The Top 9 Causes of Dog Licking People

WHY DO DOGS LICK PEOPLE?

Licking is an inherent behaviour that dogs are born with, and there are numerous reasons why a dog might lick a human. Dogs may lick their owners for several reasons, including affection, taste, communication, seeking attention, showing submission, seeking comfort, showing satisfaction, grooming, or simply investigating something new.

Dogs have a natural tendency to show affection by licking their owners, but this isn’t always the case. Some dogs are very affectionate lickers, while others are less inclined to share their tongue. However, if your pet is constantly licking the same area, there may be a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian. If you want to know why dogs lick people, keep reading.

AS A SIGN OF AFFECTION

First thing after a puppy is born, its mother licks it to clear its nostrils for breathing and to promote its blood flow. The relationship between the youngster and the pack will strengthen as the rest of the litter licks it.

Dogs of all ages, from puppies to senior citizens, frequently lick their human and canine companions as a sign of affection.

TASTE

In order to better understand the odours they pick up through their nose and tongue, dogs will sometimes lick the pee or faeces of another dog. That you have a pleasant flavour is certainly a plus. Dogs enjoy the salty or fatty residue left on our skin by the food we’ve just consumed. Dogs enjoy to experiment with this novel flavour.

COMMUNICATION

When hungry, wolf pups would kiss their mother’s face and the mother would regurgitate the prey. Modern dogs often greet one other by licking their faces and mouths. It’s not uncommon for dogs to lick the faces of their owners, as well as those of strangers and other canines, to gauge their intentions. Dogs aren’t the only ones who lick strangers on the face to figure out their moods or express submission.

FOR A REWARD/ATTENTION SEEKING

When a dog licks us, our natural reaction is to be friendly with it, and we’re more likely to pay attention to it and pet it. Trying to discourage the dog won’t work, even if all you’re doing is trying to get them to stop clinging to you. In addition, the endorphins released during a dog’s licking behaviour help relax and comfort the dog.

TO SHOW SUBMISSION

Licking other dogs’ mouths is a common way for dogs to engage with one another and send the message that the doting dog is superior to the other dog or that it doesn’t intend any harm. A dog’s style of communication is subtle, but it gets the job done.

FOR A MEDICAL ISSUE

Licking the same location over and over again could be a sign of something more serious if your dog is acting strangely. Possible causes include anxiousness and more severe conditions like sensitive skin or an allergic reaction. Get your dog checked out by a vet if you notice this behaviour. Sensitive skin or an allergic reaction, for instance, may be mostly attributable to one’s diet and thus be easily diagnosed and treated.

ENJOYMENT

Licking not only provides the dog with a temporary source of pleasure (thanks to the endorphins it stimulates), but also brings the object of the dog’s affection into the interaction. It offers them a focal point and keeps them busy.

GROOMING

Since canines have an enhanced sense of smell compared to humans, they may lick you in an effort to remove lingering odours. The way a mother will clean her child’s face with a licked finger before sending them outside is the same way a dog will lick its owner to clean them.

INVESTIGATION

Dogs have a wide variety of sensors on their tongues and are innately curious. Their olfactory and gustatory systems are intricately intertwined and function together. If you take them for a walk, they’ll likely sprint ahead of you, stopping to sniff and taste everything in sight. After licking you, they can pick up on a wide variety of odours and flavours, including your recent location and activities.