Why Do Dogs Like To Have Their Bellies Scratched?
It is undeniable to feel tenderness when we are faced with a dog that exposes its belly to obtain a caress and, at the same time, it is irresistible to extend your hands to rub its belly and see the canine’s face of pleasure. This is where we ask ourselves: why do dogs like to have their bellies scratched?
If you are one of those who have a dog at home, surely you have had to see how it rolls on its back and asks you to caress it. So far so good; It is a sign of affection. But what happens when you see that behavior in a dog that is not yours and is on the street? Will it be a show of affection? We are going to discover why these animals adopt this position.
Why do they show their tummy
When dogs perch to show their bellies, they are not always displaying a behavior associated with happiness. This doggy behavior can have many meanings and, among all of them, the following 2 stand out:
- The dog lies down on the floor – with his mouth open and his tongue out – with his tail and his gaze relaxed: this may be a sign that the dog is happy and wants his tummy caressed.
- The dog shows its belly, but this time its mouth is closed, its tail taut and not staring: this may be a sign that the animal requires its space and does not want anyone to approach. Maybe he just wants rest.
The key is to observe the behavior of the dog to know when it wants to communicate and interact with its environment. In other cases, the postures he takes are only a show of obedience.
Interestingly, it has been postulated that dogs like to have their bellies scratched for more than just a pleasant sensation. When a dog’s hand is passed through its gut, the nerve receptors in its hair follicles are stimulated. This sends a message to the animal’s brain that is linked to an act of social grooming.
How you should caress the belly of dogs
The first thing you should do is get to know the dog well, to understand when he wants to play or is looking for pampering. Then you can gently scratch his tummy; with massages and using the fingertips. You can also rub his belly with the palm of your hand and accompany the act with a few claps.
At this point it is relevant to note that when children caress the belly of dogs, they should do so gently and not hit them hard with their hands. When a dog is handled roughly, it can feel violent and, therefore, be aggressive and cause an accident.
Observe the body language of the dogs
It’s that simple: if you observe the nervous dog and he shows you his teeth a little, stay away, wait a moment. If, on the other hand, the dog arrives sniffing, wagging its tail and ears, it is a sign that it requires attention. This means that you have a free hand to caress her belly.
Another way to spoil dogs
The belly of dogs is not the only favorite part for them when receiving pampering. They also like to have their ears, base of the neck, chest, and head rubbed. After all, touch receptors are in almost every part of the skin.
However, be careful how you touch its head, tail, legs, or snout. Many dogs feel threatened when these parts of their body rub against them.
Feeling of security
To conclude and confirm; caressing dogs’ bellies makes them feel safe and is a way to reassure them. It is also the way to connect the bonds of affection with its owner. Also, for them it is like remembering when they were puppies and felt the affection of their mother and brothers.
If you have young children, teach them the right way to show love, protection, and appreciation to the dog in the house. Despite having been with our species for centuries and loving us unconditionally, dogs are living beings that deserve all the attention, respect and the right to receive affection in an empathic way.
As you have seen in these lines, dogs like to have their belly scratched for many reasons, both social and instinctive. These types of acts foster the connection between the guardian and the animal, a type of bond that remains unbreakable until the life of one of them comes to an end.
