Most of us love showering our dogs with affection, and kisses often top the list. But do dogs actually like kisses? Many dogs seem to enjoy it, others might find it a little strange or even uncomfortable. There’s no blanket rule about which dogs are okay with kisses; it pretty much depends on the individual.
When we have dogs, we need to understand that they are not humans in a fursuit, even if they are family. They understand the world and actions like kisses differently to what we do. So, let’s look at what kisses mean to dogs.
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What Do Dogs Think When You Kiss Them
When we kiss our dogs, we see it as a sign of our love and affection. But in dog language, kisses mean something a bit different if they view it through a lens of dog language.
Dr. Bonnie Beaver, DVM, explains: “Licking is generally considered a submissive behavior,” which starts when puppies lick older dogs’ faces as a way of saying, ‘I’m just a baby, feed me and don’t hurt me.’
This is also why dogs love to lick our faces. The kisses we give our dogs can sometimes look a bit like the licking submissive dogs do. So while our kisses are a sign of love, dogs might see it differently.
It also depends on how we kiss our dogs. A peck on the head can seem like being petted. But if we are getting very much in their face and making high-pitched noises it may seem a bit to our dogs like we are acting like puppies who want attention.
Ultimately, what our dogs think about being kissed will be made clear in their body language. If they are turning their head away or showing any stiffness, they may see it as an invasion of space. But if they are wriggly and relaxed, with wagging tails and soft eyes, then they are happy to receive the kisses as affection.
Do Dogs Like Kisses
The short answer is, most dogs do, but not all. It’s important to watch your dog’s body language. If they have their ears pinned back, show the whites of their eyes, or tighten their mouth, they’re probably not enjoying the kiss.
On the other hand, many dogs may learn to love this human behavior simply because it makes us happy.
One Reddit userReddit user mentioned: "No, not necessarily, but they eventually understand we do it because it brings us joy, and they like to see us happy too.”
In fact, this person’s dog even waits in the same spot every day to get a goodbye kiss!
Do Dogs Give Kisses
Dogs do not give kisses in the same way we do, but they sure love licking our faces! When dogs lick, it’s often a sign of affection, but it can also mean submission or even a request for food.
If you notice your dog licking your face a lot, it could be their way of showing love or just saying, “I’m here, please don’t forget about me!” You can even watch how your dog reacts to your kisses or others by using a Petcube Cam.
Conclusion
So, do dogs like kisses? For the most part, yes, they do. However, it’s always good to check how comfortable they are with it by watching their body language and keeping in mind that they interpret kisses differently will help you find the best way to show your love as not all dogs are comfortable with having their space invaded. But, if your dog enjoys kisses, it’s just one more way you can strengthen that special bond between you two.