Why Do Dogs Lick You? Are Dog Licks Really Kisses?

Whenever your dog licks you, you may have thought to yourself, “How sweet!” As do I when my dog licks me. After all, they say that dog licking is tantamount to dog kisses. So when our dog starts licking, we almost always want to cuddle with our furry pals afterward, don’t we? But what does dog licking really mean? Are dog licks kisses?

Dog licking may be a sign of affection, often associated by humans as kissing. However, it’s also helpful to know that there are other possible reasons why dogs lick too, such as instincts, attention-seeking, sensory exploration, or even stress. Let’s get to know more about what dog licking means below.

Content:

1. Why People Think Dog Licks Are Kisses
2. If Dog Licks Aren’t Kisses, What Do They Really Mean
3. When Dog Licks Are Affection vs. Something Else
4. Conclusion

Why People Think Dog Licks Are Kisses

People often have the notion that dog licks are kisses simply because we associate it with a dog’s affection or a way of greeting or bonding, similar to how many of us humans show affection to those we hold dear. It’s an instinctual behavior that releases endorphins, resulting in a “feel good” effect and bond between canines and humans.

• Greeting — Many dogs often greet their parents with licks, demonstrating joy and happiness.
• Bond and Affection — A natural behavior often learned during puppyhood, licking signals affection and trust among those they consider their pack (or hoomans).
• Social Signal — it demonstrates a friendly, non-threatening, and respectful behavior that people often interpret as love.
• Calming Effect — It releases endorphins, resulting in positive emotions and a calming effect in dogs when pet parents respond in an affectionate way. This is often labeled by people as “love”, according to Erika Lessa, CBST, CDBT, CDBC, CPDT-KA.

If Dog Licks Aren’t Kisses, What Do They Really Mean

A multifaceted behavior, dog licking can mean many things. So if dog licks aren’t kisses, what are they?

• Brain Chemistry — In a dog’s brain, neurotransmitters such as endorphins and oxytocin are released, creating a sense of calm and pleasure.

• Social Hierarchy — It may also be a social tool with roots in wolf behavior. It’s a way of greeting and a sign of respect, being submissive, or showing that they need assurance from their pack leader or owner.

• Grooming — It is also a form of grooming as a way to build a closer bond with you, their pet parent.

• Survival Instincts — It may also be a learned behavior from puppyhood, where the young lick their mothers when they’re hungry, which they may carry into adulthood.

• Sensory Exploration — Licking is also a sensory tool for dogs. For instance, they may lick you to taste the salt on your skin or when they want to investigate scents that they’re curious about. For instance, a Redditor in a discussion under the thread r/dogs shares that her dog sometimes gives her very thorough and firmly pressured licks in a concentrated and determined way as if her dog were cleaning her face. This is in contrast to when her dog licks her face when she’s caressing or cuddling him, which feels affectionate and playful.

• Seeking Attention — It may also be that dogs have learned that licking will get them a reaction from their owners, whether it be petting and conversations or scolding.

• Stress and Anxiety Relief — Dogs who are feeling stressed or anxious may resort to licking themselves or surfaces to calm their nerves.

When Dog Licks Are Affection vs. Something Else

How to Tell the Difference

In determining whether dog licks are kisses or not, it helps to first look at the full context. Gentle and calm licking is often a sign of affection, while hard and high-energy licking may be due to anxiety of seeking attention. Body language is key. For instance, pinned ears or pacing while they lick may indicate anxiety. Also consider how often they do it. If it’s excessive, then it may be due to stress.

To help us learn more about our pets, how we can best care for them, and how we can cater to our pet’s specific needs, an all-in-one smart app for pet care named the Petcube App has recently been launched. It is a pet-first platform that combines personalized AI guidance, unlimited 24/7 chats with certified vets, and complete pet health management, all in one app.

Having the Petcube not only helps us gain more knowledge about pet care, but it also allows us to better provide the love and care that our pets deserve.

Conclusion

We often associate dog licks with kisses or affection. However, there are other possible reasons for dog licking too, such as instincts, seeking attention, exploration, and anxiety, among others. Context and body language are helpful in determining what your dog’s licking means. Moreover, tools such as the Petcube app is an innovative way to keep track of and manage your dog’s health and wellness.