The Science Behind A Good Ear Rub

Ever noticed your pup almost entering another dimension (read: rolling their eyes and letting out satisfied sighs) when you give them some much-needed ear scritches?

Don’t worry, it happens more often than not in dogs.

When you rub a dog’s ear, they enter a trance-like state because of the interaction between physical touch and the release of hormones. This, in turn, has a calming, euphoric effect.

Ear rubs in dogs can indeed lead to a trance-like state, thanks to the interaction between physical touch and the release of hormones that promote a calming and euphoric effect. Contrary to popular belief, a dog’s ear is not purely for decoration—although they almost always use it to ignore you. Dogs' ears are packed with sensitive nerve endings. When you rub or massage their ears, it stimulates these nerves, which send signals to the brain. This can result in a physical response that is pleasurable and soothing for the dog.

Let me draw a parallel for you: Do you know the feeling of stress leaving your body during a good gentle massage, leading you to feel calm and relaxed? Well, it's a similar situation for our four-legged friends. Ear rubs in dogs stimulate the release of endorphins, which are hormones that promote feelings of happiness, relaxation, and even euphoria.

The act of rubbing or massaging a dog’s ear activates their parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" state. This system is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response and promotes relaxation while reducing stress in dogs. This system is why they reach a trance-like state of calm, often becoming very still, relaxed, or even closing their eyes.

But these are not the only things that happen during the simple process of ear rubs. The gesture also releases oxytocin.

Oxytocin is often referred to as the "love hormone," which is released during positive social interactions like ear rubs. This hormone fosters bonding and feelings of safety and trust. It’s the same hormone that is released in both humans and dogs during affectionate interactions like cuddling or petting. Oxytocin, just like the release of endorphins, has a calming effect and helps reduce anxiety.