Why Do Dogs Lick You – What Your Dog Is Really Trying to Tell You

Your dog licks your face, hands, feet, and seems unable to stop. For some people this is an expression of love that melts their heart, for others it is simply unpleasant. But what is your dog actually trying to say? Science and decades of canine behaviour research provide fascinating answers that change the way we look at this everyday habit. Licking as an Expression of Love and Affection The most common reason dogs lick people is straightforward — they love them. When a dog licks its owner endorphins are released in both the dog and the human creating a feeling of pleasure and calming the nervous system. This behaviour is rooted in earliest puppyhood — mother dogs lick puppies immediately after birth to stimulate breathing, clean them, and show affection. That instinct remains deeply embedded and transferring the same behaviour to the people a dog loves is completely natural. Licking as Attention-Seeking Dogs quickly learn that licking produces a reaction from their owner — a smile, laughter, petting, or conversation. Even a negative reaction such as "Stop it!" and pushing them away is still a reaction and still attention. A dog that successfully attracts attention through licking continues to do so because it has learned that it works. If you do not want your dog to lick the most effective approach is to completely ignore the behaviour and turn your head away rather than reacting, because even a negative reaction rewards it. Licking as Environmental Exploration Dogs experience the world through their nose and mouth. Human skin is full of information — what we have eaten, where we have been, what our emotional state is, whether we are healthy or unwell. Sweat on the skin contains salts and organic compounds that give dogs a complete picture of their owner's condition. A dog that licks your hands immediately upon your return home is literally reading everything that happened to you during the day. Licking as a Sign of Respect and Submission In dog social hierarchy younger or subordinate dogs lick older and more dominant individuals as a sign of respect. This behaviour originates with wolf ancestors where young wolves would lick the faces of adult wolves returning from a hunt, stimulating the adults to regurgitate food for the young. When a dog licks your face part of that instinct is still present — it is a signal that the dog considers you an authority figure and is happy that you have returned. Licking as a Response to Taste Sometimes the answer is much simpler than we think — you simply smell good or have an appealing taste on your skin. Lotion, cream, sweaty hands after exercise, food residue on your fingers — all of this attracts your dog. It is not always a deep emotional message, sometimes your dog is simply a curious gourmet. Licking as a Sign of Anxiety or Stress Compulsive licking that does not stop can be a sign of anxiety or stress. A dog that licks you without stopping particularly in situations it finds uncomfortable may be seeking comfort and security in this way. Licking releases endorphins and has a calming effect on the dog's nervous system making it a coping mechanism for stress. If you notice that licking is compulsive and intensifies in certain situations it is worth speaking with a veterinarian or canine behaviour specialist. Is Dog Licking Safe for Humans This question generates debate but science provides relatively clear answers. Dog mouths are neither cleaner nor dirtier than human mouths but they contain different bacteria. For healthy adults being licked by a dog on the skin presents minimal risk. However there are situations where caution is warranted — licking of open wounds or cuts should be avoided as dog mouths contain bacteria that can cause infection. People with weakened immune systems, small children, and the elderly should be more careful. Licking around the mouth and nose carries somewhat greater risk of bacterial transfer than licking on hands or legs. When Licking Becomes a Problem Licking becomes problematic when it is compulsive and cannot be stopped, when it is directed at wounds or damaged skin, when a dog licks itself to the point of creating sores on its own skin, and when it interferes with normal daily life. In these cases a veterinary visit is recommended as compulsive licking can have a medical cause such as allergies, pain, or an anxiety disorder. Share your experiences with your dog's behaviour and learn more about canine psychology from experienced owners on PetFriendsForever. 🐾