away, lick their nose or shake their head to get rid of the feeling.

5Dogs Don't Like to Be Surprised

Perhaps the most likely explanation for why dogs don’t like being blown on is that it catches them off guard. Blowing isn’t something dogs do to each other, so it has no clear meaning to them, and the sensation arrives suddenly and without warning. Dogs generally feel more secure when they can predict what’s about to happen, so an unexpected puff of air can make them jumpy or defensive. If your dog doesn’t like surprises, it’s best to avoid blowing on them.

Pay attention to your dog’s body language. Turning the head away, lip licking, yawning, flattening the ears, or showing the whites of the eyes all mean “I don’t like this,” and a growl or a snap means you should stop immediately.

You Should Try Something Else If You Want to Get a Dog’s Attention

As any dog lover knows, every dog has its own likes and dislikes, and even the same dog may enjoy a certain type of attention one day and not the next. If your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy being blown on, don’t despair. If you want to get your dog’s attention, simply call their name, make a kissy noise or crouch down and invite them over.

There are plenty of other ways to show your dog love and attention. Just stick to petting, scratching, and belly rubs (for dogs that enjoy them) instead! Many dogs love a good scratch; see why dogs smile when you scratch them. These are all tried-and-true methods for showing your dog some loving care. So go ahead and give them a try – your dog is sure to appreciate it.

Conclusion

Dogs have sensitive noses and they may not like the feeling of your breath on their skin. They may also be startled by the sound of your breathing or the sensation of being blown on. If your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy being blown on, try something else instead. Petting, scratching, and belly rubs are all great ways to show your dog some love.

Other Common Questions

1Do dogs like being hugged?

Dogs usually don’t like being hugged because it can make them feel uncomfortable or trapped. If you want to show your dog love, try petting them or giving them a treat instead. (Some dogs even pant while being petted; we explain why your dog pants when you pet him.)

2Does my dog like being kissed?

Again, this depends on the dog. Some dogs tolerate or enjoy being kissed by people they know well. Others may not like it because it means a face coming very close to theirs. It’s best to “ask” your dog first: move in slowly, and if they turn away, stiffen or lick their lips, give them space.

Can I tickle my dog?

This is another one that depends on the dog. Some dogs seem to enjoy being tickled, while others find it annoying or even painful. If you’re not sure whether your dog likes being tickled, try a quick “consent test”: tickle for a few seconds, then stop. If your dog leans in or nudges you for more, they’re enjoying it; if they move away, they’re not.

3Do dogs like being held?

This depends on the dog. Some dogs feel comforted and safe when they’re being held, while others may feel trapped or constrained. If you’re not sure whether your dog likes being held, watch their body language: a relaxed, soft body means they’re comfortable, while squirming, stiffening or trying to jump down means they’d rather have four paws on the ground. Always support a dog’s chest and back end when you lift them.