Why Do Dogs Lick

Dog owners often wonder why their canine friends lick their palms and shoes. While some people find a wet dog tongue to be endearing, others may think it is just plain gross – but either way, the behavior of dogs licking has important biological significance for them.

Why do dogs lick people?

Licking is a way for dogs to display how they feel. By licking their owners, dogs may be trying to express their affection and form a bond, especially when a pup licks the face of his or her caretaker. In some cases, a dog may lick the hand of its owner to try and get something in return such as food or attention. Dogs may even lick the hands of strangers because licking helps them to gain information about new and unfamiliar people. Whatever your pup’s motivation for licking might be, it’s important that you remember it is generally not out of aggression or anger but rather out of love and curiosity.

Giving Taste Tests

Some dogs will lick you or even give their toys a good slobbering. This behavior is often seen in puppies and may be one way for them to learn about the world around them. Ingestion of your skin cells and other debris may provide key information about your scent that can alert them to changes in their environment. Dogs have super sharp senses of taste, so licking things can also help them figure out whether something is edible or not as well as understand the texture of different materials.

Expressing Submission and Affection

Besides being a way for dogs to learn about the world around them, licking can also be used as a form of affection and communication. Licking does not necessarily mean that your pup loves you or wants something from you. In fact, some dogs may lick their owners out of pure submission as they are showing respect. Dog owners should remember to reward good behavior with treats and petting instead of offering their saliva-ridden hands in exchange.

When is a dog licking a concern?

The is a chance that your dog’s tendency to lick itself can be a sign of an underlying physical or mental health issue. Please pay attention if your dog seems to exhibit any of the following issues and contact their vet as soon as possible.

Indication of Sickness

Excessive licking can sometimes be an indication of underlying physical or mental health issues. If your pup is constantly licking its legs and paws to the point where it becomes a compulsive behavior, it is likely a sign that your pet is not feeling well. A vet checkup may be in order if this behavior appears overly excessive as a medical intervention may be necessary for the comfort of your canine companion.

Damage to Skin

While licking can be a relatively normal behavior for dogs, it can also cause damage to their skin if done too often. Signs of a pet that is licking excessively include red, inflamed areas on the paws, legs, and other parts of the body. Dry and cracked skin can also be a sign of excessive licking, which may lead to infection if not treated in a timely manner. If your pet is exhibiting these signs, please contact a vet as soon as possible for assistance.

Fleas or Parasites

In some cases, a dog’s excessive licking behavior may be due to the presence of fleas or other parasites. Therefore, it is important for pet owners to check their dogs for fleas often and determine if this is the root cause of their pet’s excessive licking behavior. If so, appropriate flea medication will have to be employed in order to eliminate the pests and reduce the problem.

Stress and Anxiety

The licking can be seen as a way of appreciating the attention and expressing that they enjoyed an experience. However, if your dog excessively licks you, it’s important to watch out for signs of anxiety or stress, as excessive licking may indicate that your pup is overwhelmed in that particular situation. If your pup’s excessive licking behavior appears to be self-soothing when they are anxious or stressed, trying to identify potential causes of stress can help reduce your pup’s incessant licking.

Self-Care

While licking could be a sign of anxiety, it can also act as a form of self-care for your pup. Licking releases endorphins in your pup’s brain and can help them feel relaxed or soothed. Many owners have found that their pets instinctively use licking to calm themselves in situations where they are feeling uncertain or uncomfortable. While this is mostly harmless, owners should be sure to keep an eye out and make sure the behavior isn’t continuing excessively.

Happy Pup

Some dogs may lick to show pleasure in a situation. Dogs will usually offer playful licks after receiving treats or play-fighting with their owners or other animals. This is a positive sign that your pup loves spending time with you and appreciates the attention. The licking can be seen as a way of appreciating the attention and expressing that they enjoyed an experience. If your pup’s licking is generally happy and joyful, reward the behavior with petting and playtime. This will encourage your pup to continue the behavior and help you bond even more with your furry friend.

Final Thoughts

Overall, licking can be a sign of various mental and physical states in dogs. Knowing the context and signs associated with your pup’s licking behavior will help you better understand their needs and provide them with the best possible care. If your pup’s licking behavior appears worrisome or excessive, contact your vet right away to rule out any potential medical issues. Otherwise, enjoy the occasional licks from your pup as they could just be showing love! Be sure to have a good dental cleaning and up-to-date cleaning of your dog’s teeth because you are going to be getting quite a few kisses!