Why do dogs like belly rubs

Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs So Much?

One of the most joyous parts of owning a pet is cuddling. Many dogs seem to love having their bellies rubbed. They happily flop on their backs, tongue lolling and tail wagging as they await tummy scratches. However, some dogs do this to send a message and are not asking for belly rubs. Learn why some dogs love belly rubs while others don't.

Why Do Dogs Expose Their Bellies?

Dogs roll on their back and expose their bellies to us for two main reasons: as a display of appeasement, and as a request for a belly rub. It's important to know what your dog is telling you before you go in for belly rubs.

A dog adopting an appeasement gesture (also called a submissive display) is trying to diffuse social tension by showing that they're not a threat. If you pet a dog who's showingsubmissive or appeasing behaviors, itcan make the dog more nervous because you're now touching him in very vulnerable parts of his body.

Asking For Belly Rubs

Dogs who actually want belly rubs will generally show the following body language signals:

• Body is loose and wiggly
• Mouth isrelaxed and openyou might see their tongue flopping around
• Eyes are open or squinty, bright and not necessarily staring at anything
• Tail is relaxed and may be wagging
• Vocalizations may occur, such as a "ha-ha" sound as they "laugh" or a light panting sound; silence is normal as well

Appeasement Display

In contrast, a dog who is showing submissive or appeasing behavior will look like this:

• Body istense and lowthey may crouch, freeze, or tense up
• Mouth is tense withlips pulled far back in a "fear grimace," or lips and mouth may be closed, you may see lots oflip-lickingand tongue-flicking
• Eyes arewide open and staring into the distance or squinty and tense; the dog may show the whites of their eyes as they look at you without turning their head
• Tail may be still or wagging, but will have tension in the base of the tail and the tail may be tucked
• Vocalizations may occur as soft whining, or the dog may be quiet

Most people find it easiest to watch the dog's tail and mouth but keep in mind that a wagging tail doesn't equal a happy dog. A tucked, stiff, fast tail wag is not the same as a full-body, loose tail wag!

Why Do Dogs Love Belly Rubs?

It probably feels really good to get rubs and scratches in a hard-to-reach area. Dogs can scratch their own shoulders, necks, and heads with their hind feet, but they really don't have a good way to scratch their own tummies. Some dogs will even kick one or both legs during a belly rubthis is a normal action called a scratch reflex.

Many dogs also enjoy rolling on carpet or grass to scratch their backs. Anecdotally, it seems that many dogs seem to enjoy getting a belly rub while they also scratch their backs. Think of how nice it feels to have someone rub your back or scratch an itch that you can't reach. No wonder dogs love getting a helping hand with their belly rubs.

How to Give a Great Belly Rub to a Dog

Not all dogs love belly rubs. Most dogs don't always want a belly rub, either. If your dog doesn't love belly rubs or doesn't want one right now, it's no big deal. Some dogs just aren't into it, or maybe your dog just isn't in the mood.

Many dogs really only enjoy belly rubs in the morning when serotonin levels are highest, or when they're really relaxed.

You can help your dog love belly rubs even more by learning how to give a good belly rub. Here are the basic steps to giving an excellent belly rub, which are modified from thepat-pet-pause protocolfor petting dogs:

1. Watch to see if your dog is asking for a belly rub. Check the body language listed above. If your dog doesn't seem to want a belly rub right now, don't push it. The best way to teach your dog to trust you and love belly rubs is to respect him when he says "No, thank you."

2. Kneel down. Keep your body language loose and relaxed at first.

3. Rub the belly! Try open-palmed, fingernails-in, circular, or even patting motions. After three to five seconds, stop petting.

4. See what your dog does next. If he paws at you, stays put, or otherwise shows that he'd like more petting, go back in for more. If he gets up and leaves, belly rubs are over.

5. Try changing up what sort of petting you use and see what different results you get. You might be surprised to find a new type of belly rub that your dog loves even more.

The most important thing is to respect your dog's wishes and pet him the way he'd like to be petted. If you read your dog's body language, you will ensure your dog loves belly rubs even more than he already does!

Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs?

Dogs are pretty good at telling us they love getting belly rubs, even if they can't say it verbally. They get loose and wiggly, roll around on their backs, and seem to sport giant smiles.

Dr. Samantha Stanley, a veterinarian at GoodVets in Charlotte, North Carolina, says belly rubs can be one way to show your dog that you love them.

But why do dogs like belly rubs, and what does a belly rub feel like to a dog? Stanley offers insight into those questions and more.

Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs?

Research proves the importance of touch in animal wellness, whether it be a belly rub or a scratch behind the ear. A 2011 study found that in as little as three minutes of physical interaction with their humans, dogs experience an increase in happy hormones (oxytocin), a decrease in stress hormones (cortisol), and a change in heart rate. The humans doing the petting experienced similar emotional effects.

The benefits of physical touch arent limited to dogs interacting with their pet parents. Another study involving shelter dogs found that just 15 minutes of petting was able to calm pupspotentially improving their chances of adoption.

In other words, belly rubs induce chemical and physiological reactions that make your pup feel good while helping to decrease stress.

What Does a Belly Rub Feel Like to a Dog?

I wish we could ask them! Stanley says. But, she says, we can extrapolate what it might feel like based on our own experiences and observations of pups while getting a belly rub.

Just like someone giving you a massage, belly rubs and other stroking can feel comforting and relaxing, she says.

And what about the sweet spot that always makes your dog kick their legs during a belly rub? You've found a patch of nerve endings that sends signals to your dog's brain and spinal cord, which in turn instructs them to kick their legs. This is called the scratch reflex, and its job is to protect your dog from dangers like crawling bugs and parasites.

Belly rubs induce chemical and physiological reactions that make your pup feel good while helping to decrease stress.

While the scratch reflex doesn't necessarily mean your dog likes being scratched in that particular area, it doesn't necessarily indicate discomfort either. You'll have to distinguish the difference by reading your dogs body language.

How To Give Your Pup the Best Belly Rub

When a pup rolls on their back, paws in the air, it's natural to want to give them a belly rub. But what's the best way to rub a dog's belly?

Theres no one best belly rub technique.

Stanley says that some dogs like rubbing, while others like more of a patting motion, and some like their belly to be scratched. Smaller dogs generally prefer gentler rubs, but even some large dogs may prefer a less enthusiastic belly scratch.

The sides of the belly are an especially good spot for gentle scratches. Just avoid the more sensitive nipple area (yes, male dogs have nipples too) and dont stay in one spot for too long or apply too much pressure, Stanley recommends. Your pup will tell you when a particular spot feels the best.

Give your pup breaks to ensure theyre still enjoying the attention. If they move away or roll back over, theyve had their fill. But if they remain on their back with their belly exposed, paw at your hand, or nudge you with their noserub on, Stanley says.

Signs Your Dog Doesnt Want a Belly Rub

Keep in mind that dogs cant verbalize their feelings. Instead, its essential to understand your dogs cues, such as ear position, gaze, and body positioning. Any time a dog moves away from you when touching them, it is a great indication they don't want to be touched, Stanley says.

She says to take the context of the situation into consideration, too. Rolling onto their back can either indicate they want a belly rub or just the opposite: Theyre uncomfortable and are showing the most vulnerable part of their body (the belly) to indicate theyre not a threat.

Did you just come home from work and your excited dog rolls on their back when you bend down to take off your shoes? That dog is inviting some physical attention, Stanley says.

On the other hand, lets say youre about to trim your dogs nails when your dog sees the clippers and lies on their back. Stanley says your dog might be scared of the nail trimmers rather than inviting touch.

Body language that indicates your dog doesnt want a belly rub may include:

• Moving away or otherwise avoiding touch

• Ears pointed back and flat

• Tense body position with a closed mouth

• Tail tucked between the legs

• Averted gaze

If your dog seems sensitive to touch in one area or moves away from you when you approach a spot, consult your vet to rule out any injuries or medical causes.

Other Ways to Show Your Dog Affection

If your dog doesn't like belly rubs, there are other places where most dogs enjoy being petted. Stanley says some of the best places to pet your dog include under the chin, on the chest, or near the base of the tail.

Just keep in mind that some dogs may not like physical touch, and it's important to respect those boundaries. Some dogs prefer food over touch, while others like verbal praise, Stanley says. Whatever it may be, theres a way to cater to your dog's love language.

Featured Image:

LittleCityLifestylePhotography/E+ via Getty Images

WRITTEN BY

Janelle Leeson

Freelance Writer

Why Do Dogs Love Belly Rubs? Vet-Approved Interaction Facts & FAQ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Our dogs have us wrapped around their paws. You know its time for a belly rub when your dog flops on their back and looks at you with those big, pleading eyes. Whats so appealing about belly rubs? What makes their tails wag, and their tongues loll with excitement? In short, it just feels good both physically and mentally!

In this article, well discuss why belly rubs are so special to dogs and answer other burning questions about your dog and their tummy.

Why Dogs Love Belly Rubs

Belly rubs hold a special place in your furry friends heart. In 2015, a study discovered that dogs experienced health benefits when being petted by their favorite humans.¹ Just 3 minutes of physical contact can increase oxytocin (happiness hormones), decrease cortisol (stress hormones), and even alter a dogs heart rate. Even better, the human doing the petting experiences similar benefits!

While most dogs prefer to be petted by their favorite human, many benefit even when other people pet them. One study foundthat shelter dogs who were petted for as little as 15 minutes were much more easily calmed.²

Basically, dogs love belly rubs because it makes them feel good!

Does Your Dog Want a Belly Rub? Heres How You Can Tell

Most dogs love belly rubs, but that doesnt mean they want one every second of the day. Many owners have an intuitive sense of when their dog wants a belly rub, and dogs have learned how to ask for what they want by grabbing their owners attention.

If your dog is exposing their tummy, its a pretty good sign that they want a belly rub. However, thats not always the case. Sometimes, dogs roll on their back not for belly rubs but to show submission and prove that they arent a threat. In that instance, it isnt likely that your dog is looking for physical affection.

Keep an eye on your dogs body language to determine whether or not they are requesting a belly rub. If your dog doesnt want to be touched, you may notice the following:

• Shying away from your hand or otherwise avoiding your touch
• Flattened ears pointed backward
• Tense muscles
• Closed mouth
• Tail tucked between legs
• Refusal to meet your gaze

Once you notice any of these signs, back away from your dog and give them space. When they are feeling up to a tummy rub, theyll look much more relaxed and happier.

If your dog continues to avoid your touch for more than a day, it may indicate that they are in pain. You can contact your vet to rule out an injury or illness and schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does talking about dogs and belly rubs ever get old? Not likely! If you want to learn more about your dog and their tummy, look at these frequently asked questions below.

Do All Dogs Love Belly Rubs?

While belly rubs are popular among dogs, not all dogs enjoy them. The tummy is a vulnerable spot for dogs, and some may view a harmless belly rub as a threatening attack. If your dog never seems to enjoy belly rubs, its best to avoid them.

If your dog is among those who shy away from belly rubs, there are plenty of other ways to express your affection for them. You can give them ear scratches, head pats, and other forms of physical affection they enjoy.

What Do Belly Rubs Feel Like for Dogs?

Belly rubs are generally considered a pleasant experience for dogs, assuming that they enjoy that sort of affection. But what do they feel like? Thats a question we may never have the answer to since we cant ask our dogs and have a conversation about it. However, we can make some educated guesses on the subject.

The fact that many dogs get excited about belly rubs suggests that gentle touches on their tummies feel good. Some dogs may even look half asleep partway through a belly rub, leading some to believe that the experience is like a massage for humans.

How Do You Give Your Dog a Perfect Belly Rub?

Sadly, there is no perfect belly-rubbing tactic. However, as your dogs caretaker and best friend, you know more about them than anyone else. With enough time, you can learn how to give them the best belly rub possible by hitting their favorite spots.

While giving your dog a belly rub, remember to use gentle motions. The stomach is sensitive, and rough touches may not sit well with your dog. Stay away from the nipples to avoid snagging them, and dont focus on one spot for too long. Other than that, you will know your dogs preferences best, so trust in your instincts and focus on the areas you think theyll like having rubbed.

Final Thoughts

Belly rubs are a favorite among many dogs. They feel good, and they come from their beloved human, so whats not to love? If belly rubs arent your dogs thing, there are plenty of other ways to express your love.

Playtime, treats, and verbal praise are all great ways to show your dog how much they mean to you. In the end, if your dog feels loved, the gesture of affection is a success.

Featured Image Credit: Evelyn Chou, Shutterstock