Petting your dog can be one of life’s purest joys. Their fur is so soft and soothing, and they normally love the attention. When they roll over and want a tummy rub, it’s impossible to resist.
Some dogs even enjoy a little rough-housing or wrestling, and know not to bite. If you have multiple dogs, you might have seen them play-fighting with each other.
But what about tickling? Do your dogs get ticklish at all? If you try to tickle them, will they appreciate it, or will they get irritated?
Here’s some facts about dogs and tickling to “tickle your funny bone.”
Is My Dog Ticklish?
Have you ever tried to tickle your dog? Did he then give you a weird “are you crazy or what” look? Or did he act like he enjoyed what you were doing, kick his legs around, and give a silly grin?
According the American Kennel Club, dogs have the same nerve endings on their skin as people. That means they can indeed feel a feather-light brush against their skin in the same way as a human would.
However, dogs have fur that is often thick, and they react differently to touch. Get ready for some scientific terms that better explain how they feel:
Knismesis
Knismesis is the light touch across the skin that we know as tickling. It is the sensation that both humans and dogs can feel, and is similar to when a little bug crawls around on your skin. It also feels similar to goosebumps or itching.
Gargalesis
Gargalesis doesn’t have anything to do with gargling, believe it or not. It is another word for tickling. Gargalesis is the sensation that sends people into laughing fits. Dogs don’t have this awareness. So don’t expect your dog to burst out laughing, go into hysterics, or laughingly plead for you to stop the torture!
This doesn’t mean that a dog can’t feel tickling. He can definitely sense it. He just reacts differently to it.
How Can You Tell if Your Dog is Tickled?
Even though your dog may not burst out into hysterics when he is tickled, there are other indicators that you’ve hit the right spot:
- He reacts to your touch differently.
- Your dog flicks his ears.
- He pulls away a foot, or two.
- He twists his back in an odd manner.
- He wrinkles his nose.
- Your dog tries to pull away.
- Your dog pants or sighs, a doggie form of laughing.
What Parts of a Dog Are Ticklish?
Just like people, each individual dog can have its own ticklish spots. Some people may be more ticklish on their stomachs, and others on their neck; it’s the same with dogs. One dog may have a ticklish tummy. Another may find a feather-light touch against his arm to be ticklish.
Some common tickle spots on many dogs:
- Belly
- Neck
- Sides
- Ears
- Back
- Paws
- Base of tail
If you set out to investigate your dog’s tickle spots, you may find that some pups are more sensitive than others to tickling. Depending on how sensitive your dog is, he might appear to grow bored of your “game” and want to be done.
Or, you just might find the right spot and send him into a rolling, leg-kicking fit on the floor.
Is It OK To Tickle Your Dog?
Several factors are important to consider before tickling your dog. Unless you already know that your dog is ticklish, of course.
Knowing Your Dog’s Puppyhood History
If a dog has been tickled in its puppyhood, it may have learned to enjoy the process. It may then react well to light scratches and touches. And they may enjoy a light tickling session because it is the process of giving them attention. It lets them know how much you love them, and it allows them to love you back.
On the other hand, if dogs never experienced being tickled as a puppy, the process may make them anxious or irritated. Be aware and watchful of signs indicating your pup is not enjoying the “tickle session”.
Medical Issues
If your dog has abdominal pain of any type, a sore paw, an ear infection, or any other lingering or long-term health issue, he may not enjoy tickling. These things will cause him to have more sensitivity, and he may become irritated or it may make him feel worse.
If your dog walks away, pulls away in any manner, or acts irritated, that’s a clear sign to stop tickling. If you tickle him when he isn’t reciprocal, this may encourage negative behavior in your dog. In turn, this will impact how close your bond can grow with your dog. Play time should be fun time, whether human or animal.
Tickling or a Scratch Reflex?
If your dog rapidly kicks its leg while you’re rubbing its belly, you may be tickling him. But you might have just caused his involuntary scratch reflex to kick in. Just like humans have “knee-jerk” reactions to touches that feel funny, dogs have a reflexive action.
You’ve likely already discovered your dog’s reflexive reaction if you hit the right spot on his belly or sides. It can be hard to determine sometimes whether it’s the reflexive doggie action or he’s being tickled. Just be watchful of your dog’s mood and reaction, and try not to overdo the touches that cause leg-kicking.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s tickling or petting, giving attention to your beloved pup is always an enjoyable way to spend time. It helps to form a better bond with your dog. It also lets you grow more familiar with what he likes and dislikes.There are many fun ways to spend time with your dog, including various games and activities. But petting, cuddling, and even the occasional tickle or two can be the best ways of all!