Where does the signal go to trigger the kick?

To the spinal cord, which answers right away

What is the most likely purpose of the scratch reflex?

To knock off pests like fleas and ticks

To check that the nerves and spinal cord are working

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What do vets call the leg kick when you hit the sweet spot?

It is an automatic response, like your leg jumping when a doctor taps your knee.
Where does the signal go to trigger the kick?

The scratching pattern is wired into the spinal cord itself.
Which scientist studied the scratch reflex in dogs in the early 1900s?

He later shared the 1932 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
What is the most likely purpose of the scratch reflex?

Your fingers set off the same nerves a crawling insect would.
Does a kicking leg prove your dog is enjoying the scratch?

Look at the rest of the body, such as a loose, wiggly posture and soft eyes.
What does flea dirt look like?

It is often found near the base of the tail.
"Phantom scratching" at the air near the neck is a known sign of which condition?

It is most common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Why do vets sometimes trigger the scratch reflex during an exam?

A missing or weak reflex on one side can prompt a closer look.