Why Do Dogs Lick You? Is This Normal?

As it turns out, there’s no single reason why your dog likes to give you dog smooches. Here are a few reasons why your dog might lick you.  

“In most cases, when dogs lick a person, especially as a greeting, it is a sign of affection,” says Mary R. Burch, PhD, a certified applied animal behaviorist.  

Licking can also be your dog’s way of showing empathy. A study in the journal Animal Cognition showed that some dogs lick humans when trying to comfort them.  

If you’ve ever had a bad day and your dog licked your face, they could have been trying to show support in their own canine way.  

“Just like humans often explore the world by using our hands to touch or pick up items, dogs explore the world with their mouths,” says dog trainer Chelsea Murray.  

Sniffing and licking is just your pup’s way of gathering intel about where you were and what you did today—including if you pet other pups.  

Licking can also be an attention-seeking behavior. 

“Dogs are social creatures, and they respond to our behaviors,” says Burch. “If you squeal and laugh and act like you are enjoying canine ‘kisses,’ there is a good chance your dog will continue to lick you.” 

If your furry best friend is licking you, an object, or themselves nonstop, it could be a sign of:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Another behavioral issue, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder

That’s because licking is a calming technique for dogs, and they “sometimes lick to displace another behavior, such as anxiety,” explains Shelbe Rice, DVM, a veterinarian at Elberton Animal Hospital in Georgia. 

So if your pup is in a new or stressful environment and busily licking their paws, they could be trying to calm down, says Dr. Rice. 

If they’re licking and not in a stressful situation, it could just be a beneficial, self-soothing behavior.  

“Licking releases endorphins, which can help calm and soothe dogs,” Murray says.  

There are even pet toys and products that encourage this feel-good activity. You can try treat-dispensing toys or lick mats.  

It sounds a little gross, but it’s true. Dogs have very sensitive noses and that fancy lotion you just smeared on your arm is an interesting new scent.  

Even sweat can be an attractive smell to canines.  

On a much cuter note, dogs also lick their pals.   

This may be:  

• A sign of affection 
• A sign of fear or submission to avoid conflict  

To determine whether your dog is licking out of affection or fear, pay attention to their body language.  

“A dog bouncing around and wagging their tail while licking another dog is probably showing affection,” says Dr. Rice, “while a dog rolling on their back while licking is probably showing submission.” 

It’s generally safe to let your dog lick you on your face or hands, although some bacteria, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, can be spread from dogs to humans through saliva.  

The following groups of people should avoid letting their dog lick them—or be more cautious and wash with warm, soapy water after playing with your pup:   

• People with weakened immune systems  
• Children  
• Senior citizens    
• Pregnant people  

It’s important to pay attention to when licking may signal a problem. 

“A canine kiss on the cheek is fine every now and then, but licking should not be so frequent or intense that it is a bother,” says Burch. Licking becomes excessive when the dog can’t stop it. This requires a trip to the vet.  

Call your vet if:  

• Your dog is excessively licking themselves and causing sores  
• Your dog is licking so excessively that it’s interfering with their normal daily activities 

The vet should always be your first stop to rule out a health condition.  

But if your vet gives the green light, consider consulting a trainer to rule out behavioral issues.  

There are also some things you can try on your own at home:  

• Make sure your dog is getting enough activity. Routine exercise can help them get out some of that pent-up energy. Brain games like food puzzles can also help tire them out mentally. 

• Interrupt the licking. Murray recommends teaching a “positive interrupter” to your dog. When your dog is licking and you want them to stop, say a specific phrase, like “That’s all” or “That’s enough,” and then offer some treats. “This effectively interrupts the licking and, with your dog’s attention, you can now redirect them to something else you would like them to do,” Murray explains. 
• Ignore it. “You can send a message that you don’t like licking by abruptly standing up and walking away each time the dog licks you,” Burch says. It’ll help your dog get the hint that you’d rather have a good snuggle instead. You could also give them something else to do to keep them entertained, like teaching a sit and stay command or playing fetch.  

No. Though dogs need some sodium in their diets, too much salt can harm your dog.  

Dog breeds known for being incredibly affectionate are often more prone to be lickers. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and American Pit Bull Terriers are all considered to be advanced lickers!