Why do dogs lick humans?
As a dog owner, you know slobbery kisses are a part of life, but why does your dog want to kiss you so much? While there’s no one simple answer, animal behaviorists and researchers agree that there’s likely a combination of reasons why your dog loves to lick your toes, ears or legs!
Dogs learn to lick when they’re puppies
Puppies are licked a lot by their mothers that lick their puppies as soon as they’re born to clean them and stimulate blood flow. After feeding, mothers lick their pups to stimulate the urinary and intestinal tracts to urinate and defecate. Licking also promotes bonding.
Pups will lick one another to show affection, to comfort themselves and sometimes their littermates.
As puppies get older, they’ll lick other dogs, including their mom, to clear the way for safe social interactions.
In the process of weaning, young puppies may lick their mother’s mouth to encourage her to regurgitate food for them to eat. This behavior is thought to be passed down from wolves—when they return from a hunt, puppies lick so that they can get some regurgitated meat from the hunt. Not all pet dogs will engage in this behavior.
Dogs like to show their affection
As many people suspect, licking may be a way a pup shows affection. Studies have shown that when a dog licks, endorphins are released in their brain which make them feel calm, relaxed and secure. This then leads to a release of dopamine, another neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation.
Just like kisses shared between humans, our dogs want you to know that you are the most important person in their life! (However, we recommend avoiding face licks for everyone’s health and safety.)
Your pet might be seeking attention
Maybe your pet is bored or they’re looking for attention while you finish up work. What might start out as an affectionate lick may turn into attention seeking.
You may laugh, pet your dog and say, “Just one more email and then we’ll go!” Even if you push them away or tell them to stop, they’ll feel rewarded by any sort of attention which may encourage even more licking.
Your pet may love your taste!
We prepare and eat delicious foods through the day and explore the “world.” Your dog may be experiencing our world by tasting us. We may work out and get sweaty—meaning salty—and your dog may just be interested in using you as a salt lick!
Not a fan of the licking?
If dog kisses aren’t your thing, you’ve got some options:
1) Redirect your dog by offering an interactive treat puzzle or play a game of fetch. Repeat every time your dog licks you to reinforce the new behavior.
2) If your dog really loves to lick, use a lick mat to help satisfy the urge.
3) Try a training session to divert their attention and teach them a new trick like speak on cue, roll over or play dead.
Is licking ever a problem?
Sometimes licking is a symptom of a more serious problem. If your dog is licking themselves, you or objects excessively, it could be related to anxiety or pain. If your dog is obsessively self-licking, it could be a sign of allergies or other health problems. In either case, book an appointment with your veterinarian to determine if there’s a medical issue.
*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
