Why Do Dogs Lick You?

Dogs are affectionate creatures, giving back the love their owners give unconditionally. One of the most common ways they show affection is through licking. If you’re wondering why dogs lick people, if dogs lick to show affection, and what counts as excessive licking, read on.

Why Do Dogs Lick People?

Dog licking happens for many reasons. Some are instinctive and natural behaviors, while others are learned ones. Here are some of the reasons your dog might be licking you:

• They are showing you they love you. Mother dogs lick puppies to groom and comfort them, and many dogs carry that behavior into adulthood as a way to show others they care about them
• They want your attention. Dogs know that licking can get your attention, and it doesn’t matter to them if the attention is good or bad. All reactions reinforce the canine licking behavior. Dogs might also lick you when they are bored or lonely, or if they are looking for cuddles or playtime.
• You taste good. Dogs explore the world around them via licking, and that includes you. They might lick you if you’ve been sweating, are wearing lotion, or because you’ve been somewhere interesting and absorbed the smells.
• They’re relieving stress. Licking can have a calming effect on a dog’s brain, as the act of licking releases endorphins. It can be a self-soothing behavior for them if they are feeling anxious.
• They have dental disease. Dogs that lick their lips or you excessively might have dental issues. If your dog exhibits bad breath, excessive drooling, red gums, or is licking you, it is best to call your vet.

Why Do Dogs Lick Your Hands?

Your dog probably likes to lick your hands for one of two reasons: they’re showing you affection and you taste good. Your hands are easy for dogs to reach with their tongues, and they might lick them when greeting you. If you’ve been out and about somewhere interesting, or if you’ve applied lotion or been cooking, your dog might be licking you to investigate all the interesting smells and tastes. Dogs are also aware that you pet them with your hands – they know they are an important body part.

Why Do Dogs Lick Your Face?

Dogs lick faces to show affection and bond with their owners. Your face might be a place they are trying to “groom,” mimicking the behaviors their mothers did when they were puppies. They might also lick you because you taste or smell good, or because they are trying to get your attention. They might be hungry, ready to go for a walk, or looking for a play session.

Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet?

Your dog might be licking your feet because they want to show you love, they want attention, your feet taste or smell interesting, especially if you’ve been sweating, or because they are self-soothing themselves by licking you. Your dog might think licking your feet is a game if you respond to it.

Why Do Dogs Lick Your Legs?

Your dog could lick your legs because you taste good. Sweat is salty, and dogs like the taste of it. They could also be self-soothing, “grooming” you, or showing you affection.

Why Do Dogs Lick Your Ears?

Dogs are drawn to ears and might lick them because ears have wax that smells interesting to them. Ears are also another place dog moms would lick to groom; your dog might be imitating that behavior as a sign of affection.

How to Get Your Dog to Stop Licking You

A few licks here and there are nothing to be concerned about, and it’s likely your dog is trying to show you affection. However, sometimes licking can become excessive or disruptive. Here’s how to get your dog to stop licking you:

1. Ignore them. If your dog is licking you and you don’t want them to, ignore them. Simply move or leave the room. Try to show them through body language instead of talking; a high-pitched, encouraging tone might make them think you like it.
2. Redirect them. Offer a toy or play session to distract them from licking, or put them into a “sit,” “stay,” or “place” command to put a little space between you two.
3. Use positive reinforcement. Train them not to lick in the first place. When your dog is not licking, reinforce the calm behavior with praise and treats.
4. Stimulate them. Dogs that lick excessively are often bored. Combat boredom by ensuring they get plenty of mental and physical stimulation and enrichment.

When to Contact a Vet About Dog Licking

Licking you is one of the ways a dog shows you love. However, sometimes it can be a symptom of something deeper, like a sickness or medical issue. If your dog has any of the following, you should call a vet:

1. Excessive licking: If your dog is compulsively licking themselves, you, or other items to the point where it becomes annoying and distracting, it could be anxiety or pain.
2. A sudden increase in licking: Dogs that suddenly start licking obsessively could have conditions like allergies, a hot spot due to an infection or rash, an injury, or stomach issues.
3. Licking plus other symptoms: Things like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, open sores, hair loss, or skin damage can accompany licking and be a sign of medical conditions like poisoning, anxiety, or parasites. Call your vet if your dog is having any of these symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Licking

Is Dog Licking the Same as a Kiss?

Dogs do show affection through licking, similar to a kiss, but they also might lick due to many other reasons, such as anxiety, dental disease, or simply because you taste good. Dog kisses can happen on your hands, face, feet, or even ears.

Is it Safe to Let Your Dog Lick You?

Most of the time, it’s fine to let your dog lick you. Dog saliva does contain bacteria, though, and that could potentially cause infections in some people, such as those with open wounds or who are immunocompromised, like young children and older people.

Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much?

Your dog might be excessively licking you because they are anxious, have stomach issues, are trying to “groom” you, show you affection, or any number of reasons. To find out why your dog is licking you, pay attention to their body language and any contextual clues. If it feels excessive or your dog is also having other symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea, call your vet.

Conclusion

Dog licking is a way for your pup to communicate with you. They might be trying to show you love, that they’re unwell, or that they’re stressed. If your dog is licking you excessively due to behavioral issues, you can train them to stop; if it’s medical, you’ll need to check in with a vet.

For more expert tips on dog behavior, explore our other understanding dogs articles.