Most dogs have a spot on their body that they absolutely love to have scratched. Her eyes roll back, her tongue hangs out and she kicks one leg like mad when you scratch that magical spot. Finding your dog’s tickle spot takes a little dedication and a lot of scratching.
Step 1
Watch your dog closely and see where he routinely scratches himself. Many dogs have difficulty reaching their necks and chests, places commonly associated with ticklish spots. If your dog tries in vain to scratch a certain area, it may be a tickle spot.
Step 2
Run your hands over your dog’s body and watch for a reaction. Some dogs will lift their legs when you hit a ticklish spot, while others will whine or push against your hands.
Step 3
Focus on areas behind the dog’s ears, between his front legs and along his belly. These are common tickle spots in many dogs, and a quick scratch over these spots may result in a happy kick or doggy grin. Scratch with your fingertips, applying a little pressure to give the dog a good scratch.
Step 4
Look for tickle spots when the dog is fully relaxed and resting comfortably. If your dog is playing or excited, he may not be as likely to focus on you and reveal his favorite scratching areas. Just before bedtime or after naps are ideal times for locating tickle spots.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Tips
- Observe the dog closely for signs of excessive scratching. Red, raw skin and constant itching often indicate a flea infestation or skin allergy that requires veterinary attention.
Writer Bio
Louise Lawson has been a published author and editor for more than 10 years. Lawson specializes in pet and food-related articles, utilizing her 15 years as a sous chef and as a dog breeder, handler and trainer to produce pieces for online and print publications.