Why Do Dogs Lick Humans?
One of my dog’s favorite things to do is lick people’s faces. Now, I let her because I don’t want to hurt her feelings. I have also been under the impression that licking is how dogs show affection.
While speaking to Reader’s Digest, Dr. Jennifer Coats, DVM, confirmed that is one of the reasons dogs lick people. She told the publication:
“Now that people make up most of a dog’s pack, licking behavior has been transferred to us. Dogs often lick people to show affection, as a greeting, or to simply get our attention.
I’ve also noticed that my dog will try to lick my mouth after I’ve eaten something. I assumed she was trying to get some crumbs because I am a messy eater. It ends up my pup is hopeful that I may “regurgitate food,” because that's what adult dogs do for their puppies. According to Caesars Way, dogs also like to lick us because they think our skin tastes pretty good.
Photo by Shane Guymon on Unsplash
It’s also worth mentioning that allowing your dog to lick you really isn’t that bad for you.
“Dog licking doesn’t pose much of a danger to people as long as you don’t have any open wounds and your immune system is functioning well. That said, bacteria can be transmitted through dog licks, so the behavior is not completely without risk,” explained Dr. Coats.
Photo by James Barker on Unsplash
Do you allow your dog to lick you? Let us know in the comments below.