Does your dog passionately lick your feet, constantly lick your hands, or even try to give you a big wet kiss? Sometimes it can be a bit unpleasant, but it’s neither unusual nor inexplicable. In fact, there are several logical and understandable reasons behind this behavior.
Why Do Dogs Lick Humans?
When puppies are born, the very first thing they experience is being thoroughly licked from nose to tail. Their mother cleans and dries them this way. It stimulates their circulation and makes them feel safe and cared for.
But licking isn’t just normal between dog mothers and their puppies – it has several possible meanings. Dogs lick themselves and other dogs for grooming or to care for wounds. So why do they lick the “naked apes” who give them food?
In truth, humans aren’t all that special in this regard. Dogs even lick cats and rabbits if they consider them part of the family. And now, finally, you’ll find out why.
Let’s go!
Licking from Excitement
You come home and your dog jumps up in excitement and/or joy, runs around you, licks your hands, and tries to reach your face. Even though you only went to the mailbox and weren’t gone for days, it’s sometimes nice to get a little welcome-home party.
There can be two reasons for this kind of licking:
- It’s simply part of your greeting ritual. In a minute your dog will be calm again and would have let you push them away beforehand without a fuss.
- Your dog is overly excited or even stressed. Frantic licking can be a displacement behavior. Another common sign, especially in young dogs, is losing control of their bladder due to excitement. In this case, you should introduce a calmer way to say hello.
Licking as a Sign of Affection
You’re cuddling on the couch. You pet your dog and you’re lying in close contact, and your dog licks you slowly, maybe even while being half-asleep? In this context, the meaning is very clear: your dog likes you and enjoys your affection. They’re returning the favor in the only way they can: by licking you.
Even if your dog licks you gently while you’re not actively petting them, it’s a clear sign of love and bonding.
Licking for Comfort
When one dog licks another, it can have a calming and soothing effect on both parties. Here’s why:
- The dog being licked associates the sensation with early life. From their very first moments, they link it to safety, protection, and comfort.
- Licking causes dogs to release happy hormones. Scientifically, licking is proven to calm and even reduce pain for the one doing the licking.
So, if your dog is lovingly licking you, they may be trying to calm you, themselves, or both of you.
Licking for Cleaning
Cats are famous for their tongue-based grooming rituals, but they’re far from the only animals that use this method to clean themselves. If your dog thinks you’re dirty, they might kindly take care of it for you.
Licking Because It Tastes Good
If your dog suddenly develops a strong desire to lick you after you’ve had a salami pizza, it makes sense. It might not be pleasant to get licked on the mouth, but it’s understandable that your dog likes salami.
But what about your sweaty feet? That’s harder to explain… or is it?
Not really, because: Many dogs would happily eat horse manure, cow patties, rotting fish, or cat poop if they had the chance. So, your body lotion or your feet aren’t all that extreme.
And yes, dogs may simply like the taste of lotion, lip balm, or sweat, and think they’re also doing a bit of loving grooming at the same time.
Licking to Treat Wounds
Another reason dogs lick themselves or others is to care for wounds. They clean cuts, bites, or stings with their saliva, which can help prevent infections. The licking also lightly massages the area, stimulating blood flow and promoting healing.
So if your dog licks a scratch or bug bite on you, they’re trying to help. Some people even benefit from this doggy treatment – at least for small surface wounds. For deeper injuries, though, it can actually lead to infections.
Licking as a Sign of Submission (or Insecurity)
Licking from insecurity, submission, or appeasement is common in anxious dogs. In such cases, it’s your job to help your dog build confidence and feel safe.
Should I Stop My Dog From Licking Me?
That’s entirely up to you. But keep in mind that licking is usually a positive form of communication from your dog, it can strengthen your bond, and it contributes to shared relaxation.
If you have hygiene concerns, a compromise might help – such as only allowing them to lick your hands, followed by washing them afterward.
In general, dog saliva isn’t nearly as unhygienic or dangerous as it’s often made out to be. If your dog is healthy, well-groomed, and vaccinated, there’s no real risk of infection or illness from simple licking.
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