Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much?
Have you ever wondered why your dog licks you so much? Some people might find it gross, but did you know that there's a reason dogs lick their humans?
Dogs do lick humans a lot. It isn't just to show their affection - there are actually some benefits to your dog licking you!
Keep reading to learn more about why dogs lick and what the benefits are. You might just start enjoying those little licks after all!
If you've ever wondered why does my dog lick me so much, this helpful guide will tell you everything you need to know!
Why Do Dogs Lick So Much?
Dogs lick their humans because it's an instinctual habit that offers a variety of benefits.
Dogs have been licking their human companions for as long as they've been domesticated - it's a behavior that has been passed down through generations of dogs.
When you think about why does my dog lick me so much, there are actually a few different reasons.
Dogs might lick to show affection, to request attention, to taste something interesting, or to clean a wound.
Do you have an older dog? You may notice that senior dogs lick often because they are experiencing decreased vision or hearing, and licking is a way for them to gain information about their surroundings.
They may also have arthritis which causes them to lick your face to take their attention off the discomfort they feel. They also tend to lick their paws constantly when they have arthiritis.
Puppies also lick a lot because they're going through a developmental stage where they're exploring the world with their mouths.
This is why you might see your puppy licking everything - carpet, furniture, you name it!
Puppies also lick their mothers because they want to keep warm, and they're also trying to learn about their mother's scent.
This helps them to bond with their mothers and to feel safe and secure.
Do Dogs Lick To Show Empathy?
In addition to the reasons aforementioned, dogs lick their owners as a way to show empathy.
It's a sign of trust that they can understand and respond to our emotions.
Have you ever noticed that your dog seems to lick you more when you're sad or upset?
That's because they can sense your emotions and want to make you feel better! Dogs are truly man's best friend.
Can dogs really understand how we feel? Yes, probably. You may get a little wet in the meantime, but it feels good knowing that your dog is there for you - no matter what.
Dogs have unconditional love because they're not judgmental. They don't care if you're having a bad day, they just want to make you feel better.
So next time your dog licks you, think about all the reasons why and appreciate the gesture!
How Can I Stop Excessive Dog Licking?
Use a lick mat: A lick mat is a great way to stop your dog from licking you. They can lick the mat instead and it will help keep them occupied. You can find a lick mat for sale on Amazon.
Give them something else to lick: If you don't want to use a lick mat, you can give your dog something else to lick. This could be a toy, a bone, or even your hand.
Ignore the licking: If you ignore the licking behavior, your dog will eventually stop because it won't be getting the attention they want.
Train your dog: You can train your dog not to lick you by using positive reinforcement. Whenever they lick you, give them a treat. They'll soon associate the licking behavior with getting a reward and will be less likely to do it.
Change your scent: Dogs are attracted to certain smells, so if you change your scent they may be less likely to lick you. This could mean using a different soap, shampoo, or laundry detergent. You could also try wearing a different perfume or cologne.
No matter why your dog is licking you, there are ways to stop it if you don't like it.
Dogs typically lick because they want attention, so ignoring the behavior is often the best way to go.
There is also power in positive reinforcement when you're trying to train your dog properly.
It's important to praise your dog when its tongue is inside the mouth because this is the behavior you want to see.
Don't forget not to scold your dog for licking you either because they may just do it more as a way to quell their anxiety or nervousness.
Lick pads are relatively inexpensive and can provide a good solution for excessive licking.
Is It Safe For My Dog To Lick My Face?
While many people enjoy getting licked on the face by their dog, it is a personal decision whether or not to let them do this.
Dogs love to lick their owners as a way of showing affection, but there are some risks involved. Dogs have bacteria and parasites in their mouths which can be transmitted to humans.
Additionally, dogs like to lick things that they've found on the ground which can also contain harmful bacteria.
If you do allow your dog to lick your face, it's important to be aware of these risks and take precautions to avoid getting sick.
For example, you might want to wash your face after getting licked or keep your dog's mouth clean by brushing their teeth regularly.
Ultimately, whether or not you allow your dog to lick your face is up to you. Some people don't mind the risk and think it's worth it for the affection, while others would prefer to avoid it.
Do Dogs Like How Humans Taste?
Dogs licking humans is a bit of a funny phenomenon. It's as if they see us as a raw piece of meat and are tasting our saliva because it has a salty texture.
Who knows why they like it, but it's just a weird thing that dogs do!
Do dogs actually like the taste of human saliva? It's hard to say for sure, but it's possible that they do. Dogs have a strong sense of smell and can detect different smells in our saliva.
They may enjoy the taste of our saliva because it's salty or because it contains traces of our individual scent.
You do probably notice that dogs are more inclined to lick you after your workout or going for a run for example. Dogs can sense our pheromones after we have sweat and they may enjoy the salty taste of our skin.
So, while we may never really know why dogs like to lick us, humans, it's safe to say that they probably do enjoy the taste!
What Are Some Other Reasons Why My Dog Licks Me?
Dogs don't just lick us to be playful or because we taste good. Here are a few other reasons why your dog licks you a lot.
Your dog is hungry- Dogs can smell food on our breath and body. If you've just eaten something, your dog may start licking you because they're hoping to get a taste. You could always give them a nutritious snack to tide them over before dinner.
OCD- It is possible for dogs to have OCD which can manifest in excessive licking. If your dog is licking you more than usual and it's causing you distress, it's best to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Allergies- Dogs can be allergic to certain ingredients in their food or environment. When they start licking themselves excessively, it's their way of trying to soothe the itchiness.
They need space- If you have a dog that's always in your space and licking you, it could be a sign that they're feeling anxious. Dogs feel safest when they're close to their pack leader which is why they'll often follow you around the house or sit on your lap. If your dog is constantly licking you, try giving them more space and see if that makes a difference.
A possible medical condition- There are some medical conditions that can cause a dog to lick excessively. If your dog is licking you more than usual and it's accompanied by other symptoms like panting or licking lips, it is usually an indication of anxiety.
As you can see, there are a variety of reasons why your dog may be licking you more than usual.
It's important to pay attention to your dog's behavior and see if there are any changes that could be causing the excessive licking.
Does My Dog's Lick Tell More About Its Mood?
It can sometimes be difficult to read the body language of our dogs, but we can learn a little more about what they're trying to tell us with their licking.
For example, you may notice that your dog is more inclined to use long licks when they're feeling happy or excited. This is their way of showing affection and telling you that they love you.
On the other hand, small licks with some sniffs in between are often a sign of discovery.
This is your dog's way of trying to figure out more about you and the world around them.
If your dog is licking you excessively, it could be a sign of anxiety or stress. This is their way of self-soothing and trying to calm down or you may even notice them licking their paws.
It might also be an easy way for them to tell you they aren't feeling so great.
When Should I Worry About My Dog Licking So Much?
There's no need to worry if your dog licks you occasionally, but you should be concerned if the licking becomes excessive.
If your dog is licking you more than usual and it's causing you distress, that is the time to consider intervention.
You may want to consider a tight wrapping anxiety jacket, for example, to help with nervousness.
Did your dog just finish drinking from the toilet? Chances are you don't want them to lick your face.
Dogs aren't exactly the most hygiene conscious creatures, and their licking habits can sometimes leave something to be desired.
Another issue you'll run into is the ability for your dog to socialize properly with other guests.
If your dog is constantly licking you, they may not be able to control themselves around other people and their personal space.
This can create an awkward situation for everyone involved.
Are There Benefits To My Dog Licking Me?
There are a few benefits to dogs licking humans. For starters, it's a great way for them to show their affection for us.
Dogs often lick their owners as a way of saying "I love you."
In addition, licking can help dogs learn more about their surroundings.
By licking their owner, the dog is getting a variety of different smells which can help them understand the world a little better.
Finally, licking can be a form of self-soothing for dogs. If they're feeling anxious or stressed, licking can help to calm them down.
Again, you have to have good judgement as a pet owner and realize when the your dog's licking crosses the line from playful to problematic.
Is It Normal For Dogs To Not Lick At All?
Maybe you got your dog to stop licking you and now you may be wondering if you have the opposite problem. Does my dog not licking me at all cause a different problem?
As it turns out, not all dogs like to lick their humans. In fact, some dogs may never lick you at all and that's perfectly normal.
There are a variety of reasons why your dog may not be licking you.
For example, some dogs simply don't like the taste of human skin. If this is the case, they're not likely to lick you even if they do enjoy licking other things.
Some breeds are more submissive, such as poodles and bichon frises, and may not lick their humans as a way of showing respect.
Conclusion
Dogs who lick their owners is an instinctual behavior. There may be more than one reason why your dog is licking you.
Just remember to understand when this behavior becomes a problem and take appropriate action to normalize behavior again. Good luck!
