In an article by The Bark, Dr. Bonnie Beaver, professor of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M University, explains, “The reason most dogs like their rears scratched is because that is a very hard area for them to reach themselves…Think about the hardest place you have to reach in the middle of your back, and how nice it is if someone will scratch that for you.”
This is an area that you can pet without the dog being in a vulnerable position, like if they rolled over for a tummy rub (which many dogs love – but not all of them!). When you scratch pooches here, they can keep you in full view so they won’t feel like you’re going to “sneak up” on them.
Most dogs relish getting pets by the people they love, and some are so friendly, they enjoy kind strokes from anyone they meet! But while pups may appreciate our affectionate scratches, all tender touches aren’t created equal.
While pups enjoy gentle strokes on the underside of their snouts, this is also a good place to pet a dog you’ve just met (with the owner’s permission and after the pup has sniffed you, of course!). While some people instinctively reach for a dog’s head, the pooch may perceive this as a threat, explains PetMD. Going under the chin is a better bet, especially for skittish dogs.
As with their rumps, the back of a dog’s neck – particularly under the collar – may be hard from them to reach. Plus, wearing a collar may make the area a little more itchy, so when you’re both safely inside, do Fido a favor by taking it off for a nice, thorough scratching!
Nerves under the skin connected to the spinal cord relay a message to your dog’s leg to kick without it having to pass through the brain.
When your pet kicks in response to a scratch, it looks pretty funny to us, right? Is it funny for our pets too? Not so much. It actually startles your pet. Like a bug landing on their nose. That’s probably why your dog looks just as puzzled by their own behavior. It’s the same type of reflex that occurs when your cat lifts its butt high when you scratch the tail’s base.
Have you ever noticed that when you scratch your dog’s belly, something unusual occurs? It happens every time you hit the “sweet spot.” You know the one. Suddenly, your dog starts kicking his back leg like he’s running on his side.
What’s even cooler about this reflex is that it can help your veterinarian uncover potential problems. By activating this reflex, your vet can determine if there is nerve damage or neurological damage occurring in certain areas.
If you have any questions about your dog, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here! Please give us a call.
My American Eskimo (Jersey) used to like having his forehead rubbed — right between his eyes. And if you ventured toward the sides a bit — right over his eyelids — he’d practically fall asleep on the spot.
I recently discovered that my 7-month-old Black Lab/Great Pyrenees mix (Tenor) starts “talking” to you every time you touch the inside of his ears. He groans with delight whenever you rub the inside of his ears with your finger (…using the same wide, circular motion that you would when applying a doggie ear cleaner.)
For the record, he’s never even had his ears cleaned yet. But our 3-year-old Black Lab/Golden Retriever mix (Destin) has been receiving regular ear cleanings for the past couple of years now. More on that here.
A close runner-up for Destin, though, is a good ear rub. But he prefers an external ear-rub, as opposed to an internal rub like Tenor. We use the same circular motion as when applying the ear cleaner, only it’s his own ear flap massaging the inside of his ear instead of a cotton ball or my fingers. It practically puts him in a trance.
Destin‘s “sweet spot” is low on his belly, close to his hind legs. If you get it just right, he’ll even start reflexively “scratching” with that leg at the same time. And when you stop, he’ll lightly paw you with his front leg for more (…at the same time he’s giving you the saddest puppy-dog eyes).
The Real Reason Dogs Kick When You Scratch Them
More specifically, Penny loves having the sides of her face massaged in a circular motion. It puts her to sleep every time
Now that Penny knows we know her sweet spot, she’s not afraid to ask for affection
But Penny is not the only one vying for some love. Eko stakes his claim too.
As I’ve documented before, Eko’s a butt-scratch guy. He backs up into my lap and stares at me until he gets his scratch
I only have two hands, so the camera got the boot while the pups got their affection of choice. There’s no getting up until the pups have had their fix. It’s just about the cutest toll there is, and I’m happy to pay.
Eko and Penny’s secret is out, so spill the beans. What brand of affection does your pet like best?