What in the world is my pet doing?

Pet owners often have to scratch their head in wonder at the funny things their pets do.

• Why does my dog Charlie walk in circles before lying down? 
• What causes a cat or dog to have the "zoomies"?
• Is Felix the feline loving on me by rubbing his face on my leg?

Dogs and cats have been so well-studied that we understand many of their behaviors and communications. Marlene Cimons of the Washington Post wrote a great story September 30, 2022 on some of these seemingly odd behaviors.

Turns out that dogs scratch around and walk in circles before lying down, just as their ancestors did when making a nest outdoors in the brush. (BTW, nest-making is a key area that we have studied at Blue Toby to come up with great pet beds!).

Both dogs and cats can have the zoomies, where they run around very fast for no obvious reason. While there isn't much research on this behavior, I think it is a way to let off pent-up energy. Our dog Blue used to run in great big circles in the yard after we adopted him and he was free from a cage. Pure joy! 

Scent is also very important to dogs and cats. Cats have scent glands on their face and rubbing on your pantleg is likely about marking you. Dogs urinate and defecate in ways to advertise that they were there, while cats bury their poop to cover up their presence. 

So next time your cat or dog does something you think is odd, just Google it - you might be surprised what he or she is really telling you!