https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/training-and-behavior/why-do-dogs-lick-you
Dogs lick people for several reasons, including showing affection or empathy, exploring their environment, seeking attention, relieving stress, and responding to tastes or smells on the skin.
Licking can be a way for dogs to communicate care or gather information about where a person has been and what they have encountered.
Additionally, licking can serve as a self soothing behavior to help reduce anxiety or stress, sometimes triggered by unfamiliar or challenging situations.
Dogs may also lick due to the appealing taste or scent of lotions, sweat, or soap residues on human skin.
While licking is generally safe, it can become problematic if excessive or linked to underlying medical or behavioral issues such as anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder.
Veterinary consultation is recommended when licking causes physical harm, disrupts daily activities, or occurs alongside other concerning behaviors.
Behavioral interventions may include increased physical exercise, mental enrichment, and training techniques to interrupt and redirect licking.
Salt licks, commonly used for other animals, are not recommended for dogs due to potential health risks associated with excessive sodium intake.
Chewy editorial team explains the various reasons dogs lick people and other dogs, discusses when it is safe to allow this behavior, highlights when licking may become problematic, and offers practical tips for managing and reducing excessive licking to ensure a healthy and happy relationship between you and your furry companion.
