Main reasons
The dog licks, trying to express its emotions to its owner.
The dog licks the legs, arms, and face of a person, as it tries to establish tactile contact. Such a reaction on the part of the pet is considered normal for him. This can happen for various reasons, depending on the character of the dog. Therefore, you should consider the most common options for why a dog licks its owner, and what can cause such a reaction in the pet.
Reaction to smell or way to recognize a person
Dogs react sensitively to the “native” smell of their owner, whom they adore and are very devoted to. Therefore, often after intense physical activity or a walk, they sniff and lick a person to make sure that this is really their owner. The dog also licks if it is trying to demonstrate ownership.
Important! Sometimes the dog in this way makes it clear to others that he is the closest creature to the owner and there is no point in invading his personal space.
This behavior is also common in puppies when they first meet their new owner. Licking helps them remember the “native” smell.
When they meet again, they can repeat such actions in order to recognize him. This behavior is considered normal and natural and should not be restricted or discouraged. After all, the more positive emotions the puppy receives, the more balanced the dog will be when he grows up.
Greetings
A dog can lick its owner's hands after parting with him, showing a feeling of joy and friendliness. This happens regardless of whether the person was absent for 20 minutes or 2 days.
For some dogs, this reaction is possible as a greeting in the morning after sleep. They may lick their owner's peeking feet from under the blanket or jump onto the bed to reach their face.
In this way they show their attitude towards the person for whom they have deep affection. This behavior is embedded in pets on a subconscious level and is associated with the first pleasant memories of being licked by their mother.
With this behavior, pets sometimes show how happy they are with their owner.
Showing love
Dogs are capable of experiencing different emotions. In case of aggression, they begin to growl, bite, and bark. And in order to convey their love and devotion to the owner, they try to lick his hands.
Showing you care
This is the most common reason why a dog periodically licks its owner's feet. By its behavior, the pet shows its care and affection for it, and this habit could become the norm for it.
This usually happens after time spent apart from him. Often in such a situation, the dog carefully licks the owner’s feet.
Important! Throughout the separation, the dog is very bored and therefore, when we meet, he wants to tell how glad he is to see his owner.
Hygiene as a way of protection
These pets are very clean, so any foreign smell can be considered dangerous. Often, a dog, licking a person’s feet or hands, tries to protect him and eliminate the problem that has arisen, and in this way protect the owner.
It should be understood that any unusual smell will be regarded as a potential danger. Therefore, a dog can lick even after smelling sweat or toilet soap.
This behavior may mean that the dog has doubts about the cleanliness of the owner’s feet. In this case, he begins licking to remove any accumulated dust or dirt.
Feeling of fear
If the pet begins not only to lick the owner’s feet, but at the same time presses against them and also whines, then such a reaction indicates his fear.
In this case, he seeks reliable protection in the person of his owner and friend. In such a situation, you need to take the dog in your arms or stroke it to calm it down. These actions help instill confidence in the pet, he will feel how dear he is to his owner.
The dog feels the mood
Pets are very sensitive to their owner's mood. Therefore, if he is sad about something or is emotionally exhausted, they try to distract him from problems and sad thoughts.
One of the ways of support is to lick the owner’s feet or hands.
Manifestation of cunning
With the arrival of a puppy in the house, all family members often hug him, cuddle him, showing how much they care for him. Also, many girls now prefer to have a Chihuahua or Yorkie, because even when they grow up, such dogs evoke a feeling of tenderness.
In this case, the pet gets used to such treatment and reciprocates. In response, he tries to lick the person’s nose, face, ears and hands. Many owners in this situation encourage the dog's behavior by stroking it, offering an ear or the other cheek, and also giving it a favorite treat.
Important! Over time, the puppy turns into a dog, but its habits, developed since childhood, remain.
An older dog still constantly licks its owner when it wants to get something tasty or to attract attention. However, by this point, many owners have ceased to have such enthusiastic feelings for their matured pet. This behavior no longer seems entirely appropriate and unhygienic to them.
Natural instinct
When puppies are born, the mother dog tries to lick them thoroughly, since the babies have not yet developed immunity, and they can catch an infection. As they grow older, she does this to keep their coat clean and hygienic. This procedure helps protect puppies from diseases and also promotes rapid healing of the navel. This allows them to fully develop and gain strength.
Even when the puppies grow up, the mother continues to lick them periodically to reinforce related feelings. In the future, the dogs copy this behavior and transfer it to their owner. They try to lick it, making it clear that they are in the same pack.
A dog shows its love and devotion by licking
Presence of wounds on the legs
In some cases, this pet behavior may be caused by scratches, open wounds and cuts on the skin. By licking the owner's leg or hand, the dog in this case uses its own saliva instead of medicine.
Important! There is a sign that if a dog licks the feet of a sick owner, he will soon recover.
Pleasant taste
Human sweat has a salty taste that many dogs enjoy. Also, such a reaction on the part of the pet can be caused by cosmetic products that were applied to the skin. This could be foot cream, talcum powder or lotion. In this case, the dog smacks his lips and swallows saliva.
Replenishing the lack of microelements in the diet
A dog can lick its owner’s feet even if there is a lack of necessary components in his body. Using this procedure, the animal tries to replenish them. This mainly occurs due to a lack of sodium and chlorine in the pet’s diet.
In this case, you can correct the situation by adding salt to the dog’s food. It improves the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and thereby normalizes the digestion process.
You can check whether foot licking is really caused by a lack of microelements by pouring salt into one bowl and pouring water into another nearby. To restore the mineral balance in the body, the dog will approach each of them alternately. Once the deficiency is eliminated, the habit of licking the owner's feet will go away.
This behavior also provokes iron deficiency in the blood. This may be caused by the presence of blood-sucking parasites, as well as vitamin deficiency. In this case, the pet is trying to show that it needs the owner's help. To replenish iron, you should introduce beef liver, meat, and apples into your dog’s diet.
With this behavior, pets thank you for caring for them.
Expression of love
Some dog owners believe that licking is an emotional expression of affection and love for their owner. Since dogs cannot say this in the usual words, they act more creatively - they lick their favorite object. Often, when you are with guests, the dog may diligently lick the back of your hand, as if showing an inextricable bond with its owner. He seems to say: “This man is mine and only mine!” Some believe that by licking its beloved owner, the animal is simply laying claim to him. When asked what connection there might be between ownership and licking, some note that dogs begin to lick their owner especially actively in crowded places or in front of guests. This can happen in a park, in a shopping center, or simply in a room where there are a lot of people unfamiliar to the dog. They understand that there are many more contenders for the owner’s attention, and they begin to actively express themselves and show their feelings.
Scientists who study animal behavior believe that through licking, a dog wants to let others know that this person is busy. Just as humans express their emotions in ways that suit them, animals have developed certain unique ways of communicating through these “kisses.”
Dogs lick face
Until now, animal psychologists have not come to a consensus why a dog sometimes suddenly begins to lick its owner’s face, and what this could mean. But, as you know, nothing happens without a reason. And there are several explanations for this, so you should figure out why the pet does this.
The instinct to lick appears in dogs at an early age. The puppy, when hungry, licks its mother's face, causing a gag reflex to regurgitate food. This is inherent in them by nature.
Important! One of the reasons for licking your face may be hunger.
Dogs belong to the category of pack animals, so they always highlight the leader. By licking the owner's face, they show him that he is one. Therefore, with this behavior they want to show how much they respect him.
And another possible reason could be the pet’s desire to show his love, a desire to play, or to show that something hurts.
What to do in case of excessive attention from your dog
If a dog constantly licks itself, then such excessive attention to the owner begins to irritate sooner or later. However, it is worth understanding that a person and a dog perceive the world around them differently. If the first can express his emotions with gestures, words, facial expressions, then the second can only do this with behavior. Therefore, you should treat your pets with understanding and patience.
Licking should be stopped if it is annoying
When this dog’s behavior is caused by a lack of attention from the owner, which causes him to fear loneliness, then you need to reconsider your regime and try to spend more time with the dog.
You can solve the problem by purchasing another pet, which will allow him not to get bored while the owner is at work. But before you decide to take this step, you should study which dogs are suitable in temperament and character.
Additional salt in the diet in limited quantities can also moderate the dog’s ardor. This method is suitable if licking is associated with a lack of minerals in the body.
If the measures taken do not help, then you need to consult a dog handler or veterinarian.
Important! In some cases, professional help may be required.
What to do
The image of a faithful dog licking hands looks very cute from the outside. But in some cases, the pet tries to lick the owner constantly, regardless of his opinion, and if he is large, this can be quite annoying. Not only are all things constantly covered in dog paw marks and saliva, but you also have to constantly wash your hands. The dog also tries to jump on the chest, does not go far, but climbs with his nose.
Fortunately, all behavior can be corrected. First, they try to remove the cause:
- If the reason is jealousy, you need to pay more attention, hug and stroke more, take longer walks so that the pet understands that the owner will never deprive him.
- If the reason is loneliness, you need to try to spend more time with the dog, and during the time when she is left alone, leave her toys, and leave her exhausted and ready to fall on the bed to fall asleep.
- If the reason is fear or grief, you need to get rid of the source of fear or show that there is nothing to be afraid of. Thus, little dogs, who are often afraid of the washing machine, are clearly shown that this white monster will not eat them.
- If the reason is fear, you need to stop using harsh methods for punishment - and generally punish less.
- If the reason is the desire to wash the person, you need to change the soap or shower gel and look at the effect.
- If the reason is hunger, you need to reconsider your diet and find out if there is a deficiency in total weight or nutrients.
But if the dog simply expresses love through licking, or if people themselves trained it, you will have to make an effort and start training. Otherwise, the reasons cannot be removed.
How to stop a dog from licking
It is unlikely that an adult pet will be able to completely get rid of this habit. After all, this is laid down at the level of instincts.
You can change your pet's behavior if you start at an early age. Training can help with this. Success will depend on how much the dog was able to understand and is ready to carry out prohibiting commands.
As soon as your pet starts licking your feet, you need to stop him with a loud sound or clap your hands, which will scare him away. In the future, every time the pet tries to repeat a similar action, the same reaction should follow. Over time, the dog will understand that this behavior is not acceptable and will stop doing it.
In any situation, you should not show aggression towards your pet’s habit of licking its feet, face, or hands. After all, in this way he shows his feelings and tries to convey something. And if this causes irritation, then you need to wear socks or gloves.
