Scratching Dogs

[fly258]

Why don't dogs ever scratch themselves with their FRONT paws?

[bensmum]

I was thinking that they would probably overbalance if they did but thinking about it they can sit up on their back legs. I would think it's something to do with the way their front legs bend. They bend forwards so that the couldn't reach most of their bodies. Having said that we did have a dog who used her front paws to scratch at her face occasionally which is, I suppose, one of the few places she could reach. I would be interested to know what the "scientific" reason is.

[divegirl]

As above....my Great Dane always scratches his face with his front paws.....and he looks so cute..... :o].....lol

Lisa x

[drchasuble]

My dachshund tries to scratch his face with his front paws but they're too short and stumpy so he has to lie down and rubs his chin and forehead on the carpet.

[summersoon]

Yeah our springers scratch their faces with their front paws.