If you’re a dog guardian, you’ve likely experienced the sensation of a wet, slobbery tongue on your hand, face, or even your feet. While many of us interpret this as a sign of affection, dog licking can have a variety of meanings.
Through years of observing and decoding canine behaviour, I’ve understood that licking is a complex form of communication. In this article, we’ll explore why dogs lick, what they’re trying to communicate, and how to interpret this typical yet multifaceted behaviour.
Affection and Bonding
One of the most common reasons dogs lick is to show affection. When your dog licks you, they often express their love and strengthen their bond with you. This behaviour is rooted in their puppyhood when mother dogs lick their puppies to groom them and show care. Puppies, in turn, lick their mothers and littermates to bond and communicate.
Licking also releases endorphins in your dog’s brain, creating a sense of comfort and happiness. They say, “You’re part of my family, and I care about you.” For many dogs, licking is a natural way to express their attachment to their guardians.
Seeking Attention
Dogs are social creatures who thrive on interaction. If your dog licks you, they might try to get your attention. This is especially common if they’ve learned that licking results in a reaction from you, whether it’s positive or negative. For example, if you laugh, pet them, or even scold them when they lick, they may see it as a successful way to engage with you.
Attention-seeking licking can also occur when your dog is bored, lonely, or needs playtime or a walk. If your dog licks you persistently, it might be their way of saying, “Hey, look at me! I need something to do.” Ensuring they have enough mental and physical stimulation throughout the day can help reduce this behaviour.
Tasting Something Delicious
Dogs have a keen sense of taste and smell, and they might lick you simply because they enjoy the taste of your skin. Sweat, lotions, or food residue can be irresistible to them. This is especially true if you’ve recently eaten or applied a scented product. For example, your dog might lick your hands or face to savour any lingering flavours if you’ve just finished a meal.
While this licking is usually harmless, it’s essential to be mindful of what’s on your skin. Some lotions, creams, or cleaning products can be toxic to dogs if ingested. If your dog seems particularly interested in licking a specific area, consider whether there might be something on your skin that’s attracting them.
Exploring Their Environment
Licking is one of the ways dogs explore the world around them. Just as humans use their hands to touch and feel, dogs use their mouths and tongues to gather information. If your dog licks you, they might be trying to learn more about where you’ve been or what you’ve been doing.
This behaviour is widespread in puppies, who use their mouths to explore new objects and experiences. However, adult dogs may also lick to investigate unfamiliar scents or tastes. For example, if you’ve been outside or around other animals, your dog might lick you to gather information about your activities.
Stress or Anxiety
In some cases, licking can be a sign of stress or anxiety. Dogs may lick themselves, objects, or people to self-soothe. This behaviour resembles how humans bite their nails or fidget when nervous. If your dog is licking excessively, it could be a sign that they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Common triggers for stress-related licking include changes in routine, loud noises, or separation anxiety. For example, some dogs may lick their guardians more frequently during thunderstorms or when left alone for long periods. If you suspect your dog’s licking is related to stress, addressing the underlying cause and providing comfort and reassurance is essential.
Appeasement and Respect
In the canine world, licking can be an appeasement gesture. When a dog licks you, they might show respect and let you know that they are not a threat to you. Other appeasement signals, such as lowered ears, a tucked tail, or a crouched posture, often accompany this behaviour. This also signals that the dog may feel threatened by you or the situation.
Appeasment licking is most common in dogs who are naturally more timid or who have been hurt by humans in the past. It’s their way of saying, “I respect you and mean no harm.” While this type of licking is generally harmless, it does signify that your dog is insecure; it’s important to ensure your dog feels safe and secure in their environment.
Medical or Behavioural Issues
While occasional licking is typical, excessive licking can sometimes indicate an underlying medical or behavioural issue. Allergies, skin irritations, or gastrointestinal problems can cause dogs to lick themselves or their guardians excessively. For example, a dog with itchy skin may lick their paws or legs to relieve discomfort, while a dog with an upset stomach may lick surfaces or people.
Behavioural issues, such as compulsive disorders, can also lead to excessive licking. If your dog’s licking seems obsessive or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or changes in appetite, it’s essential to consult your vet. They can help determine whether the licking relates to a medical condition or behavioural problem and recommend appropriate treatment.
Instinctual Behaviour
Licking is an instinctual behaviour that dates back to your dog’s wild ancestors. In the wild, wolves and other canines lick each other to strengthen social bonds and maintain pack harmony. This behaviour has been passed down through generations and is still present in domestic dogs today.
For example, mother dogs lick their puppies to clean them, stimulate their circulation, and encourage them to urinate and defecate. Puppies, in turn, lick their mothers to solicit food and show affection. These instinctual behaviours are deeply ingrained and can manifest in various ways throughout a dog’s life.
Communication with Other Dogs
Dogs also use licking as a way to communicate with other dogs. For example, an insecure dog may lick a more confident dog’s face as a sign of appeasement. Similarly, dogs may lick each other’s wounds to clean and care for them.
While this licking is less common in human interactions, it’s still essential to canine communication. Understanding this behaviour can help you better interpret your dog’s actions and respond appropriately.
When to Be Concerned
While most licking is harmless, there are times when it may indicate a problem. Excessive licking, mainly if it’s focused on one area of the body, can indicate an underlying issue.
For example, a dog that licks its paws constantly may have allergies or a skin infection, while a dog that licks surfaces or objects may be experiencing nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort.
If your dog’s licking seems excessive or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as lethargy, vomiting, or changes in behaviour, it’s essential to consult your vet. They can help determine the cause of the licking and recommend appropriate treatment.
Decoding Your Dog’s Licks – A Final Thought
Licking is a natural behaviour for dogs, but its meaning can vary depending on the context. By paying attention to your dog’s body language and the circumstances surrounding their licking, you can better understand what they’re trying to communicate. Whether it’s a sign of affection, a request for attention, or a way to explore their environment, licking is just one of the many ways dogs express themselves.
Leave a Reply