Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

Written by Crystal Moore | Last updated 18/06/2024

Ever felt the wet nudge of your dog's lick on your hand or face? For dog owners, these slobbery greetings are often cherished moments of connection. But why do dogs lick, and what does it really mean when they cover you in kisses? Beyond being a simple display of love, licking is a complex form of communication for our canine companions. It can signify everything from affection and attention-seeking to stress relief and even grooming behaviour. In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating reasons behind why dogs lick their owners, explore common scenarios where licking occurs, and offer practical tips on managing and understanding this endearing yet sometimes perplexing behaviour.

Why does my dog lick me so much?

When your dog showers you with constant licks, it's their unique way of communicating and connecting with you. Dogs may lick you excessively for a variety of reasons:

Attention-seeking behaviour

Dogs are social animals and may lick to grab your attention or initiate interaction. This behaviour can manifest when they want to play, go for a walk, or simply be close to you. Recognising attention-seeking licking involves observing when it occurs, such as after you return home or when you're focused on something else, and understanding your dog's body language cues, such as tail wagging or pawing.

Sign of affection

Licking is a heartfelt way for your dog to express love and strengthen the bond between you. Dogs often lick as a gesture of affectionate bonding, akin to human kisses. This behaviour is typically gentle and accompanied by relaxed body language, indicating comfort and trust. When your dog licks you as a sign of affection, it often occurs during moments of closeness or relaxation. They may seek physical contact, such as leaning into you or softly wagging their tail while licking.

Habit or learned behaviour

Some dogs develop a habit of licking, which can escalate into excessive behaviour over time. This habit may begin innocently, such as receiving positive reinforcement for licking when they were a puppy. Habitual licking can be managed through consistent training and redirection. Identify triggers that lead to excessive licking, such as boredom or anxiety, and provide alternative outlets for your dog's energy and attention. Engage them in interactive play, offer chew toys, long-lasting dog treats, or establish a routine that includes mental stimulation to redirect their focus away from licking.

Taste

Dogs are naturally curious creatures and may lick your skin to explore tastes and scents, particularly the salt on your skin. This behaviour is exploratory and can vary based on individual preferences and environmental stimuli. Your dog licking your skin may occur after activities that leave salt or food residue on your skin, such as sweating or eating. Dogs may also lick due to the taste of lotions or cosmetics.

Stress-relieving behaviour

Licking serves as a self-soothing mechanism for dogs, helping them alleviate anxiety or stress. Dogs may lick themselves or their owners to calm themselves during unsettling situations or changes in their environment. Stress-related licking can be managed by identifying stress triggers and providing a safe, comforting environment for your dog. Implementing calming techniques such as regular exercise, enrichment activities, and establishing predictable routines can help reduce their need for stress-induced licking. Additionally, calming dog treats formulated with natural ingredients can further aid in reducing this behaviour.

Instinctual behaviour

Rooted in their ancestry, dogs lick for various instinctual reasons, such as bonding, grooming and communication. Instinctual licking is innate and reflects dogs' social nature and pack dynamics. Instinctual licking is deeply ingrained and may occur during social interactions or as a response to pack hierarchy. Dogs may lick as a greeting, to reaffirm bonds with their owners, as a submissive gesture, or as a sign of care and belonging.

Submission or appeasement

Licking can be a submissive gesture, indicating respect or a desire to appease you as their pack leader. Dogs may lick your hands, face, or their lips, and sometimes look away to show deference and seek approval. A 2017 study on dog appeasement behaviours, such as looking away and licking lips, found that these behaviours are indeed used by dogs to signal submission to humans. However, the study also noted that these behaviours decreased when the perceived threat level increased, suggesting that when threats become more severe, appeasement signals may no longer be effective.

Empathy

Some dogs lick in response to your emotional cues, showing empathy and trying to comfort you in times of distress. Empathetic licking is a heartfelt attempt to soothe and connect with their owners emotionally. Research into how dogs respond to human vocalisations indicates that they are capable of sensing and reacting to emotional cues conveyed through vocal tones. In addition, another study found that dogs can recognise various facial emotions from photographs of both people and dogs. This suggests that dogs possess a sensitivity to human emotions, enabling them to engage empathetically with their owners.

Hunger

Occasionally, licking may be a subtle way for your dog to communicate hunger or a desire for food. Dogs may lick their owners to signal mealtime or seek attention for feeding. Hunger-related licking is typically accompanied by other signs of appetite, such as pacing, whining, or nudging. Establish a consistent feeding schedule and avoid reinforcing this behaviour with food rewards outside of your dog's regular meals.

Should I let my dog lick my face?

Allowing your dog to lick your face is a personal decision that depends on your comfort level and your dog's behaviour. Whilst licking can be a sign of affection, it's essential to consider hygiene and potential health risks associated with dog saliva. If your dog eats animal faeces, it's advisable to avoid face-licking because faeces can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can be transmitted to you. Additionally, if your dog has dental disease, the harmful bacteria present in their mouth can pose health risks to you.

It's important to be aware that dog saliva contains bacteria, which, while typically harmless in their mouth, can lead to infections if they come into contact with an open wound. This can result in issues such as skin infections or more serious illnesses, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems.

You can take steps to prevent your dog from eating faeces by ensuring they have a balanced diet and engage in regular exercise. Supervise them during walks and clean up faeces promptly in your garden. Providing chew toys, long-lasting dog treats, and mental stimulation can also deter this behaviour. For dental health, regularly brush your dog's teeth with dog-specific toothpaste and provide dog dental chews to reduce plaque buildup. Additionally, regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing dental disease.

If you know your dog doesn't eat faeces or has dental disease, and their licking doesn't cause irritation or discomfort, it can be a positive bonding experience. However, if your dog's licking becomes excessive, you may want to redirect this behaviour with training or by providing alternative forms of affection, such as petting or interactive play.

Ultimately, it's essential to weigh the potential health risks against the bonding benefits and make an informed decision that prioritises both your health and your dog's well-being.

When should I be concerned about my dog licking me?

Excessive licking or sudden changes in your dog's licking behaviour could indicate underlying issues such as anxiety, medical problems, or discomfort. If your dog's licking becomes obsessive, leads to skin irritation, or is accompanied by other unusual behaviours like restlessness, aggression, or changes in appetite, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian.

It's crucial to monitor your dog's licking patterns and look for any accompanying symptoms. Persistent licking of specific areas on their own body might indicate a localised issue, such as a wound or infection. Consulting with your veterinarian can help rule out any health issues or behavioural concerns and provide appropriate treatment or behavioural interventions.

How do I stop my dog from licking me?

Redirect attention

Provide your dog with alternative activities or toys to distract them from licking you. Engage your pet in interactive play, such as fetch or tug-of-war, or offer puzzle toys that keep them mentally and physically stimulated. This redirection helps reduce licking behaviour by satisfying your dog’s need for engagement and activity.

Training

Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward desirable behaviours and discourage excessive licking. Praise and treat your dog when they stop licking on command or engage your dog in a training session

Move away

If your dog starts licking you, calmly move away and ignore them. This teaches your dog that licking does not get them the attention they seek and encourages them to stop this behaviour over time.

Set boundaries

Establish clear boundaries and consistently redirect your dog's attention when licking becomes excessive. Use commands like "no" or "stop" and guide them towards a more appropriate behaviour.

Address underlying issues

If your dog licks you excessively, this behaviour can be a sign of anxiety or medical problems. If this licking behaviour is accompanied by changes in behaviour, it's important to ensure your dog's health by scheduling a veterinary check-up. A veterinarian can help rule out potential health issues and provide guidance on addressing anxiety or other underlying causes. This also highlights the importance of pet insurance as something that may seem minor can be a sign of an underlying issue. Having pet insurance gives you peace of mind and keeps your four-legged friend healthy and happy.

Consult a professional

If the behaviour persists despite your efforts, consult a professional trainer or behaviourist for guidance. They can provide personalised strategies and address any underlying issues contributing to the excessive licking.

Long-lasting dog treats

Similarly to redirecting their attention, long-lasting dog treats can effectively capture your dog's focus and keep them occupied for an extended period. These treats provide mental and physical stimulation, reducing the urge to lick you by engaging them in a satisfying and time-consuming activity.

Skipper's long-lasting dog treats

Take a look at our three most popular long-lasting dog treats. These chews are made from 100% Cod skin, and they're not only irresistible in smell and taste but also highly nutritious.

If you're focusing on redirecting and training your dog to stop licking you, these long-lasting treats are perfect for capturing and keeping your dog's attention. These treats can be crucial in training and reducing your dog's excessive licking behaviour by providing a satisfying and engaging alternative.

Why does my dog lick me after a shower?

Your dog may lick you after a shower due to the scent of soap, lotion or shampoo on your skin. Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, and they may lick to investigate new scents or to "groom" you after you've cleaned yourself. It could also be a way for your dog to show affection or seek attention.

Why does my dog lick me in the morning?

If your dog licks you in the morning, it's likely a way for them to greet you and show affection upon waking up. Dogs are social animals, and morning greetings through licking are a natural part of their routine to bond with their pack members. This behaviour stems from their instinctual need for social interaction and reaffirming social bonds within their pack, including their human family members.

Morning licking can also be a sign of excitement and anticipation for the day ahead, as dogs often express joy and happiness through physical interactions like licking. It's a positive behaviour that reinforces the bond between you and your dog, demonstrating their affection and eagerness to engage with you from the moment they wake up.

Why does my dog lick me when I stroke them?

Licking when you stroke them could be a response to feeling good and enjoying the interaction with you. It can also be a way for your dog to reciprocate affection or communicate contentment.

Another reason for your dog licking you during petting sessions can also be a form of social grooming, where dogs demonstrate their trust and comfort with you by engaging in mutual grooming behaviour.

How does a dog's breed or personality affect their licking behaviour?

A dog's breed and personality can significantly influence their licking behaviour, varying from one dog to another. Certain breeds, such as retrievers and spaniels, are known for their affectionate nature and may engage in more frequent licking as a way to show love and bond with their owners. On the other hand, breeds with a more reserved or independent personality might display less licking behaviour overall.

Personality traits also play a crucial role. Outgoing and sociable dogs often use licking as a means of greeting and seeking attention, whilst more anxious or sensitive dogs might lick as a self-soothing mechanism in response to stress or discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog lick me before bed?

Your dog may lick you before bed, which could be a comforting behaviour for your dog, similar to how they groom themselves before settling down for sleep. It can also be a way for your dog to express affection and bond with you before resting.

Why does my dog lick me for a long time?

When your dog licks you for an extended period, this behaviour might indicate that your dog is enjoying the interaction and finds it comforting. It could also be a sign of affection or a way for your dog to self-soothe. However, excessive licking can sometimes indicate underlying issues, such as anxiety or medical concerns. Keep an eye out for any additional signs that might suggest a deeper issue, and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns.

Why does my dog lick my face when I cry?

Your dog may lick your face when you cry in response to your emotional state. Studies have shown that dogs can recognise human emotions and may lick as a way to comfort or show you empathy. Additionally, your dog might be drawn to the taste of your tears.

Why does my dog lick themselves so much?

Frequent self-licking is a natural grooming behaviour for dogs to keep themselves clean and remove dirt or debris from their fur. However, excessive licking, especially in one area of your dog's body, could indicate skin irritation, allergies, or other underlying health issues that may require veterinary attention.