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A shaggy dog demonstrates a scratch reflex. When she is scratched beneath her front leg, her back leg moves vigorously. The scratch reflex is an automatic response to the activation of sensory neurons located on the surface of the body. [1]
Some body language that indicates that a dog wants a belly rub includes vocalization, tail waggling, open (or squinty) eyes, relaxed and open mouth, while their body is wiggly and loose. If the dog kicks their leg or both legs during belly rub, it is completely normal, and the phenomenon itself is called a scratch reflex .
An itch (also known as pruritus) is a sensation that causes a strong desire or reflex to scratch. [1] Itches have resisted many attempts to be classified as any one type of sensory experience. Itches have many similarities to pain, and while both are unpleasant sensory experiences, their behavioral response patterns are different.
For example, a dog exhibiting the scratch reflex is an example of knismesis. When stimulated in the saddle region, most dogs will exhibit a reflexive rhythmic twitching of their hind legs. This reflex can be brought on by actions such as scratching, brushing, stroking, or even tapping the sensitive area.
The normal animal will position its paw onto the surface properly. The second (sometimes called the proprioceptive positioning reflex) is similar. The dorsal (top) surface of an animals paw is placed onto a surface, and a fully healthy animal would flick it back up to be in the normal position (dorsal side up).
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