Mystery Solved! This Is Why Your Dog Kicks When You Scratch His Belly

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Why do they do that?Science reveals the story behind all that crazy kicking.

Ever wondered why your dog goes bananas when you scratch him in that one perfect spot on his belly? Never fear, we’ve got the answer!

Unexpectedly, this canine kick reaction is actually a self-protection mechanism for your pooch. Otherwise known as the scratch reflex, this involuntary response is there to make sure your dog is safe from dangerous bugs or irritants.

Under specific parts of your pooch’s skin, there are sets of neural pathways that connect to their spinal cord. When you scratch your dog’s belly in “the spot”, the nerves are activated. Then, they send a message to the dog’s spinal cord, which activates the kicking reflex.

When you think about it, it actually makes a lot of sense: if Fido has fleas, the scratch reflex will likely be activated by the itchiness. In turn, the kicking might knock off some of the pesky critters, thus easing some of the itching.

It’s a lot like human reflexes, really. Think about when you accidentally touch a hot stove — you immediately recognize the pain and jerk your hand back, right? If you waited until your conscious brain recognized you were in danger, you could end with severe injuries or worse. For dogs, the scratch reflex does the same thing: it immediately alerts them that something is off and activates the involuntary kicking response.

In more extreme cases, it can also provide a good way for your veterinarian to figure out if your pup is suffering from nerve damage, in much the same way that doctor taps your knee to test your reflexes.

Another great reminder: just because your dog kicks when you scratch his belly, doesn’t mean he actually likes being scratched there. Remember, the scratch reflex is involuntary — it’s really there for swatting away bugs.

While many dogs do love their belly rubs, it’s important to pay attention to the cues your pooch is giving you — you’ll likely be able to figure out their preferences by simple observation.

[Source: MSN]

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Laïka Is a Robot-Like Companion for Lonely Pets

This smartphone-controlled interactive toy for pets will allow you to treat, entertain, and monitor your furry bestie remotely.

Top 5 Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes Part 1

Here are my Top 5 Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes. Dogs love PB, it''s packed with health benefits (the natural kind) and it helps bind the mixture together.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Tara

Meet Tara, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. She is a 1-year-old Papillon Mix from Milpitas, CA. Tara is already spayed, housetrained, up to…

How You Can Protect Pets From Emergencies At Home

How can we make sure our pets are protected if there is an emergency in our home? Read on to find out how to protect pets from emergencies at home. I love my…

PupPod Smartphone-Connected Puzzle Toy Wins Innovation Award

PupPod, an amazing interactive new dog toy, recently won the 2017 Award of Innovation at the KC Animal Health Corridor Investment Fund.

Best Weighted Blankets for Dogs

We’ve handpicked the 10 best weighted blankets for dogs on the market to make sure you can soothe your dog when they need it the most – read on to find the perfect match for your pet’s needs.

Study Finds Owning A Dog Is Beneficial To Your Heart

Proof that dogs make your heart healthy and happy! Here’s one more reason why you should own a dog. The American Heart Association says that dogs may l…

Man Buys Toy Poodles But Gets Ferrets on Steroids Instead

Think you know the difference between a poodle and a ferret? For one Argentinian man, it turned out that the toy poodles he thought he was buying were in fac…

Singapura

The Singapura is such a charming extrovert, playful in a nondestructive way, and delightfully curious, it''s hard to lose patience with him.

Mulga Parrot

The sweet behavior, affectionate personality, and amazing looks of the Mulga Parrot make them ideal pets for singles or seniors.

Bolo Tzu

The affectionate Bolo Tzu is the result of crossing the loving and spirited little Shih Tzu with the quintessential lapdog; the Bolognese.

Researchers Developed A Cat Brush That Looks and Works Like a Feline T

After analyzing the unique structure of the feline tongue, scientists used it as an inspiration to create a revolutionary hair brush for cats.

Lawsuit Filed Against Purina Alleges Potentially Toxic Pet Food

The lawsuit against Purina claims that thousands of dogs have been sickened or died from eating Beneful dog food. The heartbreak that accompanies the sudden…

Scarlet Macaw

The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most recognizable and popular pet parrots today. With a lifespan of up to 75 years, they''ll make a lifelong companion.

Lab Pointer

The Lab Pointer is a hybrid of Labrador Retriever and Pointer. An intelligent, energetic dog that is the perfect addition to the active family.