Why do dogs roll on their backs? From Mood to Mark

Have you ever noticed your dog immediately rolling on his back when you step into the backyard? Or maybe you see dogs rolling on your back every time you come to say hello. This belly-up curiosity can have many reasons, from relieving an itch to inviting a friend to play. In most cases, dog rolling on his back is very normal behavior.

However, there are also certain signs to look out for. If your dog is lying on his back compulsively, allergies and skin infections are possible. Context matters. Where and when your dog is on his back can tell you a lot about how your dog is feeling and what they need or want in this moment.

So how can you tell the difference between an itch and a joy roll? We consulted Nicole Ellis, CPDT-KA, a certified professional dog trainer to help analyze the reasons dogs roll on their backs. You may even learn how to better communicate with your dog after discovering how to read dog behavior.

Is your dog itchy?

Like us, dogs also experience itching in hard-to-reach areas of their backs. A good roll on the ground can provide a satisfying feeling and help them achieve the perfect position.

Different surfaces can also feel great, depending on how itchy the dog is. “Sometimes [different textures] Ellis said. Grass, dirt, bushes, and carpeting all give your dog unique sensations.

However, be wary of scratching that doesn’t stop. Excessive rolling and scratching that cannot be interrupted or is a compulsive behavior can be a sign of allergy or other medical problems. Definitely take your dog to the vet if you notice any open wounds as a result of this behavior.

“It’s best to go to the vet and make sure something medical isn’t happening,” says Ellis, “because it could be a sign of worms or something else.” “.

Seasonal allergies are a common reason for itching, and you can address these symptoms with Allergy dog ​​shampoo. You may also notice other symptoms such as scratching your ears, picking or licking your feet. Some home remedies that can help prevent allergies, but talk to your vet first. For severe cases, your veterinarian may need to prescribe medication to help relieve the itching.

Your dog is leaving — or hiding their scent

There are two related reasons why your dog might roll on his back, especially if this is their first time going somewhere. “Dogs often roll on their backs in new areas to put their scent in that area or pick up items that smell like that from that area on them to disguise their own scent,” says Ellis. Ellis said.

Don’t know what behavior your dog is exhibiting? Observing this behavior over time may give you some additional information. For example, dogs marking that area may be trying to spread their scent while dogs rolling around in smelly items, such as other animals’ feces, may be trying cover their scent.

“Dogs get a lot of information through dog urine and smell it,” says Ellis. Ellis says by smelling another dog’s urine, a dog can tell which dog it is:

• male or female
• change or not
• in the heat or not

It’s not uncommon for marking and peeing to be accompanied by a good backflip, or that a good backflip occurs because your dog likes the scent of something else.

Your dog is showing that they are not a threat

One of the most common turns of events can be when your dog meets a new dog. Sometimes described as “submissive”, this behavior is often to show other dogs or people that they are not a threat.

“That’s usually [a dog] kind of saying, ‘I’m not going to pounce on you. I won’t do anything. ‘ And by rolling on their backs, they expose their most vulnerable parts,” says Ellis. “And they’re saying, ‘There’s nothing to worry about here,’ and they’re showing respect and trust.”

Be sure to observe your dog pee while rolling in submission. If so, Ellis explains that it could be a sign that your dog is feeling scared or worry when meeting another dog.

Due to the vulnerable nature of back rolling, it is important not to force your dog to roll on his back and pin them in that position. Also known as “alpha roll,” this adverse technique can cause a negative association with them lying on their back and make your dog more fearful when they are in this position.

Instead, campaign to keep other dogs away and gently remove your dog from those interactions.

iStock / alexei_tm

Your dog is greeting you

Similar to greeting a dog, our puppies can roll around when talking “Hi” for us. “For example, that’s not the behavior we usually see when we walk into the vet’s office with our dogs. Instead, they will crouch low to protect their belly and body,” says Ellis.

To see if your dog is greeting happily instead of nervously, look for these signs:

• tail flag
• shake your butt
• relaxed eyes and ears

These are also signs that your dog is turning away from a positive place. “They were so excited to meet us and show us their most vulnerable parts,” says Ellis, who notes that this response also shows how comfortable the dog is. yours is for you.

Your dog is happy and feels good

When a dog is in a good mood, they may roll on their back as if to say, “Hi, rub your belly and play with me, please!”

According to Ellis, dogs rolling on their backs while playing can be comfortable because dogs can stretch out and feel comfortable. As with the above, it’s also a sign of trust with their playmates and an expression of wanting to have fun together.

iStock / blackdovfx

Things to know about petting a dog on their back

Pay attention to your dog’s body language when determining yes or no they are inviting you to stroke them while rolling on their backs.

Ellis says a general rule, when your dog comes and rolls near you, is to give them a pet or two, then stop. Ask yourself: “Are they encouraging you to do more? Move their paws, trying to get you to pamper them more? Or are they worried? And I always let the animal decide at that point and communicate with me, is this what they want? ‘ Ellis said.

Another situation where it’s best to leave your dog alone? When they lie on their backs and Sleeping. You don’t want to surprise your dog while they don’t even know it.

Why dogs roll on their backs depends on the context

A dog rolling on its back is often a positive sign of trust and willingness to play and feel comfortable. But it is essential to pay attention to the way your dog rolls. Is scratching or rolling behavior excessive? Do they show other signs of stress or fear, like urinating? If so, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian or dog behavior specialist.

Ellis says it’s important to consider a dog’s entire body language and recommendations Doggie language by Lili Chinfeatures cartoons that break down canine body language in a fun and visually accessible way.

Remember these body language cues

When your dog is on his back, Ellis suggests observing their body movements from nose to tail. For example, here are signs that you may need to give up or remove your dog from the situation:

• stiffness in the face, jaw, or body
• yawning or licking lips out of context
• Avoid making eye contact with you or another dog

Dogs looking away from another dog can signal that the dog is working for them uncomfortable.

Remember, even though our dogs cannot talk to us verbally, they are always communicating by their expressions, behaviors and movements.

“Knowing our dogs and being able to see these things and pay attention, you’ll learn a lot more about them, and possibly avoid potentially dangerous situations,” says Ellis. And easily recognize the signs of happinessalso!

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