Why do dogs lick their owners? It’s no lie that dogs lick their owners and this can be assumed that they do this to show affection. But there are several reasons why you could end up with a slobbery face or hand caused by your dog. Let’s figure out below why this happens.
It’s common to see dogs lick their owners but in some rare cases this can also happen if your dog is mentally suffering.
Why Dogs Lick their Owners
We don’t know why dogs lick their owners for certain but some experts assume that there are several reasons this can occur.
Licking by dogs is not considered being a serious behavioral problem unless it’s bothers you. Here are various reasons why dogs lick their owners.
1. Affection
There are chances that your dog is showing affection by licking you. Many people equate this gesture by kissing them.
The act of licking is a natural thing for dogs since they learnt it from the affection and grooming their mother gave them as puppies. Dogs can lick your hands, arms, feet, legs and even your ears.
Some dogs lick less than others and this does not mean they are less affectionate. This means they learnt things differently when they were puppies.
2. Attention Seeking
To get your attention, dogs lick you. It could start as a sign of affection, and then it is influenced by a person’s reaction like laughing, petting and smiling.
Also, your dog can be bored and lonely and seeks your attention by licking you.
When they seek your attention, they feel rewarded by any attention you give to them even if it’s negative one. Even if you push them away or say “no”, to them it means you aren’t ignoring their licking.
3. Instinct
Dogs might be following their wild instincts by licking you. When wolves or wild dogs return to their young after a meal, the young licks round the mouth of the adults.
The wild dogs or wolves regurgitate meat from their hunting for the young to eat. Some people believe that this habit of licking has been passed down in their DNA.
4. Taste
Another reason a dog wants to lick you can be that they want to see how you taste. Once they succeed in licking you, they discover an intriguing salty flavor.
They love everything that has an interesting taste and may tend to want to lick you more.
When Can Dog-Licking Be a Problem?
Your dog licking you can be a problem in several scenarios. They include:
Excessive Licking
If a dog licks you excessively, this can be a sign of some underlying issues like boredom, anxiety or medical issues. This act can even lead to skin infections or irritation.
Aggressive Licking
They may also lick aggressively which can a sign of territorial behavior and dominance. This can be addressed by training and behavior modification techniques.
Obsessive-Compulsive Licking
Some dogs might develop obsessive-compulsive disorders that grow into compulsive licking behaviors.
This behavior can be harmful in both mentally and physically and could require the services of a veterinary doctor.
Licking Hazardous Substances
There are some hazardous substances like toxins, chemicals or some certain foods that might be harmful to dogs when they consume it. This consumption can lead to poisoning or other health problems.
Licking Wounds or Surgical Spot Excessively
Licking wounds can be a natural instinct for dogs as this might mean promoting healing and cleaning. Excessive licking can delay the healing process and even cause irritations.
In cases like this, it is necessary to make use of protective apparels to prevent licking.
Transmission of Diseases
Bacterial, viruses and parasites can be found in the mouth of dogs and this can be transmitted through licking. The risk might be relatively low, but it’s important to be careful and cautious especially if you have a weak immune system.
Behavioral Issues
Sometimes, excessive licking may be caused by some behavioral issues like separation anxiety or attention-seeking behavior.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Lick You?
It is safe for dogs to lick humans. The saliva of dogs contains enzymes that have some antibacterial properties that help in cleaning minor wounds or scratches. Below are things to consider below:
Allergies and Sensitivities
Some people might be allergic to dog saliva or may be sensitive to certain proteins found in it. In instance as this, a contact with dog saliva can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Transmission of Germs
Aside from its saliva containing antibacterial properties, it also contains bacteria and other microorganisms that can be transmitted to humans through licking.
Even though the risk of contracting an illness from a dog’s lick is low, it’s still possible, especially if the dog has been licking surfaces or items with harmful bacteria on them.
Behavioral Issues
Permitting a dog to lick excessively can reinforce the behavior, leading to problems such as dominance issues or attention-seeking behavior.
Personal Preference
Some people simply do not like being licked by dogs, and it’s important to respect their boundaries.
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How to Stop your Dog Licking You
If you want to stop your dog from licking you, here are some things you can try:
Redirect their Attention
Whenever your dog starts to lick you, distract their attention to a more appropriate behavior, such as sitting or offering them a toy.
Use some positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to reinforce the desired behavior.
Ignore the Licking
Dogs often lick to seek attention or affection. If you ignore the licking and stop giving any reaction, your dog may eventually learn that licking does not get the desired response they desire from you.
Use a Verbal Cue
Teach your dog some specific command, such as “No licking” or “Enough,” and use it consistently whenever they start to lick you. Accompany the command with a redirection to a more appropriate behavior.
Provide Alternatives
Show your dog alternative ways to express affection, such as cuddling, petting or playing. Ensure to encourage these behaviors instead of licking.
Use Deterrents
There are products available that can be applied to your skin or clothing that possesses a bitter taste, which can discourage licking by dogs.
These products are safe for dogs but can make licking unpleasant for them, thereby making them stop licking you.
Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
Make sure your dog is getting enough mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom, which can lead to excessive licking as a way to self-soothe and keep them busy or occupied.
Seek Professional Help
If your dog’s licking behavior keeps happening despite your efforts, or if it’s followed by other behavioral issues, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer.
Licking by dogs is a multi-faceted behavior. There might not be singular reasons why they do that since its serves various purposes.
Getting to understand its reasons for licking is very important when caring and interacting with your dog.