Spending time with humans and basking in their affection is one of the best activities for dogs. Many canine pets crave human affection and attention from their owners. Apart from these, dogs also love getting belly rubs. They would lay down and expose their vulnerable underside to ask humans for a good rub. But of course, it is not always the same for all dogs. Some fur babies love it, but there are also those who don’t. It might make you wonder, why do dogs like belly rubs?
There are probably thousands of reasons running on your pet’s mind when you give them a good belly massage. Dogs love belly rubs because they are spending time with you, and they love having your attention. It may also be because it is relaxing for both of you. Until such time that your pets can talk, you will never really understand the exact reason why dogs love belly rubs. What you can do now is to observe their reactions to see if they appreciate your actions or not.
Remember that every dog is unique, some will like it, and others may find it threatening. Let’s find out more about the unique reasons why do dogs like belly rubs.
What Could Be the Reason Why Dogs Like Belly Rubs?
When your dog rolls over to you and reveals their bellies, you should feel special. They are exposing their most vulnerable part to you. And of course, you can’t help but obliged and give them an excellent ol’ rub. Dogs often do this and for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common ones why do dogs like belly rubs:
Stimulates Hair Follicles
Tummy scratches do not only feel good and wonderful. You will see your dog appreciating what you do by enjoying it all with eyes closed and lolling tongue. While you are giving them a good rub, they release endorphins, feel-good hormones, and oxytocin levels. Giving them a belly rub is like getting a scalp massage for humans. It provides excellent hair follicle stimulation, along with all the positive feelings that they love.
Provides Physical Contact and Bonding
Mutual grooming or allogrooming is one of the ways that canines establish and maintain relationships. This behavior can be observed in many animal species. Petting and touching your pet will reinforce the bond between you, and they will become more trusting of you as their owner.
Reinforcing the Behavior
Some of our dogs’ behaviors are learned over time – even belly rubs. When they are still puppies, and you indulge them with scratches and rubs, they begin to love this activity with you. It is one of their chances to spend time and bond with you. Thus, if your pet comes to you and exposes their bellies, it is an invitation or asking to have their belly rubbed and attention from the owner they love.
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They Can’t Reach Their Belly
Dogs roll over their back sometimes because it itches, and they can’t reach it. And there are times that their bellies are also feeling a bit itchy, and they can’t easily scratch it. They need your help to do that. So when your pet comes to you and shows you their tummy, it could mean that they want you to rub their abdomen because they can’t reach it. And when you indulge them, it feels comforting and good.
It Feels Good Both Ways
Being petted and touched feels good to a dog. Like humans, dogs also love receiving affectionate touches from people they love or their pack members. When you belly rub dogs, it provides them a pleasant sensation and lowers their heart rate. Likewise, the benefits of stomach rub also extend to human owners. Petting dogs for 10 minutes reduces cortisol levels, thus providing relief from stress for owners.
Submissive Behavior
When your dog rolls on their backs when they see you, it could be asking for a belly rub, or they are showing a sign of submission. It is different in a way that dogs sometimes, and you must also take note of your pet’s other actions. When they adopt a submissive display, they want to diffuse social tension and show that they are not a threat. When you pet a dog showing a sign of submission, it can make them more nervous because you touch its vulnerable body parts.
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How to Give the Best Belly Rubs for Your Dog
Not all dogs appreciate having their bellies rubbed. And most fur babies are not always interested in having their tummies scratched. If your dog doesn t like getting petted or rubbed in their stomachs, it is not a big deal. Some dogs are just not into it or are not in the mood to expose their vulnerable side.
Pet parents often notice their pets asking for a belly rub in the morning or during play sessions. It is when they are most relaxed, and the serotonin levels are highest. If you enjoy bonding with dogs through rubs and scratches, you can make them love belly rub by learning how you can give them a good scratching.
- Notice if your pet is asking for a belly rub. They may show signs such as loose, wiggly posture, open and relaxed mouth, and relaxed wagging tail.
- If your pet is not interested in a belly rub, don’t push it. You can teach your dog to trust you and like belly rubs if they are interested in it too. Respect them when they say “no.”
- Kneel or sit down at their level. Keep your body language relaxed and loose.
- Start petting them in the head, back, and before proceeding to rub their belly. Try open-palm, circular, fingernails-in, as well as patting motions.
- Stop rubbing after a few runs and see what your pet does next. If they show that they like it, such as if they paw at you, give them some more love. If they get up and leave, then the belly rub is over.
- Next time, try to change the kind of petting you use on your dog to see different results. There might be a motion that they prefer, and they’ll eventually learn to love the belly rubs you give.
You need to respect your dog’s wishes and give in to petting them if they love it. Learn to listen to your dog’s body language for you to know if they like the way you give them rubs or if they are not interested too.
Is it Okay to Give My Dog Belly Rubs?
Dogs often lie on their backs comfortably to expose their bellies for affectionate rubs from their owners. When you rub their bellies, you are indulging your pets by showing them your love and affection. Asking for belly rubs often is a sign that they need your companionship and your attention.
But what if my dog doesn t like belly rubs. Some consider belly rubs to be a threatening cue and hate having humans touch their underside. Thus, it would be best if you always took note of how your dog reacts the first time you try to rub its belly.
Dogs who like their bellies rubbed will wag its tail, lie down and roll their back to give you more areas to rub. But those who do not like it will hold its tail between their legs and become nervous. Some may even snarl or growl if they feel threatened. If this happens, stop patting their belly and let them be.
Rub or scratch your dog’s belly only when they show interest in it. It is very rare for dogs to have an aversion to belly rubs. It may even be a symptom of stomach issues or other health concerns.
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Conclusion
Generally, dogs love having their bellies rubbed by their owners and the people they love. Belly rubs provide chances for owners and dogs to bond and show each other affection. It goes down to the science of reciprocal grooming, a relaxing sensation, and as simple as a good scratch to a spot your pet cannot reach.
On the other hand, there are a few pets who are not comfortable receiving belly rubs. If your pet shows displeasure or becomes tense when you touch their belly, it is best to stop doing it. Some may feel threatened when you touch their vulnerable spot and try to snarl, bark, or bite you. Always take note of your dog’s behavior before touching their belly. Only when a dog deliberately rolls over to show their stomach in a relaxed manner should you start giving them belly rubs.
When your pet loves belly rubs, they will not show any inhibition and display their bellies often to get a good rub from you. Canines love the attention and affection that you shower them. It makes them feel happy, secured, and protected. It is likely that they trust you and feel pleasure in being in your company. Finally, these could be just some of the reasons why do dogs like belly rubs.
