We have a playful black Labrador in the family. Her name is 'Nicey'. I used to fool my younger brother by asking Nicey to kiss him. Without second thoughts, Nicey would run towards my brother and kiss him. This means that she will run down her wet long tongue all over my brother's face and would never stop until he is completely filled with saliva. However, Nicey does not just kiss us upon orders. Sometimes, after playing around the house she comes up to me and kisses my face. On the other hand, when we arrive from school, Nicey would hurriedly run outside to greet us and give us a wet kiss. This might be Nicey's way to show her affection. Didn't you know that there are other reasons why dogs lick? Read along and find some reasons behind dog licking.
It is dogs' natural instinct to lick their owners. Most dog owners do not really mind getting wet kisses from their dog. Some view it as their dog's way to express their affection. Well, if you wonder why your dog loves to lick you on your face your ears, the main reason is for cleaning. Dogs keep themselves clean by licking their body with their tongue. Thus, they use the same cleaning instinct with you. Oftentimes, your dog would think that aside from protecting you, it is their responsibility to clean you.
Another reason for your dog's licking habits is affection. Your dog shows his affection by licking you. This is a behavior they have learned when they were still puppies. Their mother would lick them to keep them clean. But this is not just the only reason. When the mother dog licks her pups, it stimulates bonding and she is showing her affection to them. This eventually leads to the increase of digestion and blood circulation in the puppies' bodies.
Attention is another reason why dogs lick people. Your pet might be trying to get your attention and there is no other way to do that but to lick your face or arm. Sometimes, they just simply love how you taste like, for example, salty skin or the taste of the lotion you used. Also, you might have cleaned your mouth properly after eating an ice cream. They love the taste of ice cream and your pet thinks it is his duty to help you clean properly.
We all know that dogs are pack animals. They follow the male alpha dog, the one that proves to be dominant and commands respect, of the pack. Dogs then show their submission by licking. Hence, if your pet licks you, that would mean that he looks up to you as alpha male and his licking is his sign of submission to your commands.
These are some explanations on why dogs love licking. In general, it is their way of expressing their love and affection.
