Why do dogs lick you?

Some people love it. Some people hate it. But we’ve all wondered, “Why do dogs lick?” Knowledge dog body language helps you decipher what it means when your dog licks and more specifically why your dog is licking you at that moment.

Perhaps the most obvious reason your dog licks you is for salt or even food crumbs. You may notice that your dog seems to want to lick you more if you sweat. That’s because they like the salt in their sweat. Dogs also love to lick your hands or face right after you’ve finished eating – they make a great cleanup!

What does it mean when a dog licks you?

Puppies lick around an adult dog’s mouth as a sign of appeasement, meaning they’re not threatening. Some puppies and adult dogs will also lick people’s faces as a way to show their affection. Dogs that are licked for this reason will have soft bodies and wagging tails.

Licking can also come from status stress. Dogs that don’t want to interact may lick your lips, flick your tongue, or lick your mouth. These dogs will have a stiff body posture, low to the ground, and tail tucked in. They will quickly leave after licking.

What does it mean when your dog licks you forcibly? Compulsive licking is often a sign of something medical going on. Dogs that obsessively lick you in one spot may be suffering from a variety of illnesses, such as allergies, heat, or anxiety. If you witness this behavior, you should visit your veterinarian.

There are many reasons why dogs lick. Learning more about how your dog’s tongue communication can deepen your relationship and even help prevent dog bite by recognizing a stressed dog needs to be left alone.