Every day when I get home from work, I get down on the floor to greet our bulldog, and she sneezes directly into my face. I want to be clear that this is not the typical playful half-sneezes that some dogs do, although she does do that with other people. This is an intense, wet, genuine sneeze.

I have tried ignoring her when I get home, thinking that maybe she just needs to calm down a bit, but she will follow me around the house and start whining if I don’t acknowledge her. It makes me too sad. I have to give in.

I have a pretty dirty job so I usually hop right in the shower when I get home anyway. A bit of canine spittle really isn’t that big of a deal, in the grand scheme of things. I’m really just curious about whats going on. Is she allergic to me?

Thanks

  • foggy@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    Mammal noses have erectile tissue.

    That’s about all I know, do with it what you will.

  • GCanuck@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    Dogs sneeze as a sign of playfulness. It’s usually meant to signal a desire to play.

  • jabathekek@sopuli.xyz
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    7 months ago

    haha maybe she’s just REALLY happy to see you? With other people maybe she’s just “half” happy, but with you she’s intensely and genuinely happy. Just my guess though.

    • ZoidsbergOP
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      7 months ago

      I like this one the best. Lets go with this.

      • NAXLAB@lemmy.world
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        7 months ago

        It’s indirectly true. Dogs do this as part of their body language. When they are excited or playing they sneeze to signal to others. It’s not an actual sneeze it’s just similar.

  • Godnroc@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    Do you wear something with a strong scent? Perfume, cologne, deodorant, too much laundry soap?

  • MamboGator@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    I wonder if it evolved as a way of sharing germs/antibodies with family, and she sneezes biggest on you because she loves you mostest. She is giving you her sneezes so you can be protected from parvo.

    • ZoidsbergOP
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      7 months ago

      Maybe she thinks I have a weak immune system? Like how cats bring rodents to people they see as weak hunters.

  • Nativeridge @aussie.zone
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    7 months ago

    Both my dogs do this at times and it’s definitely happy to be with you and let’s play! Dogs are great