Why do Dogs Kick When You Scratch theur Belly?

rockin'robin

rockin'robin

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If you’ve got a dog that loves belly rubs, as many of us do, than you’ve no doubt found “the sweet spot” that gets his leg kicking. This usually happens when you scratch him in his saddle region – the belly, sides, and parts of the dog’s back. The exact spot varies depending on the dog. Some dogs have several spots that get their legs moving.

This silly behavior got us wondering, why do dogs kick their legs when you scratch their belly?

Animal Planet offers this explanation:


Dogs shake or kick their legs when you scratch them because of something known as the scratch reflex. It’s a completely involuntary reaction, which explains why your dog may look as puzzled as you do when it starts to happen. When you scratch or tickle your dog’s belly, it irritates him, much the same way that the wind or a bug might. It activates nerves under his skin that are connected to his spinal cord and relays a message to his leg muscles to kick in an attempt to get rid of the irritant. Of course, you’re the one both providing the “itch” and “scratching” it, so it’s a completely pointless act.

Turns out, by causing the kick, you’re actually kind of irritating your dog (who knew!?). So, if making your dog feel blissful and happy is what you’re going for, just move to another spot that doesn’t cause the kick.

The scratch reflex isn’t just a funny party trick for your dog, either. In fact, veterinarians can use the spot to identify nerve damage or neurological problems. The belly rub kick can be compared to the knee-jerk that humans do when the doctor taps just below your knee with a hammer, or how cats automatically raise their bottoms when you scratch the base of their tail.

Still, a lot of dogs realllllly love having their bellies rubbed, so if your dog is one of them – keep it up!

Does your dog love belly rubs? Does he kick his legs when you scratch him?

http://www.dogingtonpost.com/why-do-dogs-kick-when-you-scratch-their-belly/
 
So this would be the same as someone being tickling and made to laugh which I happen to hate. I am going to tell my doggie I am sorry for doing this to him.
 
My old dog did let me know if he dislikes it or like it.. he seems to like it when i did it to him but not too far. Just lightly when he kept wagging and kicking at the same. he was my adorable baby. I missed him!
 
wonder if happen to cats maybe that why bite if rub tums they hate it
 
caz12 said:
wonder if happen to cats maybe that why bite if rub tums they hate it
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hahahahahahah yeah four of my cats bit my hand. i forget about cats that hate it. LOL one of them did kick legs anyway.
 
they shape like dogs 4 paws and tail so must have same reflex...then if someone rub my stomach my reflex be quick and so would person who tried it..don't think mammels cope with it but fish croc and alligators love it,not sure if I put it to test
 
Frisky Feline said:
My old dog did let me know if he dislikes it or like it.. he seems to like it when i did it to him but not too far. Just lightly when he kept wagging and kicking at the same. he was my adorable baby. I missed him!
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What kind of doggie was he? I don't think we never stop missing our pets.
When I was out shopping with Finlay I had people in their 60's coming up to me and telling me about their pet poodles that had as a kid and how much they still miss them . One guy said after having 2 poodles dies and could not go through heartache of having another dog die and would not get any more dogs. I had cat that would had made it very clear he did not like that. When he was getting a shot he jumped up in the air with his claws out and dared the vet to touch him. It took 2 people to hold him down.
 
a poodle supposed have similar i.q to 15year old, not surprised they clever dogs
 
whatdidyousay! said:
What kind of doggie was he? I don't think we never stop missing our pets.
When I was out shopping with Finlay I had people in their 60's coming up to me and telling me about their pet poodles that had as a kid and how much they still miss them . One guy said after having 2 poodles dies and could not go through heartache of having another dog die and would not get any more dogs. I had cat that would had made it very clear he did not like that. When he was getting a shot he jumped up in the air with his claws out and dared the vet to touch him. It took 2 people to hold him down.
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Hope its working since i found it from back in 2011 on AD. I couldnt view the photo but it should work.

I am not sure what breed was he.. I suspected papillon and terrier mixed. Purrfect size breed dog.
 
Frisky Feline said:
11sdyqs.gif


Hope its working since i found it from back in 2011 on AD. I couldnt view the photo but it should work.

I am not sure what breed was he.. I suspected papillon and terrier mixed. Purrfect size breed dog.
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OHHH! What a sweetheart of a dog he was. Marty is mini poodle westie mix and the "Purrfect size breed dog" too. People had come up to me and said he a perfect size not big or too small. And I can pick him up.
I see why you miss your doggie so much. :hug: Our pets just do not live long enough.
 
whatdidyousay! said:
OHHH! What a sweetheart of a dog he was. Marty is mini poodle westie mix and the "Purrfect size breed dog" too. People had come up to me and said he a perfect size not big or too small. And I can pick him up.
I see why you miss your doggie so much. :hug: Our pets just do not live long enough.
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Thank you. He was a great dog. He was a friendly, easygoing and loving doggie.

Sure he was a mischievous doggie. lol
 
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