The methodology behind tickling is nerve-wracking. Touch a few sensitive areas of the body, and you give you uncontrollable laughter or twitch that portion of the body with all your might. Is it reliable for our furry pups too?
One question that might have perplexed pet parents- is my four-legged child ticklish or not? Is he/she feeling doggy bliss or just going through a random tickling sensation?
The closest animal to homo sapiens species is a dog. The only distinguishing factor being- we can communicate through speech. And, our furry friends cannot.
Veterinary doctors say that dogs have the same nerve endings and sensations in the skin as we humans do. When we get tickled, there is a bucket load of feelings like tease, laughter, and enjoyment that we experience. Likewise, dogs feel the same. Just that, the reaction depends on how they got tickled when they were growing up. And how sensitive to touch/tickle they are.
If we judge by only those two phenomena, then it says that some dogs are more ticklish than others. And if we understand the deeper meaning behind their feelings- then we find a few more reasons to conclude it. Hold onto your seats and let the information sink in.
There are Two Kinds of a Tickle-
- Light tickling that bears goosebumps.
- Heavy tickling that ejects a thud of laughter in some dogs
Dog’s Laughter-
Dogs make a panting sound when they are playful. Avoid confusing it with the sound they make while you are tickling your dog. You get to witness a dog’s laughter when he or she is with other dogs.
Where Can You Tickle Your Pups?
Every dog has his or her tickle spot. You might have already noticed a tickle spot of your furry friend. Your dog reacts in a certain way when you tickle a particular site. It differs from dog to dog. For some dogs, it is their back. For some, it is the sides or their tummy.
Scratch Reflex
Some pet parents share that the most common reaction to tickling is a kicking foot. When you are tickling your dog, he or she starts involuntarily kicking with one foot. At times, the leg may dance around aimlessly.
Does Your Pup Enjoy Being Tickled?
To bond well with your furry friend, you ought to indulge in light, brief tickle sessions. For one, it is an ideal way of showering love on them.
But some vets advise the opposite.
Some dogs are not so keen on getting tickled.
It can make them feel anxious and grumpy.
You don’t want that.
So, recognize the way your pup feels when you tickle him/ her.
The Bottom Line
Now you know what tickles your furry friend and what creates a fuss in his/her atmosphere. Here are a few pointers to help you pamper better-
- If your pup pulls away from your tickling finger or hand, then that particular spot is causing him/her pain. Avoid it!
- At times, your pup may contract the body part where you are tickling. It’s yet another sign that you should stop tickling right away!
