Comfort behaviour in animals

Others, (e.g. dust bathing) will be performed only when the appropriate internal and external stimuli are present (see also sham dustbathing).

[5] Through licking and brushing, animals such as the red squirrel clean wounds and remove dirt and debris from their bodies, also aiding in hygiene.

[4] Other physical purposes for comfort behaviours includes reduction in heart rates as seen in horses,[6] and thermoregulation.

In infant monkeys it was found that contact comfort from their mothers was necessary to encourage positive social outcomes.

[10][4] This comfort behaviour is typically performed for hygienic purposes as seen in the red squirrel.

The red squirrel removes parasites and dirt from its fur by licking and chewing its body (tail, belly and genitals), scratching harder to reach areas (such as under the legs) with its claws, brushing and rubbing facial areas with its front paws, or shaking its body and brushing against objects.

In red howlers, the animals bodies, (including their necks, heads, shoulders and arms) to remove ectoparasites.

In cattle, maternal grooming removes bacterial load and contributes to maintaining the body hygiene of the young animal.

[16] Among primates, the Japanese macaques of Jigokudani Monkey Park acquired the practice of hot-spring bathing for warmth.

In bobwhite quail, the basic sequence of dust bathing is consistent with slight variations occurring in some components.

This is thought to deposit scents on the ground that could deter intruding males, or attract potential female mates.

[9] Wallowing is characterized by the rolling or rubbing of an animal's body in mud[20] or excrement (feces or urine).