Whether it’s themselves, another dog, or your hands, face, or mouth, dogs love to lick. If you have a canine companion, you’re probably used to them licking. But what does it mean if your dog licks you all the time? And what can you do about it if your dog licks you excessively or non-stop?
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Why does your dog lick you so much?
Dogs lick their human family members for lots of reasons. It is often a sign of affection and a way of telling you that they love you. They might also lick you to comfort you or as a way to soothe themselves if they’re feeling anxious. Sometimes, dogs lick because they like the taste of our skin. This might be because it’s covered in salty sweat, we’ve been eating something tasty, or we’ve applied a lotion that tastes good. As a side note, it’s important not to let your dog lick you after using an ointment, cream, or beauty product because it could be toxic or harmful to them. However, dogs don’t always lick us for pleasant reasons. Excessive licking can signify anxiety, nausea, hunger, or even compulsive behavior. The reason why your dog is licking you depends on the situation. So, let’s look at some examples:
Why does your dog lick you when you pet them?
When we give our dogs a fuss, we’re letting them know that we care, love them, and are glad to have them around. When your dog licks you while you’re petting them, they’re also showing their affection. It’s their way of saying ‘I love you too’. This is why it often feels like dog licks are actually like human kisses.
Why does your dog lick you in the morning?
If your dog isn’t allowed in your bedroom, then nighttime might be the longest they go without seeing you. Even if they can kip on your bed, they’ll still have missed seeing your face while they’re dozing and dreaming. So, if your dog licks you non-stop in the morning, it might just mean they’re pleased to see you because they’ve missed you. You might also notice this as a greeting when you return home from work or on a day out if you’ve had to leave your four-legged friend at home.
Dogs lick their human family members often a sign of affection and a way of telling you that they love you.
Why does your dog lick you in the face?
Before they were domesticated, dogs would lick around their parents’ faces and mouths to let them know they were hungry. This instinctive behavior remains even though pet dogs are domestic. So, if your dog licks your face or mouth, they might be letting you know their tummy is rumbling. On the other hand, if your dog licks you in the mouth a lot, it could be that they’re kissing you and showing affection. This is especially common if you encourage your dog to lick your face and mouth by praising them and giving them love.
Why does your dog lick you when you get out of the shower?
You might still have wet skin when you get out of the shower. Dogs lick as a grooming behavior, so they might be trying to dry you off. Or perhaps they’re thirsty. If you’ve applied lots of skin products, they might be attracted to the scent of your moisturizer or shower gel. However, these chemicals might make your pet unwell, so it’s best to discourage any licking unless your skin is clean or the product is fully absorbed.
Before they were domesticated, dogs would lick around their parents' faces and mouths to let them know they were hungry.
Is your dog licking you a bad thing?
Although there are many lovely and loving reasons why your dog could be licking you, there are a few worrying reasons too. If your dog is feeling anxious, they might lick you excessively. You might even notice them licking other things, like furniture or carpets, which could indicate compulsive behavior due to anxiety. If you think your dog’s licking could be a problem, or if it suddenly changes, you should speak to a veterinarian for advice. Follow the links to our blog posts to find out about other symptoms of anxiety in dogs, like shaking and excessive paw licking.
Similarly, although the sentiment behind dog kisses is lovely, the reality is that a dog’s mouth contains a lot of germs like bacteria and parasites. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to let a dog lick your mouth, and you should always use careful hygiene measures after they’ve licked your hands or face to avoid getting sick.
If your dog is feeling anxious, they might lick you excessively.
How can you stop your dog from licking you excessively?
If your dog’s licking has become excessive, it’s worth contacting a veterinarian to arrange a check-up. However, if they’ve had the all-clear and their licking is still a problem for you, there are a few things that can help to discourage it.
Positive reinforcement
By rewarding them with a treat, a fuss, or some verbal praise when they are distracted from licking you, you should be able to train them out of the habit. Depending on what motivates your furry friend, you could use a toy, food, or other interaction as a distraction.
Give them alternatives
Try to think about why your dog is licking. Do they need comfort? Are they bored? Are they begging for food? By providing them with a safe space with a comfy bed, some physical activity, mental stimulation, or an adjustment to their mealtimes, you might be able to reduce their need to lick you.
If your dog's licking has become excessive, it's worth contacting a veterinarian to arrange a check-up.
Summary
Some owners like their dogs to lick them. After all, it’s nice to feel loved, and doggy licks can be a sign that they care. However, excessive licking or a change in this behavior can indicate an underlying behavioral or medical problem. Once your veterinarian has checked for issues, why not try the methods above to stop your dog from licking you.
FAQ
Dogs lick their owners for lots of reasons. Sometimes it’s to show affection, to provide comfort, or because they like the taste of our skin. Other times it’s because they feel anxious, nauseous, or hungry. If you’re unsure why your dog licks you so much and think it might be a problem, speak to your veterinarian.
Many people think that when dogs lick, it’s a sign of love, and sometimes it is. However, your dog might also be telling you they’re worried about you or feeling anxious in general. They might even be letting you know you taste good or that it’s time for a meal!
Dogs’ mouths contain lots of bacteria and parasites, which can cause human health problems. Therefore, it’s not ideal for your dog to lick you, even though it’s a nice gesture. On the other hand, as long as you don’t let them lick your mouth and wash your hands and face after any doggy licks, you can keep yourself safe.
Dogs often lick to show affection, so doggy licks can sometimes be kisses! However, it’s important not to assume your dog is licking to show love, and make sure there’s no other possible reason like anxiety or OCD.
