Border Collie Turns Post-Brush Dental Routine Into Melty Face Massage Session

A Border Collie named Susu has captured hearts across social media after wrapping up her daily tooth-brushing routine with a slow, soothing face massage filled with quiet, contented grumbles.

For many dog owners, daily dental hygiene can feel like a gentle wrestling match. Getting a canine companion to tolerate a toothbrush often requires patience, peanut butter-flavored toothpaste, and plenty of coaxing. But for Susu, a sweet-natured pup whose family shares her life via

, post-brush grooming has evolved into an indulgent personal spa ritual.

In a video that has delighted dog lovers, Susu lies comfortably on her back in her dad's lap. Having just finished having her teeth cleaned, her bright white bottom teeth peek out beneath her lips in an adorable, upside-down grin. Rather than jumping up to race around the room, the pooch stays completely still, soaking in every second of one-on-one affection.

As her human's thumbs rhythmically glide over her muzzle, cheeks, and jawline, Susu lets out a continuous series of low, rhythmic puppy grumbles that sound like a gentle purr. Her eyes slowly blink and flutter shut, showing complete, unguarded trust.

Toward the end of the clip, her dad cups both hands around her snout to form a heart shape, and Susu barely moves a muscle, thoroughly immersed in the bliss of the moment.

The Calming Power of Canine Facial Massage

While Susu’s pampered routine looks like pure luxury, facial massage offers measurable physical and behavioral benefits for canines. Dogs carry surprising amounts of muscular tension in their jaw, temporomandibular joints, and facial muscles from chewing toys, carrying items, and intense focus during play.

Gently rubbing a dog's cheeks and the bridge of their muzzle stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing heart rates and signaling safety. For high-drive working breeds featured in our Border Collie hub, who spend hours sprinting across fields or mountain trails, these structured decompression sessions provide essential mental rest.

Pairing physical touch with essential maintenance also creates positive associations that make ongoing dog-care effortless. When a potentially intrusive task like teeth cleaning or nail clipping is consistently followed by soothing strokes and peaceful praise, dogs learn to anticipate the reward rather than resist the routine.

Dog owners hoping to introduce calming touch at home can start small:

• Begin with light, circular thumb motions around the base of the ears and temples where tension naturally gathers.
• Work gently along the cheekbones and zygomatic arch, paying close attention to your pet's body language.
• Watch for signals of relaxation such as heavy sighs, slow eyelid blinks, and soft vocalizations, while immediately releasing if the dog turns away or shows stiffness.

Exploring thoughtful grooming rituals transforms basic hygiene into genuine bonding time. As Susu happily proved with each gentle grumble, a little extra tenderness turns ordinary routines into the best part of the day.