A: When your dog is licking you occasionally or to show affection, it is completely normal. But when licking becomes excessive or obsessive, there could be behavioral issues to blame.
Most dog owners don’t mind it when their four-legged best friend gives them the occasional lick. After all, is there anything more adorable than getting attacked with dog kisses when you walk in the door after a long day at work? If you’re simply getting licked by your pup when you get home, that’s totally normal and, if you ask us, a very sweet gesture. However, there are a few other reasons why your dog could be licking you.
Reasons Why Dogs Lick People
To Show Affection or Empathy
“In most cases, when dogs lick a person, especially as a greeting, it is a sign of affection,” says Mary R. Burch, PhD, a certified applied animal behaviorist and the American Kennel Club’s Good Citizen director.
Licking can also be your dog’s way of showing empathy. A study published in the journal Animal Cognition showed that some dogs lick humans when trying to comfort them, which is a dog behavior that’s consistent with empathy and concern. If you’ve ever had a bad day and noticed that your dog licked your face or tears when you were crying, you’re not imagining their concern—they really do care about your feelings! (Ok, now we are crying.)
They’re Curious
“Just like humans often explore the world by using our hands to touch or pick up items, dogs explore the world with their mouths,” says dog trainer Chelsea Murray, CPDT-KA KPA-CTP CTDI. Sniffing and licking is just your pup’s way of gathering intel about where you were and which dogs you’ve petted (yep, they know when you’ve “cheated” on them).
They Want Attention
Licking can also be an attention-seeking behavior.
“Dogs are social creatures, and they respond to our behaviors,” says Dr. Burch. “If you squeal and laugh and act like you are enjoying canine ‘kisses,’ there is a good chance your dog will continue to lick you.”
Even if you AREN’T a fan of slobbery dog kisses, Murray says you might accidentally provide “exciting attention or stimuli like saying, ‘ahhh, stop it!’ and waving an arm each time the tongue touches the skin.” While you may not think of this as positive reinforcement, “this reaction from the human can accidentally reinforce the behavior of licking, and the dog learns this is a great way to get the human’s attention.”
Remember that not everyone loves dog slobber, so you may want to consider training your dog to stop licking on command (more on how to do that later).
They’re Stressed Out
If your furry best friend is licking you, an object, or themselves nonstop, it could be a sign of stress, anxiety or another behavioral issue such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). That’s because licking is a calming technique for dogs and they “sometimes lick to displace another behavior, such as anxiety,” explains Shelbe Rice, DVM, a veterinarian at Elberton Animal Hospital in Georgia.
So if your pup is in a new or stressful environment (think: in the waiting room at the vet) and is fervently licking their paws or giving your legs nonstop kisses, “your dog could be licking to calm themselves down,” says Dr. Rice.
However, if your dog is licking you or another pup but doesn’t seem otherwise distressed, you don’t need to freak out—this can actually be a beneficial, self-soothing behavior. “Licking releases endorphins, which can help calm and soothe dogs,” Murray says, adding that some pet parents actually encourage this behavior with things like a KONG chew toy, a Toppl treat dispensing toy, and lick mats to “provide the dog with a safe and species-appropriate licking outlet.”
If you’ve tried these distractions and notice your dog persistently licking you or something else, it’s worth taking them to the vet to rule out any underlying issues and talk through treatment options.
We Taste Good
Dogs have very sensitive noses and some of the things we have or put on our bodies smell and taste interesting to them, explains Dr. Rice. Whether you just got out of the shower, lotioned up or came back from the gym, your dog may want to investigate any of the following:
- Lotion
- Soap/body wash
- Water
- Salt from our sweaty skin (We still can’t decide if this is disgusting or kind of sweet.)
Why do dogs lick other dogs?
- It’s a sign of affection
- It’s a sign of fear or submission (aka a type of appeasem*nt behavior to show they don’t want conflict)
To determine whether your dog is licking out of affection or fear, Dr. Rice says to pay attention to their body language. “For example, a dog bouncing around and wagging their tail while licking another dog is probably showing affection, while a dog rolling on their back while licking is probably showing submission.”
Should I let my dog lick me?
Whether you should let your dog lick you is a personal decision. It’s generally safe to let your dog lick you on your face or hands, although some bacteria, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, can be spread from dogs to humans through saliva. Those with weakened immune systems, along with children, the elderly, and pregnant people, should be a little more cautious, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you fall into one of these groups you can minimize your risk by washing your hands (or face) with warm, soapy water after playing with your pup.
However, it’s important to pay attention to when this behavior may signal a behavioral problem.
“A canine kiss on the cheek is fine every now and then, but licking should not be so frequent or intense that it is a bother,” says Dr. Burch. Licking becomes excessive when the dog can’t stop it and that will require a trip to your vet.
When is dog licking a problem?
Dog licking becomes a problem when it’s excessive or is caused by anxiety or another behavioral problem.
According to Dr. Rice, pet parents should contact their vet if:
- The dog is excessively licking themselves and causing sores (for example: lick granulomas)
- They’re licking so excessively that it’s obstructing their normal daily activities.
How to Stop a Dog from Licking You
If your pup is licking themselves or you so excessively that it’s interfering with their daily activities, it’s worth visiting the vet to rule out any underlying health issues. If your vet gives the green light, consider consulting a trainer to rule out behavioral problems. A trainer may also be able to provide insight and tips for managing your dog’s problematic licking through exercise, brain games, and other soothing techniques. Here, some trainer- and vet-approved ways to help your dog stop licking you.
- Make sure they’re getting enough activity. Make sure your dog is getting their daily activity needs met to help reduce anxiety and stop this unwanted behavior. Dr. Rice recommends taking your pup for a long walk or playing with them to get out some of that pent-up energy. Brain games like food puzzles can also help tire them out mentally.
- Interrupt the licking. Murray recommends teaching something called a “positive interrupter” to your dog. When your dog is licking and you want them to stop, say a specific phrase, like “That’s all” or “That’s enough,” and then throw some treats on the ground by the dog. “This effectively interrupts the licking and, with your dog’s attention, you can now redirect them to something else you would like them to do, like laying on a mat with a bone, or sitting for treats,” Murray explains.
- Ignore it. “You can send a message that you don’t like licking by abruptly standing up and walking away each time the dog licks you,” Dr. Birch says. “Your attention is important to the dog, and the lesson here is, If you lick, you get no attention." Then, like Murray recommended above, give the dog something else to do that is incompatible with licking, such as a sit and stay command, having them roll over for belly scratches, or playing fetch.
Should I get my dog a salt lick?
Some companies make salt licks for dogs (they’re essentially a block made from pure salt), but Dr. Rice cautions against giving them to your pup. Though dogs need some sodium in their diets just like we do (and most commercial foods have enough to meet their daily requirements), too much salt can actually harm your dog.
“I wouldn’t recommend [salt licks], since salt can actually be an issue (it can exacerbate kidney disease and heart disease),” Dr. Rice says. “Horses need salt licks to encourage drinking and get minerals, but dogs do not.”
FAQs
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Why does my dog lick me so much? ›
Many dog owners view dogs' licking as a sign of affection similar to kissing. Obsessive licking may be a sign of underlying issues, including anxiety, boredom, or fear. Trick training is an effective way to redirect problem licking in a positive way.
What do dogs think when they lick us? ›
Dogs lick people for a variety of reasons, including affection, communication, grooming, exploration, attention, and taste.
Why do dogs kiss and lick you? ›
A dog who licks you is showing you that they love you, so it's no surprise many people call them "dog kisses". It's a natural action for dogs — a way for them to express how they feel about you. Charlotte adds: "It's important that you don't force a dog to give you 'kisses or cuddles'.
Are dog licks always kisses? ›
“In general, if a dog licks you, they are showing affection. However, if the dog licks someone who is agitated or excited this could be a symptom of stress. By licking that person, they are trying to relieve their stress because they know this is a welcome gesture.
Why do dogs lick your feet and legs? ›
Your dog licks you to show they care, to get attention, to understand you better and because they enjoy it. However, the reason they may prefer your feet could be because they're bursting with scent information that tells them a lot about you, where you've been and what you've been doing.
How do you know if a dog loves you? ›
Your dog might jump on you, lick your face, and they'll definitely wag their tail. Being excited and happy to see you is one way you can be assured they love and miss you. They seek physical contact. This can come in the form of a quick nuzzle, a cuddle, or the famous lean.
How long do dogs remember you? ›
Lucky for me research shows dogs may actually be able to remember people for several years! The key to remembering is their noses. It is estimated that dogs can smell somewhere between 1,000 to 10,000 times better than humans.
Why do dogs put their paw on you? ›
Why is my dog putting his paws on me? In addition to a way to say "I love you," your dog might paw at you if it needs something like food or a potty break. Anxious dogs might also paw at you for comfort or to request some space. Other dogs may paw at you to signify they need some activity time.
Do dog licks mean love? ›
Affection: There's a pretty good chance that your dog is licking you because it loves you. It's why many people call them "kisses." Dogs show affection by licking people and sometimes even other dogs. Licking is a natural action for dogs.
When dogs sniff people they are gaining all sorts of information about us. They know if we are familiar or a stranger. They know which scents we have attracted while we've been away. They know if we are experiencing changes in hormones, such as those that occur during pregnancy.
Why does my dog follow me everywhere? ›
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's most likely a sign that they love and adore you. When dogs interact with someone they like, the hormone oxytocin is released. Oxytocin is often referred to as the 'love hormone' and makes you feel that warm glow when you're around someone you like.
Do dogs like being hugged? ›
Experts in dog behavior believe that, in general, dogs do not like being embraced. However, every dog has a unique personality. Some may dislike hugs more strongly than others, and some may actually adore them. The closest thing our furry family members do to a hug is something referred to as 'standing over'.
Do dogs feel love when you kiss them? ›
When you kiss your dog, you may notice signs that indicate they know that the kiss is a gesture of affection. As puppies, this is not something that dogs would recognize, although they would feel you doing it. However, as they get older they associate the kisses and cuddles with you being happy with them.
Do dogs like to be petted? ›
Many dogs experience petting as a form of affection from humans, which makes these interactions not only pleasant, but even supportive of your dog's mental health. In fact, research shows that dog brains release the love hormone Oxytocin when they're petted and given attention from a human.
Do dogs actually smile? ›
Dogs smile by pulling one or both lips back and may show all or some teeth. This smiling is accompanied by other greeting behavior, like approaching, wagging or even whining.
Why do dogs like belly rubs? ›
This calming sensation triggers a specific reaction in their brain that responds to hair follicle stimulation. Dogs, like humans, also release endorphins and oxytocin through methods of touch, so rubbing a dog's belly can help with bonding and affection. Ultimately, dogs like belly rubs because they feel good!
Why does my dog bite my hands? ›
Dogs usually bite your hands to get your attention and as part of play. Puppies can chew on your hands while teething, and sometimes dogs can nip out of excitement. Usually, it's nothing to worry about, but it one does need to shape appropriate behavior to teach dogs not to be mouthy.
Why do dogs eat grass? ›
Dogs need roughage in their diets and grass is a good source of fiber. A lack of roughage affects the dog's ability to digest food and pass stool, so grass may actually help their bodily functions run more smoothly.
Do dogs pick a favorite person? ›
Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period. Like their human counterparts, dogs develop favorite people over time based on positive experiences and positive associations with that person.
Cuddles & Sleepy Snuggles 💤
Dogs choose to sleep where they feel most comfortable and at ease, so if your dog enjoys sleeping in your bed, or likes to snuggle up to you for a nap, they feel trust in you that they will be safe to do so.
How do you test if your dog trusts you? ›
6 Signs Your Dog Trusts You With His Life
- He Looks You In The Eyes. ...
- He Comes To You For Cuddles. ...
- He's Confident And Relaxed Around You. ...
- He Responds Well To Your Training. ...
- He's Calm When You Leave. ...
- He Looks To You For Reassurance And Guidance.
It's not unusual for dogs to grieve the loss of a person they've bonded with who is no longer present. While they might not understand the full extent of human absence, dogs do understand the emotional feeling of missing someone who's no longer a part of their daily lives.
Do dogs remember yesterday? ›
It is very likely your dog can remember things that have happened in the past and especially events that happened recently, like where they left their ball outside yesterday. So in short, your dog can probably remember certain things from the day before!
Does my dog miss me when I am away? ›
But does your dog miss you back? Studies show that dogs form positive associations with their favorite people, and they don't like being separated from you for long. Dogs can handle alone time, but they do miss you when you're gone.
What does it mean when your dog curls up next to you? ›
When your dog cuddles up with you, they are acknowledging that you are a member of its pack. It's a sign of affection, closeness, and connection, and your 'furkid' is saying that it feels safe to be with you. It's a continuation of the bonding process that began when you and your dog first met each other.
Why do dogs press against you when they sleep? ›
As their pack leader, your pup sees you as their protector. So it stands to reason that he or she will want to stay right against the alpha for security and protection. Also, in a pack canines will sleep touching one another for warmth. Perhaps your fur baby just absolutely adores you, plain and simple.
Why don t dogs like their paws touched? ›
The Root of the Behavior
Some dogs might resist you touching their paws simply because it makes them feel awkward or vulnerable. While the leathery bottoms are padded to withstand changing terrain and temperatures, the tops are among the most sensitive parts of a dog's body.
What does it mean when a dog yawns? ›
In the language of dogs, the yawn is often used as a calming signal. It's a way of saying, I've had enough and my patience is running out. For example, in a training session, your dog may yawn to deal with frustration and to give himself a mental break.
Why do dogs shake? ›
Dogs shake and tremble for all kinds of reasons -- excitement, pain, old age, even nausea. Shivering and trembling may be symptoms of something serious -- like poisoning, kidney disease, or injury.
Do Dogs Like Being Kissed? Really, the first question to ask is whether dogs understand kisses from people. It turns out that while dogs are pretty good at recognizing human emotions, they don't instinctively know what kisses are.
Why does my dog sniff my private area? ›
Key takeaway. Dogs sniff people's crotches because of the sweat glands, also known as apocrine glands, that are located there. Sniffing these glands gives a dog information about a person such as their age, sex, mood, and mating probability.
Can dogs sense illness in their owners? ›
Because of their incredible sense of smell, dogs can detect subtle changes in human scent caused by disease. They can smell out illnesses such as cancer. It turns out that cancer and other diseases or infections have a smell. Chemicals called volatile organic compounds are produced by cancer cells.
Can dogs smell my feelings? ›
Dogs can sniff out human emotions by smell alone.
They then monitored the dogs' behaviours and heart rates and found that dogs exposed to human fear smells showed more signs of stress than those exposed to happy or neutral smells.
How do dogs know you are sick? ›
Illness results in chemical changes in the body and changes in hormones and these changes can be detected by the dog's extraordinary sense of smell.”
Why does my dog sit in my spot when I get up? ›
Sitting in your spot when you get up shows your dog's affection for you, but the chosen spot comes back to the master with no unwanted behavior. Your dog may also feel the need to protect you and sitting in your spot gives him the edge over the other animals in the household.
Does my dog think I'm his mom? ›
So, yes, a puppy can definitely think of you as his “mother” — that is, his provider and protector — and develop as strong an emotional bond with you as if you were blood-related. Your puppy will also quickly learn to pick you out among strangers, both by sight and through his powerful sense of smell.
Do dogs like watching TV? ›
Dogs absolutely can see TV, and many seem to enjoy it. There are a number of features about television shows that dogs find attractive. Some of these are visual, such as motion, while others relate to the sounds coming from the TV.
Do dogs like being under blankets? ›
Dogs love sleeping under the covers for a variety of reasons, from instinctual to entertainment. If your furry best friend sleeps with you at night, then your bed has his scent, making him feel like he owns it. He may burrow into the blankets because it feels like a safe den.
What kind of things do dogs dream about? ›
“While there is no scientific consensus, dogs most likely dream about everyday activities such as chasing birds, running after squirrels, or even interacting with you and other dogs,” says Dr. Richter. They might also be dreaming about sleeping in one of the best dog beds.
The short answer is yes, dogs do know their names. On average, dogs can understand 165 words. More intelligent dogs can learn 250 words. If your dog is trained to recognize their name as such, they understand that you are speaking to them specifically when you use it.
Do dogs understand when you talk to them? ›
The canine ability to comprehend human body language and intonation is amazing. Our dogs know more than just “Sit” or “Stay” or “Walk”. They can learn the meaning of many words and can grasp that meaning even better when we say those words in an appropriate tone.
Do dogs understand crying? ›
Is it what they see, or what they hear? Actually, psychological research has indicated that it is a combination of both auditory and visual sensory information that allows a dog to not only sense that someone is crying, but make a connection that this is a negative emotion that requires attending to.
What smells do dog hate? ›
For dogs, citrus scents are the enemy. Citrus scents like lemon, lime, oranges, and grapefruit–especially in high concentrations often found in household cleaners or essential oils–can cause irritation to your pup's respiratory tract, so keep any fresh citrus fruits out of your dog's reach.
What dog needs the most attention? ›
Top 10 Dog Breeds That Need The Most Attention
- #1 Siberian Husky. The high energy Husky is highly prized for its handsome appearance and athetic prowess. ...
- #2 Border Collie. ...
- #4 Jack Russell Terrier. ...
- #5 Australian Shepherd. ...
- #6 German Shorthaired Pointer. ...
- #7 Labrador Retriever. ...
- #8 co*cker Spaniel. ...
- #9 English Bulldog.
Five signs your dog loves you
- Soft eye contact. Eye contact can mean many things, but dogs are naturally quite hesitant to make eye contact. ...
- Tail wagging. Your dog's tail can display a whole range of emotions and a wag from them doesn't always necessarily mean they are happy. ...
- Cuddling (on their terms) ...
- Happy greeting.
Licking another dog's face or a human's face is a normal social behavior. Licking can be an appeasem*nt gesture that signals a dog's social deference. It can also be a signal to solicit food, more social information, a sign of affection or to solicit attention.
Why do dogs lick your face and ears? ›
The most obvious answer as to why a pet will lick your ears – or your face, your hands, or any other part of your body – is affection. It's simply their way of saying they love you. All dogs are part of a pack. This can consist of themselves and other dogs, or the pack can consist of dogs and their humans.
What breed of dog licks people a lot? ›
Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls and Poodles all tend to be frequent lickers. As for smaller breeds, the Bichon Frise, the Pug and the Chihuahua are also prone to people-licking.
Why does my dog follow me everywhere and stares at me? ›
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's most likely a sign that they love and adore you. When dogs interact with someone they like, the hormone oxytocin is released. Oxytocin is often referred to as the 'love hormone' and makes you feel that warm glow when you're around someone you like.
Why do dogs like to sleep with you? If your pup likes to sleep with you, it means they feel secure and comfortable with you. When your dog was a puppy, they cuddled up with their littermates for warmth and comfort, so now they want to do the same with their people.
Can dogs see in the dark? ›
Obviously, his stronger sense of smell is useful, but it's also because dogs can see movement and light in the dark, and other low-light situations, better than humans. They are assisted by the high number of light-sensitive rods within the retina of their eyes. Rods collect dim light, supporting better night vision.
Why do dogs like their belly rubbed? ›
This calming sensation triggers a specific reaction in their brain that responds to hair follicle stimulation. Dogs, like humans, also release endorphins and oxytocin through methods of touch, so rubbing a dog's belly can help with bonding and affection. Ultimately, dogs like belly rubs because they feel good!
Why do dogs lick your legs? ›
It is a way for dogs to show affection towards the owner, but also as a sign of submission and fearlessness. The leg licking motion is often also a sign of gratitude. Dogs lick legs because they are grateful to the owner for giving them food and attention.
What dogs don t lick? ›
Khuly said that Arctic breeds, like Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds and American Eskimos, don't lick much by nature (though they can learn the behavior).
Is a dog licking a form of dominance? ›
Yes, Licking Is A Sign Of Dominance
Dogs can attempt to show dominance towards a dog or human by aggressively licking them. This is a determined, deliberate act, and is uninvited or inappropriate for the situation. This type of dog licking indicate an assertion of dominance and control.
Is dog licking a dominant behavior? ›
Adult dogs lick as a sign of deference or submissiveness to a dominant pack member. The dog doing the licking usually lowers its body to make itself smaller, and looks up, adding to the effect of subordinate behavior.
