Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs So Much? 

Highlights:

Dogs like belly rubs for many reasons, the most common of which is simply because it feels good.

Giving your dog belly rubs is a method of bonding with them and showing that you love and care for them. 

Another way to love and care for your dog is to support their longevity through supplementation.

If you want your dog’s tail to wag, you know that the belly is the magic spot. Most dogs absolutely love having their bellies rubbed. If you’ve ever been a few minutes deep into a belly rub with your pup and wondered why they love it so much, you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ll discuss why dogs love being scratched and petted, especially on their bellies, and why some dogs do not. We’ll explain how belly rubs are a form of bonding and trust with you and your dog, and describe other ways you can support that relationship. 

Last, we’ll discuss an often overlooked way of taking care of your dog that is vitally important. 

Why Is the Belly Rub So Coveted?

Most dogs (not all) love a good belly rub. The moment you walk toward them, some dogs instinctively roll onto their backs and present their belly for a rub. Other breeds may prefer a warm-up back scratch before rolling over and allowing you to pat their bellies. 

While it’s pretty common for a dog to love a belly rub, it is important to note that not all dogs enjoy it. Bottom line: It’s never okay to pet a dog’s belly unless they present it to you by rolling over. Attempting to touch a dog’s sensitive stomach could cause them to become fearful if they have not rolled over. 

If you have a dog that does love belly rubs, there are probably a few reasons why.

1. It Feels Good

Dogs enjoy touch from trusted humans, and the skin on the belly is likely more sensitive than the skin anywhere else on their bodies. Additionally, they have thinner fur on their bellies, which means all those feel-good sensations are heightened. 

Think of it like someone gently combing their fingers through your hair or giving you a foot massage. It’s the same type of sensation for your dog.

2. It’s a Way To Bond

Bonding with your dog means earning their trust. One way you can easily tell if you’ve earned your dog’s trust is if they roll over when you approach them. 

Not all roll-overs mean your dog is ready for a belly rub, but if a roll onto the back is accompanied by a wide open mouth, tongue hanging out, and wide, open eyes, the invitation to rub the belly is open. Dogs sometimes roll onto their backs when they feel afraid, but the signs that accompany fear usually include avoidance of eye contact, whimpering, and a closed mouth. 

3. It Increases Happy Hormones

One study showed that as little as three minutes of physical touch from their owners increased a dog’s oxytocin levels. Simultaneously, the study found that the stress hormone, cortisol, was lowered. 

What does all this mean? It means when you give your dog a good, solid belly rub, you’re helping elevate their mood and helping them de-stress. It’s a good thing for both of you, because research supports the benefit extend to dog owners’ hormones, too. 

Want some pointers on how to give your dog a belly rub that will relax them and help them feel amazing? We’ve got a few pointers. 

How To Give an Amazing Belly Rub

There’s no right or wrong way to give a belly rub, and your dog will probably let you know if you do something they don’t like. 

With this in mind, here are some tips to help you give your dog a belly rub they won’t forget:

• Harder scratches for bigger breeds, gentle scratches for smaller breeds. Small dogs with small bellies need to be handled with care. If you have a large dog, you can use a little more elbow grease, but only scratch as hard as your dog allows. If they draw their legs up or suddenly move to their bellies from their backs, be a bit more gentle the next time. 
• Avoid the nipples. Yes, it’s giggle-worthy, but the nipple area on both male and female dogs can be more sensitive. Many dogs won’t like the sensation of having this area scratched. If your dog has particularly thick fur, focus your belly rub on the chest area and upper belly, as the nipples are located from mid-abdomen to the groin. 
• Offer breaks. Some dogs would love a 10-minute belly rub while others may only want a quick, minute-burst of oxytocin-induced scratching. Let your dog lead the way, and give plenty of breaks and opportunities for your dog to right themselves and walk away if they are done. 

Ultimately, giving a belly rub is easy science. Do what your dog likes, and don’t do what they don’t like. It’s a pretty easy way to connect with your dog and earn their trust. It’s also a great way to care for them. 

Another great way to care for them? Supplementation for longevity. 

How Can I Support My Dog’s Longevity?

We all want our dogs to live long and happy lives. And we have also all heard about the quest for longevity in humans.

Longevity15 is the first and only supplement available for dogs that contains pentadecanoic acid, also known as C15:0. C15:0 is an odd-chain, saturated fatty acid that is the first essential fatty acid to have been discovered since the omegas over 90 years ago. 

C15:0 supports your dog’s heart health and liver function by targeting the foundation of your dog’s health: their cells. C15:0 deep dives into cells to keep them supported, which helps support your dog’s entire body. 

C15:0:

• Strengthens cell membranes to keep cells protected and strong.
  
• Supports mitochondrial function. Mitochondria produce ATP, the energy that cells need to carry out cellular processes and keep your dog healthy.
  
• Bolsters cell signaling. Your dog’s cells need to communicate with each other to function better, and C15:0 supports cellular signaling by activating receptors that regulate your dog’s overall homeostasis.
  
• Supports heart health and liver function. C15:0 helps support heart and liver cells, giving your dog’s most important organs the support they need. 

The C15:0 in Longevity15 helps support your dog’s overwell wellness and is one of the smartest moves you can make to help your dog live a longer life. Best of all, it comes free of side effects and won’t ever give them any fishy breath. That means fresher breath and more close cuddles. 

Belly Rubs for a Long and Happy Life

In addition to belly rubs, supporting your dog’s longevity is a great way to protect them and increase your ability to lead a longer, happier life. After a belly rub, walk, or simply as a way of rewarding your dog for being great, share the love with Longevity15. 

Sources:

Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs?

Short-Term Interaction between Dogs and Their Owners: Effects on Oxytocin, Cortisol, Insulin and Heart Rate—An Exploratory Study

Effectiveness of a Daily Honeycomb-Shaped Dental Chew in Reducing Calculus, Plaque, Gingivitis and Malodor in Dogs | PubMed

Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect