Why do dogs lick the air when you scratch them near the tail?
By dragon54u
@dragon54u (31634)
United States
7 responses
@tammyr (5946)
• Etowah, Tennessee
3 Jun 08
Hmmm, the only dog I have seen do this was a Boston Terrier. I thing it is SOOO funny! Her name was Ms. Piggy, and she snorted and thought she was 'all that' just the the 'real' Ms. Piggy!
I would guess there is some scientific reason for it, but we all know it is just cause it feels so good! 
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
3 Jun 08
It must be special to individual dogs because I've had two Bostons and neither one ever did that, although my first one would back his butt up to my hand to ask for scratching! Gus, the one I have now, just enjoys it and zones out for a few seconds. 
1 person likes this
@lmwillis47 (47)
• United States
2 Jun 08
that is really to funny when you see it, i have heard that it might be a kind of tension release for them, like when we get relaxed and yawn, that is there way of relaxing and so yawning[ licking the air!] just an opinion here. enjoy your pups!!, i miss mine, he,s been gone for 4 yrs. didn,t want to replace him.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
3 Jun 08
I'm so sorry you lost your furbaby! 
I've lost a couple through old age, Hector was 19 and Domino was 13 and I had to help both of them cross over to await me on the other side. Oh, it still makes me tear up!
After these two leave me, I won't get any more. I'm 54 and will be about 60 when their little bodies give out and I don't think it's fair to get a pet and then die before they do.
I've lost a couple through old age, Hector was 19 and Domino was 13 and I had to help both of them cross over to await me on the other side. Oh, it still makes me tear up!
After these two leave me, I won't get any more. I'm 54 and will be about 60 when their little bodies give out and I don't think it's fair to get a pet and then die before they do.1 person likes this
@dodoguy (1292)
• Australia
3 Jun 08
Hi dragon54u,
I suspect this must have something to do with the marvelous symmetry of life.
If the butt is some kind of warped mirror image of the dog's nose, then you could test this by scratching his nose to see if his tail wags. In that case, scratching his butt will make his tongue wag.
Might also help to explain why they like to stick their noses in each other butts.
@sameroad (3179)
• United States
2 Jun 08
LOL.. i don't know why some do it..probably because it just feels so good they can't help it.
my dog doesn't lick the air but he does love getting his butt scratched. He makes this face that just says "ohhhhhhhh yeah that feels so good, don't stop!" lol
and if you stop before hes ready he'll hit you with his nose and point his butt at you.
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
2 Jun 08
They're so funny, aren't they? They can't speak but they surely do talk a lot!1 person likes this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
2 Jun 08
It must feel good. I have a lab and he doesn't do it but I had a cat several years ago and she did that same thing. My mom's cat also does it. I personally thought it was a cat thing until your discussion.
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
2 Jun 08
I just don't know why they lick the air. Could it be like our licking our lips (who does that?!) for something that tastes good?
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
3 Jun 08
Yes, to cats we are living can openers and to dogs we're scratch-masters!
