Dogs usually "smile" when you scratch them because it feels good and they're relaxed: the mouth opens, the lips pull back loosely and the tongue may hang out. That relaxed, open-mouthed face often comes with soft eyes and a wagging tail. Sometimes, though, what looks like a smile is panting from stress, heat or pain, so it's worth reading the rest of your dog's body language. Here are 5 possible explanations:
So, why do dogs smile when you scratch them?
1They enjoy the physical sensation
Dogs enjoy being scratched for many of the same reasons that humans do. Scratching can help relieve itchiness or irritation, and it feels good! Spots that are hard for a dog to reach themselves, like the chest, the base of the ears and just above the tail, are often favorites.
2They enjoy the attention
Dogs are social creatures that crave attention and affection from their humans.
When you scratch your dog, you’re showing them love and attention, which is something they greatly appreciate!
So, dogs often smile when they’re being scratched because they know it means you’re focused on them and they’re the center of your attention.
3They want to please you
Dogs are very good at reading us, and they quickly learn which behaviors get a happy reaction from their humans.
If your dog notices that you laugh, praise them or keep scratching when they smile, they’re likely to do it more often! Some dogs even learn to show a toothy "submissive grin" when greeting their people, which looks dramatic but is a friendly, appeasing gesture when the rest of the body is wiggly and relaxed.
Dogs also tend to mirror our emotions, so if you’re smiling when you scratch them, they may smile back at you in response.
4They're stressed or anxious
In many cases, it actually can be a sign of stress or anxiety. Dogs that are panting heavily often appear to be smiling, but in reality, they’re trying to cool off and calm down.
Dogs pant mainly to cool down: rapid, shallow breaths evaporate moisture from the tongue and airways to release heat, which is why they pant when they're hot or after exercise. But panting when your dog isn't warm or active can also be a sign that they're feeling stressed or anxious. We go deeper into this in why your dog pants when you pet him.
5They're in pain
Same as with humans, sometimes when dogs are in pain they may start breathing heavily. This panting can be easily confused with smiling.
Panting can also be a factor of being excited, so if your dog is smiling while also wagging its tail and bouncing around, they’re probably just happy and excited!
However, if your dog is panting heavily while resting in a cool room, seems restless or reluctant to move, flinches or pulls away when you touch a certain spot, or is licking one area a lot, it’s best to take them to the vet to make sure they’re not in pain. Heavy panting with collapse, very red or pale gums, or vomiting in hot weather could be heatstroke and is an emergency.
How to know the difference between a bad and a good smile?
Bad smiles are often accompanied by other signs of stress, such as panting, yawning, lip licking, and averting their gaze. If your dog is showing any of these signs along with smiling, it’s likely that they’re feeling stressed or anxious. Some dogs show the same signs when you do something they dislike, which is why dogs don't like it when you blow on them.
Good smiles are usually accompanied by wagging tails, relaxed body language, and a happy demeanor. If your dog is smiling and seems happy and content, then they’re probably just enjoying the scratching!
If your dog moves away, stiffens, or turns their head away when you scratch them, stop and let them come back to you when they're ready. If you're unsure whether discomfort is behind it, consult your veterinarian.
The benefits of petting your dog!
1Reduces human cortisol
Cortisol is our body’s main stress hormone, and it can have harmful effects on our health if it’s present in high levels for too long.
Petting a dog has been shown to help reduce cortisol levels in humans, which may contribute to health benefits such as lower blood pressure.
2Reduces stress in your dog
The act of being petted also has stress-reducing benefits for dogs! A study tested the effects of petting a dog before separation from the owner. The results suggested that dogs who were petted before being left alone were calmer and showed fewer signs of stress than dogs who didn’t receive any petting.
So, if you’re looking for a way to reduce stress for both you and your dog, try giving them a good scratch next time you’re feeling tense! It just might do the trick.
3Promotes bonding
Petting is a great way to bond with your dog and show them how much you love them. It’s also a great way to build trust between you and your furry friend. Dogs that are frequently petted by their humans tend to be more trusting and relaxed around them. That bond shows in other affectionate habits too, like why your dog holds your hand in his mouth.
Final thoughts – Why do dogs smile when you scratch them?
Dogs often smile when they’re being scratched because it feels good and they know it makes their humans happy. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of stress or pain. Look at the whole dog: a loose body and wagging tail mean they're enjoying it, while stiffness, lip licking or heavy panting at rest are worth a closer look. If you suspect pain, check in with your veterinarian.
