Why Do Dogs Lick You? - Understanding Your Dog
Dogs use body language and behaviour to display affection and licking is one of the most common ways they show us how they feel. Most of the time dogs lick people to be affectionate but there are a few other possible reasons too.
What Does It Mean When A Dog Licks You?
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There are many reasons a dog will lick you from a simple greeting to trying to cheer you up. They may also think you taste good - more on that later.
Below are the 5 most common reasons dogs lick people:
1. They Are Greeting You
One of the most common reasons a dog licks you when you walk into the room or house is that they are simply saying hello.
Licking is an instinctive behaviour, wild dogs will often lick other pack members to greet them when they return to the den.
2. They Are Being Affectionate
Licking is a way that dogs can show affection to their favourite people. Dogs experience licking for grooming and affection as puppies and they may lick people as a way to show their love. Your dog may also be licking you to comfort you and show closeness.
3. They Are Trying To Get Your Attention
Licking is an effective way for dogs to get attention. People often talk to dogs that lick them and will pet them or make a fuss of them. This reinforces to the dog that if they lick people they get lots of positive attention. With this in mind, your dog might be licking you to get a reaction from you.
4. They Are Being Empathetic
Dogs may lick you as a way to comfort you when they sense you are feeling sad. Dogs are sensitive to the emotions of the humans around them and licking may be a response to that. A 2012 study found that dogs would sniff, nuzzle, and lick people who were upset.
5. They Like The Taste
Sometimes dogs will lick us when our skin is salty from sweat or when we’ve just eaten and there are small remnants of the food on our face or hands. Dogs have sensitive noses so they can pick up smells on your skin even if you don’t think there is anything there.
Is It Dangerous For Dogs To Lick You?
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No, most of the time it is harmless for dogs to lick you. Dogs’ mouths contain lots of natural bacteria but this won’t cause harm unless the bacteria gets into an open wound.
When Licking Becomes A Problem
There are times when licking is a sign of a more serious issue, in these instances, it is important to take your dog to the vet. The vet will check them over and help diagnose the underlying cause of the behaviour:
Obsessive Licking
When dogs lick things obsessively it can be a symptom of something else. They may be in pain, experiencing allergies or another health issue. If your dog is obsessively licking it is best to take them to the vet for a check-up so any discomfort or medical issues can be treated.
Anxious Licking
Some dogs use licking as a way to soothe their worry or anxiety. If you notice your dog is licking a lot, try to determine what they are anxious about so you can help resolve the problem.
How To Prevent Your Dog From Licking You
Stopping your dog from licking you means not giving your dog any attention when they do lick you. There are a few ways you can stop your dog from licking you:
Redirect
You can redirect the behaviour and encourage your dog to engage in another activity such as playing or completing a food puzzle instead of licking. This works as an immediate distraction but may not be a great long-term solution.
Ignore
The best thing to do when you don’t want your dog to lick you anymore is to look away and stop touching your dog or to stand up and walk away. Once the licking stops, give your dog attention. This will teach your dog that licking you does not get them anything but not licking you gets them attention and rewards.
Training
Use training to get your dog to follow commands such as sit and paw. By doing this your dog will receive your attention in response to the training rather than as a response to any licking they might have been doing prior to the training session.
Exercise
Give your dog plenty of exercise and interactive play sessions each day so they are stimulated and use up their energy. This way they won’t have excess energy to direct towards you.
Remove Temptation
If your dog loves to lick you after you’ve exercised, cooked or just eaten dinner then make sure you shower after exercise or thoroughly clean your hands and face after being around food. This will ensure your dog isn’t tempted to start licking you.
Be Consistent
Don’t pick and choose when it is okay for your dog to lick you, this can be confusing for them. Instead, be clear and consistent about what you want them to do.
When You Pet Them, Why Do Dogs Lick You?
Petting a dog is our way of showing them affection and licking is their way of showing us affection. This is why dogs sometimes lick you when you are petting them. They are letting you know they like you too.
Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet?
Dogs may lick feet because they are sweaty and taste interesting or because the dog knows if they lick your feet they will get a reaction from you. Other possible reasons include being affectionate and because they find it comforting.
Why Do Dogs Lick You In The Morning?
Your dog is probably licking you in the morning as a way of greeting you and being affectionate. They may also be licking you because of the sweat and salt on your skin.
My Dog Licks Me And Nobody Else, Why?
Your dog is most likely being affectionate towards you and showing that you are one of their favourite people. They may also think you taste great.
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