Have you ever wondered why dogs lick people? Most dogs love to lick people. It’s so common that dog owners usually call it “giving kisses” and consider it a sign of affection. While we don’t know for certain why dogs lick, most experts agree that there is probably a combination of reasons.
By Ultimate Pet Care Witbank
So Why Do Dogs Like to Lick People?
Knowing the reason for your dog’s licking might even change the way you feel about it.
It’s a sign of affection
There’s a pretty good chance that your dog is licking you because they love you! It’s why many people call them “kisses.” Dogs show affection by licking people and sometimes other dogs. Licking is a natural action for dogs. They learned it from their mother’s grooming and affection when they were puppies. Dogs will even lick your face if they can get to it.
It’s a way of seeking attention
Maybe your dog is bored or lonely and when you get home, they want your attention. When a dog wants attention, they feel rewarded by any kind of attention; even negative attention. Pushing them away, saying “no,” or even punishing them can encourage the licking. The key is to ignore the behaviour completely.
You taste good
Once your dog licks you, it might realise you have an intriguing human taste that is a bit salty. Dogs love anything that has an interesting taste. Plus, licking is a way for your dog to explore their world and you’re a part of that world.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Lick You?
It’s usually relatively harmless to let your dog lick you, but don’t believe the old myth that dogs’ mouths are cleaner than humans’ mouths. They most definitely are not!
Dogs’ mouths contain a lot of natural bacteria, which is part of the reason dog bites are so dangerous. But these bacteria likely won’t cause any harm unless it gets into an open wound.
Most domestic dogs will lick for good reasons; affection, information gathering, or habit. But what happens if your dog licks too much? A dog that performs obsessive licking can rapidly become unpleasant, and no obsessive behaviour is a healthy trait for a dog.
The first step to discourage licking is by removing the positive feedback. Licking often accompanies other problem behaviours such as jumping against you.
The simplest method to try and reduce these behaviours is to ignore the dog; turn your back until the jumping/licking stops. Once your dog is calm with all four feet on the floor, proceed to greet them as normal. Over time, most dogs will realise that the fastest way to get what they want – your attention – is to avoid the licking.
If you feel your dog has a real problem with licking, please see your vet and/or a registered veterinary behaviourist.
Ultimate Pet Care ensures the highest standard of service, grooming and care. We have expert, professionally trained groomers that will take care of your dogs, styling to breed standard or client’s personal requests.
