{"id":4751,"date":"2022-10-04T21:41:22","date_gmt":"2022-10-04T21:41:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/notabully.org\/?p=4751"},"modified":"2023-11-11T20:50:04","modified_gmt":"2023-11-11T20:50:04","slug":"why-does-my-dog-run-away-when-i-sneeze","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/notabully.org\/why-does-my-dog-run-away-when-i-sneeze\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Dog Run Away When I Sneeze?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is well known that dogs are empathetic creatures that can sense our feelings and reflect them. In fact, it\u2019s one of the reasons we love our dogs so much! However, we often forget that they are very different creatures compared to us and don\u2019t speak the same language.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a result, some of their actions or reactions may seem strange to us, and vice versa. Sneezing is one of these actions that are often mistranslated between dogs and their owners.<\/span><\/p>\n

So why do dogs run away when you sneeze? <\/span><\/p>\n

The short answer is the sneeze startled or confused your dog. Sneezes are loud, sudden noises that dogs may instinctually respond to. Sneezes are also used by dogs to communicate playfulness or to de-escalate a situation so they may be confused about what you are trying to say.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We’ll explain this in a lot more detail but first, let’s make sure we understand how dogs use sneezing to communicate.<\/p>\n\n

How Do Dogs Use Sneezing as Communication?<\/b><\/h2>\n

For dogs, sneezing can be an involuntary reaction like our sneezing, but it can also be used as a powerful communication tool to portray a dog\u2019s emotions. Because dog communication relies so much on body language, many sounds that we may think of as insignificant can mean a lot to a dog.<\/span><\/p>\n

Play Sneeze<\/b><\/h3>\n

Sneezing is often used during play with dogs. When dogs play with one another, it closely resembles fighting. To avoid confusion while initiating play sessions, your dog may sneeze to indicate their intentions are friendly and playful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Calming Signal<\/b><\/h3>\n

A calming signal is an action that a dog takes to communicate to deescalate a tense situation. Commonly known calming signals are lip-licking, showing their belly, or even licking each other<\/a>, but sneezing is often used as a calming signal as well. A dog may sneeze to break the tension and communicate to other dogs that they pose no threat.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the video below you can see an excellent example of the play sneeze and the calming signal sneeze used. Both dogs let out sneezing while they were wrestling to communicate that they were playing. <\/span><\/p>\n

At about the 30-second mark, you can see the smaller dog sneeze a few times as a calming signal to let his playmate know that he needs a break. In return, the larger dog walked away, demonstrating just how subtle dog communication can be.<\/span><\/p>\n