Expert: Jannie Balliett - 7/12/2008

Question
Our boxer is 11 years old.  Recently he has started doing something strange.  He will be laying around and suddenly jump up run to the bedroom, jump on the bed and rub his head into our pillows.  He also does this right after he eats.  I think it is maybe a tooth problem. Maybe he is having mouth pain.  What do you think?

Answer
At 11 years old and any older age, they can and often do have teeth and gum problems. Just as people do.

Yes, it could be that, or...

it could be ear mites and he's really rubbing his ears, not mouth.

Some Boxers will rub couches, bedskirts, etc. to rub the goop from their eyes too.

Please take him to the vet and explain his behavior and have a teeth/mouth check-up and check for ear mites as well.

I'm sure it's one of those problems.

If all should check out fine, and no problems, and he still does it-- mark it up as an old age "quirk."

But do have those issues checked please.