👂Rubbing dog ears gets them high!

Rubbing your dog’s ears might get him high.

So, next to a good belly rub, why do all dogs love having their ears massaged?

Nerves — a whole branch of them — release endorphins that make your dog feel downright relaxed.

For years, alternative-health therapists have targeted the ears when practicing acupuncture or acupressure.

Why? Because a dog’s ears contain a network of nerve branches that extend to internal organs, sending impulses throughout the body.

So, the ears act as a nerve relay system?

This “map of the body” within the ear provides an effective means for alternative-health physicians to perform therapy on a dog’s body, says Dr. Christine Makowski, a Landenberg, Penn., veterinarian.

With that in mind, you might be able to understand that a dog’s ears are very sensitive to touch.

Has your dog ever fallen into a trance, or into a light sleep, while having their ear’s rubbed? The nerve impulses sent through the hypothalamus and pituitary glands actually secrete endorphins — the same pain-killing, feel-good hormones humans release during exercise, for example — that make your four-legged companion feel relaxed, mellow and very happy.

When you rub your dog’s ears, they’re essentially getting high on their own hormones, says Dr. Allen Schoen, director of the Center for the Advancement of Veterinary Alternative Therapies.

In addition, Schoen says massaging a dog’s ears meets a basic need for affection and communication from pet owners.

So, do all dogs welcome it?

Just because dogs love a good ear rub doesn’t mean they want everyone to reach down and give it a shot. According to “The Secret Lives of Dogs”, dogs are particular about who rubs their ears. Strangers with outstretched hands may make your dog somewhat nervous.

To understand this reaction, you should recognize that dogs associate the height of their heads (and others’ heads) and any touching to their heads as a dominance issue.

Have you ever noticed a submissive dog tucking his head under another dog’s chin and gently rubbing? Considered to be a sign of respect, the opposite behavior would be one dog deliberately placing his head on top of another dog’s head. Both behaviors are power moves — and dogs will naturally associate a person’s hand resting on their head or rubbing their ears as dominant.

In other words, dogs may be rather selective as to whom may give them the long-awaited pleasure of an ear rub.

Is this sensitive area prone to issues?

One of the top reasons dogs visit veterinarians each year? Ear infections.

A dog’s ear canals bend and curve sharply, making them prone to ear infections. This can be easily avoided with regular ear cleanings. However, if your dog suddenly shows signs of pain during an ear rub, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. An infection should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

In addition, be careful when massaging the ears of a dog whose ears have been clipped. Some dogs may be sensitive to having their ears handled.

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Today’s Last Laugh:

“Now you see me… now you don’t!”

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