Why Does My Dog Lick Me When I Pet Them? (Trainer Explains)

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Ever wondered why your dog showers you with licks while you’re petting them? It’s easy to attribute human-like emotions to this gesture – they’re giving kisses, showing gratitude for a meal, or maybe they’re just intrigued by our taste and scent.

But there’s truth in the notion that when dogs lick us during petting, it’s akin to giving kisses. Dogs who relish being petted feel good and express their appreciation through licking. However, interpreting dog licking solely as a sign of relaxation can be misleading. Understanding dog body language is crucial in deciphering their message when they lick us during petting.

So, what’s the reason behind your dog’s licking while you pet them?

Your dog licks you while being petted as a sign of affection, contentment, and reciprocating grooming. They might also find your taste and smell pleasing. While most dogs adore being petted, licking could also indicate stress or discomfort, signaling a desire to be left alone.

Let’s delve into what your dog intends to convey by licking while being petted. We’ll also explore situations where concern is warranted, and when it might indicate a behavioral issue.

Why Does My Dog Lick Me When I Pet Them?

Ever wondered why your dog lavishes you with licks while you’re petting them? There are several reasons why dogs adore licking people, but when it happens while you’re giving them attention, it’s likely a sign of trust and an adoration for the affection they’re receiving.

Yet, not all dogs relish being petted, and they express this by licking, which can be puzzling. This article aims to decode your dog’s signals, deciphering whether their licking translates to “Please continue petting” or “Please give me space.”

Reason 1: Your Dog is Expressing Affection

Petting and cuddling serve as symbols of affection, fostering a stronger bond between you and your dog while conveying your love. In the intricate language of dogs, licking holds various meanings, often signaling reciprocal feelings when you pet them.

If your dog tends to favor licking you more than others, particularly when being petted, it’s a sign of their love and affection. Licking is a behavior learned from puppyhood, where mother dogs lick their pups not just for hygiene but also for comforting them.

This video showcases a caring mother dog, using licks to comfort and groom her puppies.

Licking stands as one of the primary forms of affection ingrained in dogs right from their birth. When you express affection by petting them, dogs often reciprocate this by licking you. Apart from licking while being petted, many dogs also use licking to display affection whenever they sense something might be amiss.

Reason 2: Your Dog Is Engaging in Grooming

Grooming and affection share a close connection in the realm of dog communication. As mentioned earlier, mother dogs groom their puppies as a gesture of care. However, grooming also plays a vital role in a dog’s hygiene and understanding how to maintain health. Hence, if your dog licks you while being petted, especially in areas like your armpits, they might be attempting to assist in grooming.

Dogs that share a comfortable bond often groom each other. When they reach inaccessible spots like ears, it’s not only a favor but also a display of love and trust.

Your act of petting your dog can resemble grooming, particularly when dealing with a breed that sheds heavily, such as a husky, or providing relief by scratching an itchy spot. When your dog licks you while being petted, it’s their way of reciprocating the grooming gesture.

Reason 3: Expression of Appreciation

Dogs and humans share a profound emotional connection, and merely spending time together has a calming effect. Studies indicate that people and their dogs, spending considerable time together, exhibit heightened levels of oxytocin, famously known as the “cuddle hormone.”

This synergy between dogs and humans is why dogs make exceptional therapy companions, like the one seen here working alongside patients in a hospital setting.

Affectionate gestures like cuddling and licking while being petted often signify appreciation from your dog. They feel grateful for being in a safe environment and cherish the attention you give them. Who doesn’t relish a good belly rub?

Your dog, by showing appreciation, might encourage you to keep petting them when they lick you. This implies that not only does your dog reward you with licks when you pet them, but you inadvertently reinforce their behavior of licking you!

Reason 4: Your Dog Is Happy

Various factors contribute to a dog’s happiness based on its personality. Whether it’s couch naps, playing fetch, or relishing treats, many dogs find joy in these activities. Yet, most dogs derive happiness from being petted and express it through licking.

Both being petted and licking serve to calm dogs and bring them joy. Certain dog breeds exhibit frequent licking as a sign of happiness. Being petted by a trusted human is delightful, and their licking indicates their happiness and enjoyment of the attention.

In addition to licking while being petted, a happy dog will display a slow tail wag, a relaxed facial expression, and might even roll onto their back, inviting more belly rubs.

Reason 5: You Appeal to Your Dog’s Senses

Dogs possess an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, surpassing ours by over 10,000 times, allowing them to detect subtle scents on our bodies. Whether it’s a hint of your morning lotion or a post-exercise sweat, these scents intrigue them. And since dogs explore the world through their tongue, they might lick you to investigate these scents.

While cuddling and petting your dog, you’re in close proximity, enabling them to explore the scents on your body easily. If you suspect your dog loves your scent, leaving your scent on an item while away from home might comfort them.

Therefore, your dog licking you when you pet them might be a sign that they are exploring your scent. Dogs aren’t put off by odors, so it’s up to you to decide if it’s a pleasant aroma or if a shower might be in order.

Reason 6: Your Dog Shows Appeasement Behavior

Although dominance theory has been debunked, dogs might still display appeasement behavior toward their owners by licking when being petted. It’s not aggression but an indication that they feel stressed or uncomfortable with the attention.

Apart from licking, other body language cues signaling discomfort with being petted include head turning, avoiding eye contact, displaying ‘whale eyes’ with a tucked tail, adopting a lowered body posture to appear smaller, and rolling onto their back to avoid interaction.

Various reasons could make your dog uncomfortable with being petted, including unfamiliarity, past negative experiences, or being a breed averse to cuddling. Always respect your dog’s boundaries and provide space if they show signs of stress or appeasement by licking when being petted.

Remember, attributing your dog’s behavior to alpha or dominance theory is unnecessary. Dogs don’t comprehend such concepts but thrive under clear boundaries established through positive reinforcement in their relationship with you.

Why Does My Dog Lick Their Lips When I Pet Them?

Ever wondered why your dog licks their lips while you pet them? Although licking or smacking their lips might indicate contentment for some dogs, not all canines enjoy being petted. For them, this behavior could signify discomfort or stress—a subtle way of requesting you to cease the petting.

There are strategies you can employ to help your dog embrace cuddling, but it’s crucial to proceed cautiously, allowing your dog to build trust at their own pace. Forcing cuddles or ignoring their body language cues like licking you, lip licking, avoidance, cowering, or trembling may prompt your dog to resort to more direct methods of setting boundaries.

Typically, dogs prefer not to growl or bite as their initial response and resort to aggression only after these body language signals have been disregarded. When managing reactive or aggressive behaviors in dogs, prioritizing their sense of safety is paramount. If your dog exhibits lip licking or other stress indicators, it’s wise to respect their boundaries, giving them space instead of imposing uncomfortable interactions.

I find this video on doggy consent and how it enhances your bond with your dog quite intriguing.

Is There Cause for Concern?

While it’s essential to heed your dog’s body language and provide space when they appear stressed, licking as an expression of affection shouldn’t raise immediate concerns.

However, it might be wise to reconsider allowing your dog to lick you, particularly if you use certain skincare products that contain ingredients toxic to dogs.

These substances encompass sunscreen, topical medications, retinoids (vitamin A compounds), grape-derived products, and items made with avocados.

Additionally, excessive licking could be a sign of nausea. Dogs often ingest odd objects and lick various surfaces, leading to stomach upsets, which might include colitis, parasites, bloat, or other gastrointestinal disorders. Hence, if your dog excessively licks you while exhibiting signs of gagging, it might signal they’re feeling unwell.

Apart from signs of nausea, symptoms of stomach issues include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and weight loss.

Many dogs become clingy when under the weather, seeking comfort through petting and expressing gratitude by licking. Ensure proper care for your dog if you suspect they’re unwell, and a visit to the veterinarian might be necessary.

Can I Alter My Dog’s Behavior?

Being licked while petting your dog might seem endearing, but not everyone enjoys it. Some find it off-putting due to dogs’ habits—ingesting odd things, rummaging through garbage, and licking sensitive areas. For these reasons, not everyone welcomes the slobber.

Furthermore, excessive licking in some dogs can indicate stress and anxiety. Redirecting this behavior might be beneficial. Here are some strategies to steer your dog away from licking when you pet them:

Withdraw your hand when they start licking, resuming petting when they stop. This action conditions them to refrain from licking. Provide a chew toy or a food-filled toy as an alternative for licking. Engage them in different activities like tug-of-war or fetch.

Concluding Remarks

Licking often mirrors the act of giving kisses, so when dogs lick us while being petted, it’s typically a display of affection. This behavior signifies their appreciation for attention, happiness, and a desire to reciprocate grooming.

However, it’s crucial to be mindful of what dogs lick off our bodies, as certain scents or products might be harmful to them.

Nonetheless, it’s essential to recognize that licking doesn’t always denote contentment. Unsettled dogs might lick to convey appeasement or stress. Understanding your dog’s body language and respecting their boundaries is pivotal.

Ultimately, while most dogs may occasionally lick, certain breeds tend to be more prone to mouthing behaviors. If you prefer a dog that refrains from licking while being petted, there’s likely a breed suited to your preference. It’s entirely reasonable to desire to pet your dog without being covered in drool!