Why Do Dogs Go Crazy When You Blow On Them

Have you just watched your dog go crazy because you blew on him? It is a bit weird how your puppy reacts to you blowing in his face, isn't it? Did he growl or maybe even start yapping? A lot of dogs do that when you blow at them. Were you happily having a playtime session, pursed your lips, and sent a blast of breath in the direction of his snout to which he quickly showed his dislike of by snapping at you? It can be quite scary how such a small act can completely change your pup's mood from playful to aggressive in less than a second. So why do dogs go crazy when you blow on them?

It's a well-documented fact that dogs just do not like it when their owners blow on them. Even though you may have observed your pup lay in front of a fan during warm weather and appear to enjoy the fabricated breeze in his face, you blowing on him is quite another matter. This could well be because he interprets what you consider to be an amusing exhalation as a sign you're actually trying to dominate him. If you've ever noticed two dogs, who are unfamiliar to each other, stand nose to nose huffing and puffing in a fit of heavy breathing until one backs off, you may begin to get an inkling of what is going through his mind when you blow at him. He's going to be completely confused because one minute you're playing the next you are communicating with him in quite abrupt canine language and telling him to back off. All dogs have different temperaments. Some are more placid than others, and a bit like us humans, some have a short fuse and it doesn't take much to annoy them. You blowing air in your dog's face can, for him, become irritating quite quickly. If your pup was fast asleep or even just in a chilled out mood because you'd taken him for a good long walk in the park, those sudden currents of breath you're sending in his direction are just going to be aggravating. If he did it to you when you were trying to take a snooze, it would probably get on your nerves too, wouldn't it? If you're down on your hands and knees, with your face level to your dog's muzzle, your dog may well anticipate that you're either about to show him some affection, initiate some play, or maybe even feed him a treat. The good vibe he's feeling will be replaced with doubt at your intentions when you send that stream of air into his face. He may snap his jaws and try to catch hold of the intangible treat which he thinks you're attempting to give him. 

Dogs go crazy when you blow in their face because they basically just don't like it. If you keep on doing it, he's just going to get more and more confused and annoyed because he just hasn't got a clue what you're doing. It is something they can't understand and so find it very frustrating. It's not the same as if your dog chooses to poke his head out of the car window when you're driving along. Yes, to us, in theory, it might be similar, but to your pup, it really is a whole different ballgame. Snorted breaths are just not the same as a flow of fresh air which carries a multitude of different scents which your dog can interpret and enjoy. Imagine how strong and invasive the smell of extra strong minty toothpaste is, or even a spicy curry, to his sensitive nose. Doing something to your dog which he does not enjoy, even something as innocent as blowing in his face or ears or even up his nose just isn't nice and not the way a good pet owner should behave. It can provoke him to act in a manner he normally does not. But then again, don't we all when someone does something to annoy us?

If you're aware your dog doesn't enjoy the sensation of being breathed on or blown at, it would be wise not to let anyone do it to your dog or to do it yourself. If they (or you) persist in doing it because they find his reaction amusing, your dog may become aggressive to the point where he might just be upset enough to bite them. That is not a good situation to be in, as apart from being very painful and upsetting, you could end up with a lawsuit or worse, have your dog classified as dangerous. Persistently blowing on your dog when he doesn't like it can cause him to suffer some serious stress as well. If it continues over time, your dog could well develop an anxiety disorder and cost you a fortune in medical bills for his treatment. So it's much better all round to just desist from blowing air at your dog.

Yes, dogs can and do go crazy when you blow on them. But keep this in mind, if you have not just cleaned your teeth before you blew at your dog, maybe his disagreeable reaction is for quite a different reason and he is actually recoiling in an effort to try and tell you something else.