Many people show affection to their dogs through hugs and, especially, kisses. Some dogs react in a way that seems reciprocal, with licks in the face of their human companions, while others can growl and even mark. In situations like these, it is worth asking yourself… Do dogs like kisses?
If you want to know the answer and other important curiosities about this demonstration of affection towards dogs, then you cannot miss the following article. Keep reading!
Why do we kiss dogs?
For the human being, showing affection is extremely important. Kisses, caresses and hugs are just some of the ways we do it, but also through actions such as caring for others and ensuring their well-being.
These behaviors can be manifested towards other humans, such as friends and family, but also towards beloved pets. However, many times we do not understand that dogs are a different species and, therefore, have different codes and ways of expressing themselves than ours.
This is why dogs may react differently to kisses Some dogs respond with licks and vigorous tail wags, and even approach their human companions to give them these licks voluntarily. Others, on the contrary, remain still when they receive kisses, while third parties can react violently, with growls and even marking.
What is this about? Here we explain if dogs like kisses or not.
Do dogs understand kisses?
In the body language of dogs, kisses are something that does not exist. You may think that the licking between them is the equivalent, but the truth is that it is a completely different expression, and they recognize this difference.
In principle, if you have just adopted a dog and you kiss him as a show of affection, he will not understand what your purpose is with this behavior and is likely to try to get away or feel intimidated. Faced with this intimidation, the dog may respond by staying very still, which is known as "inhibition", and even growling a little or going so far as to mark if he is ignored.
This means that, naturally, the dog will reject the fact that you kiss him, because for him it is an incomprehensible behaviorOver time, however, he will be able to associate that it is one of your ways of showing him affection, especially since kisses are accompanied by caresses, expressions of joy or you give them to him when he does something good.
Only when the dog has managed to get to know you and learn other behaviors and routines will it be able to associate what you are trying to convey when you kiss it and you can feel comfortable about it. Despite this, some dogs prefer not to receive these signs of affection and you must respect that decision; It's not that he's less affectionate, he's just not comfortable with it, so just find other ways to show him your affection.
What does your dog feel when you kiss him?
As we have already explained, if it is a newly adopted dog, the most common is that it experiences confusion and even rejectionHe won't want your face close to his muzzle and may try to move away. At this point, it is your decision whether to teach the dog to understand what kisses mean, as a reward for positive behaviors, or to direct your affection towards behaviors that are more comfortable and predictable.
When the dog has understood what it means, he may recognize your intentions and try to seek your kissesto receive affection and even that corresponds with licks. If, on the other hand, you notice that even as an adult he does not show an enthusiastic attitude towards kisses, it is best to give up.
Why does your dog lick you?
Lick yes it is a habitual behavior in dogs that is also instinctiveand what they do since they are puppies. Now what does it mean? It is motivated by various reasons.
Since they are puppies, dogs lick their parents to receive warmth from them, but also waiting for them to regurgitate some food. Although it is obvious that your dog does not expect you to feed him that way, since he already recognizes your ways of feeding him, by licking your face he can know what you have eaten and even where you've been, because it detects dozens of odors that are imperceptible to us.
In the case of adult dogs that have associated kisses as one of your forms of affection, licking represents a response to displays of affectionThat is why it is common that, when you get home, the dog greets you trying to lick your face, or it can have the same behavior with your friends when they caress it. In other words, it is a way of greeting and also of giving affection.
A curious case occurs in babies. Your dog may love your baby and recognize him as a fun friend, but many times small humans are annoying, especially if you allow his tail or ears to be pulled, which, by the way, you should never allow.
When this happens, the dog may respond by licking the little one's face. Contrary to what you probably think, this is not a show of affection, but the dog has already learned that, by licking the baby, it is very likely that you will push him away from him.
Is it bad to kiss dogs?
There is a very controversial discussion about whether it is good or bad to kiss a dog. While there are those who affirm that dogs can transmit dangerous bacteria to humans through their saliva, there are those who maintain that they only enrich their own bacterial flora and strengthen the immune system.
The truth is that both positions are correct. Neilanjan Nandi, professor at the Drexel University School of Medicine (Philadelphia), assures that the body of dogs contains a large number of viruses and bacteria that humans are unable to combat, but not only because they are a different species from ours, but also because dogs tend to bite all kinds of things during their walks and even consume the feces of other dogs.
Many of these bacteria are zoonotic, that is, they can be spread from dogs to people and vice versa. However, Leni Kaplan, from Cornell University, also notes that the negative effect of these bacteria can be reduced or even canceled in he althy people with a strong immune system.
In conclusion, it is best to prevent your dog from licking your mouth. Also, don't forget to keep his vaccinations up to date, deworm him regularly and prevent him from consuming waste during his walks.
