Why do dogs show their belly?

Updated 27/02/2024

Lying tummy side up is one of the many moves our four-legged friends have mastered, but is its sole purpose to melt the hearts of us pet people? Finding out the answer to “Why do dogs show their belly?” isn’t all fluffy tails and pink tummies though, we’ve found no less than five reasons for your furry friend’s belly behavior (spoiler alert, it’s not always about looking cute!). Let’s take a look!

Why do dogs show their belly? 

What does it mean when a dog shows its belly? Top of the list is the one you’ve all been waiting for…yes, lots of pups roll onto their backs to show you how excited they are to see you, so give yourself a pat on the back! The second reason is to show they’re relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings - another gold star for you! The final three possibilities don’t have so much to do with you though…your furry friend could be showcasing their belly to appear submissive, to cool off, or to get you to help them itch a scratch. Let’s take a look at the reasons why your dog shows their belly in a bit more detail.

To demonstrate affection 

There’s nothing better than being greeted at the door by wiggles that are so out of control that your pooch has to flop onto their back! That’s right, some fur babies get so excited to see their pet parents they have to immediately roll over for belly rubs. But don’t worry if your four-pawed pal doesn’t do this, exposing their bellies is just one of many other signs your dog loves you!

To show they’re relaxed

Wondering “Why do dogs expose their belly when they’re sleeping?”. Furry friends that sleep on their backs with their bare bellies on full display are demonstrating the utmost trust in their surroundings. They've got their paws in the air like they just don't care, and they couldn’t be more “laid back” if they tried! Leaving their bellies exposed like this would be a big no-no if they were in danger as it provides easy access to their vital organs. What’s more, you may have noticed your pup can’t leap out of their snoozing position very quickly when they’re lying on their back, another reason why dogs only expose their bellies when sleeping if they feel 100% safe.

To appear submissive

Hierarchy is an essential part of the tail-wagging world, and pooch pals often roll onto their backs in front of other furry friends to demonstrate their submission to the alpha. So why do dogs show their belly when in trouble? It’s a friendly way of showing their new pal that there’s nothing to worry about and they’re not a threat.

To cool off

Lying spread-eagled on your back is your best chance of getting a good night’s sleep when it's hot outside and our pooch pals are just the same - aside from airing out their armpits, having their paws in the air helps pups regulate their body temperatures. Thick fur coats mean it’s harder for dogs to regulate their body temperature through their skin. By sprawling out on their backs, furry friends can get as much airflow as possible to the area of their body with the least fur coverage: their bellies!

To itch a scratch

There’s nothing like itching a hard-to-reach scratch, and your four-pawed pal may be trying to ask you to give them a helping paw. Although they might have a hidden agenda, this is another sign of trust. 

What to do when a dog shows their belly

There’s nothing better than treating your fur baby to a tickle on their tum when they ask for it; it shows you love them and helps create a bond between the two of you. Signs your pup wants a belly rub include full-body wiggles, a relaxed, wagging tail, and a lolling tongue. Our furry friends can be quite demanding in the belly-rubbing department, and you might even get a little tap on the shoulder to remind you to get to work! A good old belly rub will often be met with a kicking of the hind legs, which is an involuntary response to stimulation. But when might belly rubs not be such a good idea?  

1. When dogs show their belly to appear submissive to another pooch, it’s best not to give them a tummy rub. Their body will be tense and they may show their teeth and lick their lips if they’re feeling intimidated or nervous. This can make them particularly sensitive to being touched, causing them to be defensive or reactive.
2. Some clever canines roll onto their backs to appear submissive before asserting their dominance by snapping as soon as someone gets close. You know your furry friend best, so it’s important to warn friends, family, and dog sitters if your pooch pal has a tendency to do this. This behavior can be problematic, so always seek advice from a qualified behaviorist.

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!

Remember, all pups are different, and some furry friends may not be that keen on belly rubs. There are a number of reasons for showcasing that fabulously furry and famously pink belly, so it’s important to respect your fur baby’s boundaries and keep an eye on their body language - only hand out your tummy tickles if they’re definitely asking for it, and if they don’t seem to like or want it, respect their space.