Wondering why do dogs lick you? Dogs do tend to lick you when you are stroking them, they usually lick your face, hands or mouth.
This happens most times when you are feeding them or can be a sign of greeting especially when they when they have not seen you in awhile. There are other reasons too why do dogs lick you and how to handle it if it becomes a problem.
WHY DOES DOGS LICK ME SO MUCH?
Licking their owners is natural and can be a way of your dog bonding with you. It is an instinctive behavior and by doing this, they also tend to express themselves.
It could be their own way of showing their affection and telling you how much they love and care for you.
Dogs also do lick you in other to get your attention, sometimes they do this to soothe off their stress or show empathy. In most cases, they just love the way you smell and taste, you probably taste good.
When your dog licks you way too much, just know that your dog is either anxious, in pain or not comfortable. You can get in contact with your vet if it gets out of control.
WHY DO DOGS LICK?
Meeting a dog for the first time, there are possibilities that you would want to stroke them to say "Hello", to you it is way of saying Hello and grooming, while dogs groom using their tongue and licking you to say "hello", bonding with you and also showing you affection.
Dogs use their mouth and tongue to study and understand their environment, and do asses the mood of others. So whenever a dog licks your face or hands whenever you say "hello" to them, just know that he is trying to be friendly with you and trying to know the mood you are in.
DOGS HAVE AN INSTINCT TO LICK
Dogs do like licking because it is a way of showing you love and communicate with you if you are welcomed or not, some dogs only wag their tails when they meet you for the first time, but if they go as far as licking you... Just know that they love your presence. Dogs do lick their puppies to keep them clean and show them love and affection.
They're showing Affection;
As humans, we try to comfort our dogs by cuddling them, stroking them etc. While dogs show affection by licking, they also lick to comfort, this helps them Bond well with you and makes them feel relaxed, calm and happy.
They're showing Empathy;
Dog's licking you is also their own way of comforting you, or showing Empathy whenever they sense that you are probably unhappy, so they do this to show how much they care and try to make you feel better by licking you. For instance, try pretending to cry in front of your dog, you will find out that your dog is likely to lick and nuzzle. Dogs are capable to share and understand human feelings, and do show Empathy by licking you.
To get your Attention;
When your dog is probably bored and is trying to get your attention, they tend to lick you until you give them your attention. Whenever they do this, encourage them to do it next time by stroking them, petting them and engaging them in a conversation. You can play with them too.
We Taste Good;
Ever realized that your dog licks you after exercise? Especially on sweaty areas.
When we sweat, if you have applied lotions, creams or perfumes on you, they tend to smell out more because the body releases salt and acidic chemicals that might taste or smell nice and delicious to your dog.
Creams such as psoriasis can be harmful to dogs, so if you applied such creams, do not allow your dog to lick you.
You can read about: Harmful poisoning in dogs(Effects of psoriasis in dogs)
HOW GOOD IS A DOG SENSE OF TASTE?
Dogs have the ability to taste sweet things, sour, salty and bitter. Though they are not able to taste umami. Unlike we humans, they can taste water.
Read about: What is Umami?
We have 5 times active taste buds than dogs. A dog sense of smell is exceptional.
They might be hungry
Your dog licking you might be a sign that they are hungry and want some food.
WHEN IS LICKING A PROBLEM?
Dogs lick you to express themselves, so if your dog starts licking you excessively all of a sudden, then you should observe them closely because they are trying to pass a message to you, or show you signs. This may also be as a result of anxiety or health related issues. Possibly an allergy, injury or arthritis. If this gets way out of control, it is best you contact your vet for check up.
They are Anxious;
Licking helps dogs to feel calm and relaxed especially when Anxious. It may be a sign of stress, or them being worried about you, especially if you have been separated from them for a while. Licking you or themselves helps them feel relaxed.
OCD
This can be as a result of obsessive complusive disorder, this is as a result of your dog constantly licking themselves, objects or other people. Your dog becoming obsessed with licking (OCD).
Too much licking by dogs can cause sores in their tongue and patches in their fur. If this is the case, then you can try to stop them by:
- Interrupting them anytime they want to lick you or themselves, take them for a walk, treat them kind or offer them some treats or you to play with. If this persists, speak to your vet or an online vet if your vet is not reachable at the moment.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT PROBLEM LICKING?
Not all dogs lick often, but is it not possible for your dog to completely stop licking, dog licking is a natural behavioral instinct and a way of your dog being able to express themselves, so it is not advisable to try to totally stop your dog from licking you or themselves.
When you see your dog licking itself, always try to understand why they do that. It may be that there is something stuck in it's paws, tongue, teeth or fur that he is trying to remove. But if the licking becomes excessive, then I suggest you try this to help.
- Walk away; Remain Natural and walk away from them without saying anything or making eye contact, or you can stop them by moving away the part they are licking. Do not give them any positive or negative attention. By doing this, it will send a message to them that you do not enjoy them licking you.
- Distract Them; Try drawing their attention elsewhere whenever they try to lick you, give them something to play with, maybe a chew toy or food puzzle.
- Stay clean; Always take a shower after exercising and avoid using harmful lotions or creams. Knowing fully well that your dog will try to lick you.
- Training; Train them on several exercise that will help distract them, instead of them trying to lick you, they should offer you their paws or rollover, and applaud them for their efforts whenever they do this.
- Exercise; keep your dog healthy by taking them out for exercises, take a treat along with you, and offer them some whenever they conclude an exercise. This will redirect their energy, and the time which they tend to use it to lick you, they will burn it exercising.
- Pay positive Attention; When ever they accomplish a task, be sure to praise them, instruct them on what you want them to do, and when done, make sure to praise them.
- Apply bitter substance; If your dog have a particular part of your body that he likes licking, you can apply some bitter but safe substance there, for example; lime juice. Whenever they lick you and have a bitter experience, they will automatically stop. Doing this 2-7 times might help them stop.
- Be consistent; Be affective and constantly give your dog commands and tasks. Do the above listed ways to stop them from licking you frequently. Be clear about what you want, what you don't want and what you like with them. Do not hesitate to apply these methods listed above.
SHOULD I LET MY DOG LICK MY FACE?
Well, allowing your dog lick your face is a personal decision, but one thing you should know is that your dogs mouth is full of Natural bacteria and their saliva might contain parasites. That's why you should always monitor the things your dog put in it's mouth, and pay close attention to what they eat.
If you see your dog eating something you normally would not eat? "Stop Them!" If you allow them it, then brush their mouth regularly. It is advisable to wash your face with soap and water immediately after your dog licks your face, especially if lost track of what they eat.
WHY DOES MY DOG LICK ME IN THE MORNING
Your dog licking you whenever you wake up from your sleep is a sign of greeting, they are trying to tell how happy they are to see you.
WHY DOES MY DOG LICK ME MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE?
This is probably because they consider you their best friend, care giver too. And they probably love you the most and you give them healthy and delicious treats. It can be regarded as a compliment and sign that they love you the most.
WHY DOES MY DOG LICK ME WHEN I STROKE THEM?
It is a mutual feeling, stroking your dog is a sign that you love and care for them, therefore they lick you in return to show their love and care towards you. That is how they express themselves.
WHY DOES MY DOG LICK ME AFTER I HAVE EATEN?
Sometimes after eating, they maybe particles of food left on your lip, face or hands which dogs can smell, a dog sense of smell is around 10,000 times better than humans. To them it smells delicious and would probably want to lick that food particles in your face or hands.
WHY DOES MY DOG LICK THEMSELVES.
This can be a sign that your dog is uncomfortable, stress or anxious. It could also be that they are itchy or feel pain in that spot. That is why you should always observe your dog, because obsessive licking may cause damage to their skin and tongue.
Also Read; How long can dogs live
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