For any dog owner, the feeling of a wet, slobbery lick on the face, hand, or foot is all too familiar. Dogs are known for licking their humans, but have you ever wondered why they do it?
Is it a sign of affection, or is there something more to it? The truth is that dogs lick for many reasons, from instinctual behaviors to deeper emotional connections.
Why Do Dogs Lick You?
The most straightforward answer to why dogs lick you is that it’s one of their primary ways of interacting with the world.
Dogs don’t have hands like humans do, so they use their mouths, tongues, and noses to explore and communicate.
But the answer goes much deeper than that. Licking serves different purposes depending on the context, from expressing emotions to investigating the environment around them. Each lick could be a signal of affection, curiosity, or even a medical issue.
Natural Instincts Behind Dog Licking
Dog licking behavior dates back to their wild ancestors. Wolves, from which dogs descended, would lick their pack leaders to show submission and respect.
Similarly, puppies instinctively lick their mothers for nourishment and comfort.
These innate tendencies remain in dogs today, explaining why licking often serves as a submissive or nurturing behavior. It’s a natural part of their makeup, honed through evolution to help them survive and bond.
Dogs Lick as a Form of Communication
Licking is one of the many ways dogs communicate with humans and other animals. When your dog licks you, it could be telling you, “I need attention,” “I’m feeling anxious,” or even “I’m hungry.”
Dogs can’t speak our language, but their licks are a way to express themselves and get your attention. Many dog owners find that their dogs will lick more when they want to go for a walk or when they feel left out.
Licking as a Way to Show Affection
Perhaps the most heartwarming reason dogs lick is to show love.
Licking releases endorphins in dogs, which makes them feel happy, safe, and content. When your dog licks you, it’s not unlike a human giving a hug or kiss. It’s their way of connecting and affirming their bond with you.
This form of licking is usually gentle and tends to happen more when you’re relaxed or after a good play session. Dogs enjoy feeling close to their humans, and licking is a natural extension of that bond.
Licking to Groom and Care for You
In the wild, dogs groom each other by licking. This grooming behavior is deeply ingrained in them and extends to their human family members. If your dog is licking your skin, especially where you have a small cut or sore, they may be trying to clean or care for you.
To a dog, grooming is an act of care, and your dog may feel it’s helping you by keeping you clean. Although this behavior is loving, it can sometimes lead to hygiene issues if it’s too frequent or if the dog has access to wounds or sensitive skin.
Taste Preferences: Why Dogs Enjoy Licking You
Have you ever noticed that your dog tends to lick you more after you’ve been sweating or when you have a certain lotion on?
Dogs are drawn to the salty taste of human sweat, and they may also be attracted to the scents of your skin care products.
Beyond affection and communication, licking can simply be pleasurable for dogs. Their heightened sense of taste and smell means they pick up on even the smallest flavors and scents on your skin, making licking a sensory-rich experience.
Is Licking a Sign of Stress or Anxiety in Dogs?
Sometimes licking isn’t just about affection or communication—it’s a coping mechanism. Dogs may excessively lick themselves or their owners as a way to soothe their anxiety.
If your dog starts licking more than usual, especially during times of stress (like when there’s loud noise or a new environment), it may be a sign that your dog is feeling anxious.
In these cases, licking can be repetitive and compulsive, similar to how some people bite their nails when they’re nervous.
Medical Reasons for Excessive Licking
Excessive licking can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues. Allergies, skin irritations, and even nutritional deficiencies can prompt a dog to lick obsessively.
For instance, if your dog is frequently licking its paws or certain areas of its body, it could be dealing with an allergy or irritation. Similarly, licking at certain spots on your skin may be a way for your dog to signal discomfort. If this behavior persists, a visit to the vet might be necessary to rule out medical causes.
- Allergies: Environmental or food allergies may lead to constant licking due to itchy skin.
- Skin Irritations: Cuts, burns, or infections on the skin can cause a dog to lick in an attempt to heal it.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Poor diet or missing nutrients may prompt a dog to lick objects, people, or themselves more frequently.
Licking and Bonding: Strengthening the Dog-Human Relationship
Licking plays a crucial role in building and reinforcing the bond between you and your dog. Just as dogs lick each other to establish pack order and affection, licking humans creates a deep sense of connection.
Each time your dog licks you, it strengthens the social bond and emotional trust. This is especially true when licking happens during moments of shared joy, like playing or cuddling.
When Licking Becomes a Problem: Over-Licking in Dogs
While licking is a natural behavior, excessive licking can become problematic. Dogs who constantly lick may be exhibiting signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which can develop due to boredom, anxiety, or lack of exercise.
Over-licking can lead to skin damage and infections, both for you and your dog. In such cases, it’s essential to identify the root cause and address it promptly, whether through behavioral training, environmental enrichment, or medical intervention.
How to Manage and Control Excessive Licking
If your dog’s licking has become too frequent or problematic, there are steps you can take to manage it. Consistency is key when it comes to training your dog to reduce licking. Providing enough mental stimulation, toys, and exercise can help, as many dogs lick out of boredom.
In some cases, redirecting your dog’s behavior by offering them a treat or toy when they start licking can also be effective. However, if licking is a sign of stress, anxiety, or a medical condition, it’s best to consult a professional trainer or vet for advice.
What Different Licking Behaviors Mean
Dogs may lick in different ways depending on the situation. A slow, soft lick to the face can mean affection and bonding, while rapid, repeated licks could signal anxiety or a need for attention.
Understanding the context of your dog’s licking can help you better interpret their needs and emotions. Here’s a quick guide to some common licking behaviors:
- Face Licking: Usually a sign of affection and submission.
- Paw Licking: Could indicate allergies, stress, or boredom.
- Licking Objects: Often a sign of curiosity or boredom.
- Licking After Eating: Could indicate a habit formed from grooming or residual taste preferences.
Should You Allow Your Dog to Lick You?
As endearing as it is when your dog shows affection through licking, you may wonder if it’s safe to let them continue. From a hygiene standpoint, dog saliva contains bacteria, which can sometimes transmit infections.
For healthy individuals, these risks are generally low, but it’s still important to be mindful of excessive licking, especially if you have open wounds or sensitive skin. Washing your hands or face after being licked is a good practice to avoid potential issues.
- Hygiene Concerns: Regular licking can lead to unwanted germs on the skin, especially if your dog has been exploring outdoors.
- Health Risks: In rare cases, dog saliva may carry harmful bacteria or parasites that can be passed to humans. This risk is higher for people with weakened immune systems.
Cultural and Historical Views on Dogs Licking Humans
Dogs licking humans has been interpreted in various ways across cultures and time periods. In some cultures, dogs licking humans is seen as a spiritual act, symbolizing purity or healing. Ancient Egyptians revered dogs and believed their licking held magical or medicinal properties.
In contrast, other cultures might see it as unsanitary or undesirable. Understanding these historical and cultural perspectives helps to contextualize the many ways people relate to this common behavior.
Why Puppies Lick You Differently than Adult Dogs
Puppies and adult dogs may both lick, but the motivation behind the behavior can differ. Puppies often lick more to seek comfort and nourishment, especially from their mother.
This instinctual behavior carries over when they interact with humans. Adult dogs, on the other hand, lick more as a way to communicate, bond, or explore their surroundings. The amount and frequency of licking can also decrease as dogs age and become more settled in their environment.
How Other Animals Use Licking for Bonding and Communication
Licking as a form of bonding and communication isn’t unique to dogs. Many other animals, from cats to primates, use licking or grooming to establish social order and care for their group members.
This behavior strengthens relationships and helps with survival in the wild. For example, mother cats lick their kittens to clean and comfort them, while some primates groom each other as a way of reinforcing social bonds.
Conclusion
Understanding why dogs lick you helps to deepen your relationship with your pet and appreciate the nuances of their behavior.
Whether it’s showing love, dealing with stress, or even communicating a need, licking is a complex behavior that reflects your dog’s emotional state and instincts.
While it can be comforting and even endearing, it’s important to manage excessive licking to ensure a healthy relationship for both you and your dog.
