If you have a dog or have ever interacted with one, you will know that they have a tendency to lick. But why do dogs lick you, what does it mean? Dogs have a limited communication system and for this reason, they use body language as much as they can to show us their emotions and feelings. In this article you will discover that dogs lick for many reasons, not only to show their love or affection, although it is something that we love, of course. Keep reading this article on our site to discover the different meanings of why dogs lick
Why do dogs lick you?
It is evident that dogs cannot speak and, therefore, they communicate and express in different ways to us but just as effectively. They do it through howling, barking, moaning or, if not, licking.
There are multiple forms of non-verbal communication they use, but if you're wondering why dogs lick, it's mainly because of their pack behaviorThe main contact that puppies receive as soon as they are born is their mother's licking: to groom them, to urinate or even to eat. Therefore, it is a behavior and attitude that reassures them from a very early age.
There are many reasons that can lead your dog to lick you non-stop and, although at first glance it may seem like a sign of love and affection that he feels towards you, there are different meanings of the dog's licking that perhaps you didn't knowTherefore, we are going to see it in more detail below.
You may be interested in this other article on Acral lick dermatitis in dogs.
He licks you because he loves you
Although we tend to believe that dogs lick us like a kiss, the truth is that they do not perceive it this way. However, they know that we like it and therefore they tend to lick us. So, what does it mean when your dog licks you? As we mentioned before, it is an act that reminds them of when their mother used to caress them to clean and stimulate them, so they also tend to lick us in asign of affection and say they love us.
Offer a pet to show that you love him too, since two-way communication is essential to establish a good relationship between guardian and dog. If you want to know more, do not hesitate to visit this other article on How to improve the relationship with my dog that we recommend.
He licks you because he's scared
Dogs licking carefully and weakly may be due to fear, fear or submission if accompanied Accompanied by lowered ears or tailThey usually show this behavior when they are scared, in a fight or when they are really uncomfortable in the presence of another animal or even a person. It is also a way of showing their concern and pain when, for example, you are going to clean a wound for them and they want to show you that they are in pain and fear.
Don't hesitate to read this other article where we explain 10 symptoms of fear in dogs so that you can identify it well in your furry friend.
He licks you because he's hungry
Many times the reason dogs lick you is simply hunger. If, when you open a plastic bag or similar, you notice that your dog excessively licks its snout while it opens its mouth and looks at you, the meaning is very clear: your dog He is hungry and wants you to feed him. We recommend that you take a look at this other article on our site to find out if Is it normal for my dog to always be hungry?
He licks you because he is looking for contact
Another reason dogs lick is because they are looking for contact. If after he licks you you give him a touch, he interprets it as a tool that he will use to receive your cuddles. The importance of maintaining good physical contact with your dog is great, since they are used to caresses from a very young age. Remember that the dogs' needs can vary so it is essential to know them well.
You can consult this article on What are the needs of a dog and how to satisfy them? for more information on the subject.
He licks you because he likes the taste of you
Sometimes the answer to what a dog's licks mean is much simpler than it seems, and that is that sometimes dogs lick you because they just like the taste of you. Because human sweat is s alty and some dogs in particular have a tendency for s alty tastesyour dog may lick you after exercising since he likes how you know. It is also likely that he will like the taste of some cream you bring.
He licks you out of anxiety
If your dog licks you, or licks his lips and turns away in this case the dog is trying to say that he is uncomfortablefor something you are doing or what is happening. Find personal space. When you see your dog licking you too much, licking objects around him or licking his lips, perhaps it is a way to relieve his anxiety. It should be noted that if your dog licks his lips excessively, it means that he is even more restless, nervous and may even want to vomit.
Above all, don't hesitate to consult a veterinarian if you see that your dog's licking is getting more and more. Besides, we leave you this other article on our site about Anxiety in dogs, its symptoms and solutions that may help you.
She licks you as an act of submission
If you're wondering what it means when a dog licks your feet and lays down in front of you, it's probably a sign of his submission and respect towards you. In the same way that we have previously explained that dogs lick each other within the pack to take care of themselves and show approval, if your dog licks you it is to show that you are a leader to him.
Licks you clean
Dogs, in general, are clean animals The mother cleans her puppies as soon as they are born and continues to do so until arrival the adult stage in which dogs groom each other as a show of affection. In the same way that dogs lick to clean each other, they also lick you because they care about you.
He licks you to get your attention
Lack of attention can be one of the reasons why dogs lick us. Specifically, dogs often wake us up: if you feel sick or simply want to go for a walk it is very likely that your dog will wake up with some mischievous licks all over face.
Lick to explore
It is no longer a specific reason why dogs lick you, but many times dogs lick what surrounds them and they do not know as a form of investigation. Remember that their senses, and especially that of smell, is much more developed than that of people. For this reason, we suggest you take a look at this other post on our site where we recommend homemade scenting games for dogs.
