We'll explore the various reasons behind dog licking and what they signify.
What does it mean when a dog licks you?
There are many reasons why your dog might lick you. Here are some of the most common explanations of this natural canine behaviour – from displays of affection to more serious issues. To Show Affection: it’s heartwarming to know that one of the main reasons your dog licks you is simply to show affection. This natural behaviour stems from their early days as puppies when it was part of the care-giving interactions between them and their mother. But if your dog isn’t much of a licker, don’t worry—it’s not a sign of less love. Just like people, some dog's express affection differently, whether it’s through snuggling up to you, tail wags, eye contact, or simply staying close by your side.
To Get Your Attention:
If your dog is feeling that you are neglecting them, a quick lick can be a great way to get your attention and remind you of your responsibilities as a dog owner. Maybe it’s dinner time, maybe it’s walk tome, or maybe they need to go to the toilet. Or maybe they just want some love.
Clinical or behavioural reasons:
Sometimes, licking isn’t a sign of affection. It can also be a way for dogs to self-soothe or even indicate an underlying clinical issue. In some cases, a change in licking habits, self-licking or over-grooming may be a sign of:
- Pain.
- Anxiety – Licking – especially self-licking - can be a coping strategy when for stressed.
- Behaviour issues – Some dogs develop repetitive licking or chewing behaviours as a response to chronic anxiety or stress.
Why does my dog lick me excessively at night?
If your dog tends to lick more in the evening, you’re not alone! Many pet owners notice their dogs becoming extra affectionate with licking at night. This behaviour can be linked to several common reasons:
Dogs are crepuscular – most active at dawn and dusk – and so evenings correspond to their most active time when you are more likely to see their natural behaviours more and they are most likely to want to interact with you.
Why does my dog lick my hand?
Licking is a part of dog/human communication – and your hand is both unclothed and close to nose height! It might smell good if you’ve been eating or handling food – or if it’s salty from sweat. Plus, your hands give them affection so it could well be to give you a little hint that they’d like your attention. It could also be a subtle way to tell you they have other needs – such as they need to go to the toilet.
If as part of your training, you’ve taught them a hand-touch, then it could also be a learned behaviour that has produced a reward in the past.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Does My Dog Lick My Face Specifically?
Puppies (and all baby canids) lick around their mother’s face both as a greeting and as an attempt to get her to regurgitate food she’s brought back for them. This is one of their earliest interactions with their caregiver, and a social behaviour they often carry into adulthood. When we take over as their caregiver, transferring that social bonding behaviour of affection onto us is natural. - Do Certain Dog Breeds Lick More Than Others?
In the same way that some breeds are more demonstrative and like more physical contact with us than others, this often comes with a joy of licking. Many of our best loved breeds are ones who are very mouth-oriented (such as Labradors and retrievers) as that formed part of their original job and that that is often how they show their love. - What Are the Signs of a Excessive Licking in Dogs?
Although licking is a natural behaviour, excessive licking in dogs can be a sign of discomfort, pain or an underlying medical issue. If your pup has hair loss, red or irritated skin, evidence of injury, or matted fur near the skin, or if their behaviour has changed, contact your vet.
Excessive or abnormal licking can also be a symptom of stress or anxiety so once your dog has had a clean bill of health from your vet, contact an experienced accredited behaviourist for help.
