While most dog owners love it when their pets give them attention, one canine companion’s incessant licking has her owner worried.
Confused by their dog’s habit, which could go on for hours if she let it, she turned to Reddit to express her confusion: “Why does my dog lick me so much? I always scare myself into thinking she’s stressed.”
The Kennel Club insists that licking is natural to dogs as a way of grooming, bonding and communication. They said: “For them, it’s a way to groom, bond and express themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to calm down if they’re stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them.”
But overzealous licking can mean anxiety, discomfort or pain. That said, for this particular dog, who has demonstrated this habit consistently and received a clean bill of health, it seems more of an oddity than a cause for concern.
Dog owners who are puzzled by their pet’s strange behavior should consult a veterinarian or behavioral specialist. The Kennel Club says: “Remember that licking is a completely natural behavior and is a useful way for dogs to express themselves.
“Expecting your dog to stop licking you completely is like someone expecting you to never pet your dog again – it will never happen. But not all dogs are the same and some may not lick often at all. If you have a licker, it is important that you try to understand why your dog licks you, as this can help you to help your dog stop.”
However, if a dog’s licking becomes excessive, owners should try to move away from their pet, distract them, and train them out of the behavior through positive and consistent reinforcement. One user commented on the woman’s post: “This seems like very casual social bonding behavior.”
“Many dogs lick their owners or people they like. Dog licking is a sign of indulgence, joy, friendship, nurturing behavior, maternal behavior and grooming. Generally all good things. My dog licks faces a lot, or sometimes will lick happens. if she can’t get to your face, it’s just social, happy behavior.
“In some dogs licking themselves it can also be a sign of pain, irritation, itching or anxiety, but licking others with the relaxed behavior your dog is showing, I wouldn’t worry about these.” Another user added: “In my opinion she loves you and might want pets. But by the looks of it, she’s happy to have a good dog parent like yourself. Some dogs also lick people just because. Many dogs have I’ve met been lickers It’s just a dog thing I think I’m not a pro.
