Why Do Dogs Lick You: 5 Reasons Behind The Slobbery Kisses

It’s no secret that dogs love to lick their owners. It is their way of showing love. So what is the reason behind it? Why do dogs lick their owners all the time?

All one knows is that they do this out of affection but there is more to it. In this article, we will tell you about the reasons why dogs lick you. If you find it a bit irritating then there are a few ways by which you can stop it.

But if you don’t mind a little slobber now and then, then go ahead and enjoy those wet kisses from your furry friend!

What does it really mean when a dog licks you?

There are a few reasons why your dog might be licking you. Here is what you need to know.

1. They’re trying to tell you something.

When your dog licks you, they could be trying to communicate something specific. For example, if they lick your hand after you pet them, they could be asking for more pets! If you notice your dog licking you more often than usual, or in specific situations (like after you eat), pay attention to see if there’s anything they’re trying to communicate.

2. It feels good!

Have you ever had a tongue bath from a dog? It feels pretty great, right? Well, dogs enjoy it too! Their tongues are equipped with special sensors that help them enjoy the taste and texture of their favorite things (including you!).

3. They’re showing you affection.

Dogs often lick their owners as a sign of love and affection. It’s their way of saying “I care about you!” If your dog licks you, it’s a good sign that they see you as a member of their pack.

4. They’re trying to get your attention.

Dogs are very smart, and they know that we humans respond positively to licking. So if your dog is trying to get your attention (for example, they want to go for a walk), they may try licking you as a way to get what they want.

5. It’s instinctual.

When dogs are born, their mothers lick them clean and stimulate them to urinate and defecate. This instinctual behavior is carried into adulthood, and many dogs will lick their owners as a way to show care and concern.

Can you train your dog to not lick you?

If you’re tired of your dog’s tongue lashing, there is hope! You can train your furry friend to curb their licking habits with a little patience and consistency. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Start by teaching your dog the “leave it” command. This will help them understand that they need to stop what they’re doing when you give the command.

2. If your dog starts to lick you, say “leave it” in a firm voice and offer them a treat or a DIY toy if they stop.

3. Repeat this process until your dog no longer feels the need to lick you.

4. Finally, make sure to praise your dog when they obey the “leave it” command. This will reinforce good behavior and help them remember that licking is not allowed.

With a little time and effort, you can train your dog to stop licking you! Just be patient and consistent, and soon your furry friend will be giving you kisses the way you want them to.

Why you shouldn’t let your dog lick your face?

The next time your dog tries to lick your face, think about all of the germs and bacteria that are on their tongue. A recent study found that dogs carry more than twice as much oral bacteria as humans. That means that even if your dog appears to be healthy and clean, they could be harboring dangerous bacteria in their mouth.

So why is it so bad if your dog licks your face? Well, for one thing, you could end up with a case of bacterial conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. This condition is highly contagious and can cause redness, swelling, and discharge in the eyes.

Even if you don’t get pink eye, you could still end up with an infection. Dogs can carry a variety of bacteria in their mouths, including Streptococcus, E. coli, and MRSA. If these bacteria are transferred to your open wounds or mucous membranes, you could end up with a serious infection.

Conclusion

Regardless of the reason, it’s clear that dogs enjoy licking their owners and that this behavior is likely to continue even after years of companionship. So, next time your dog licks you, don’t be alarmed, just be thankful that your furry friend enjoys your company so much!