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Why Do Dogs Lick You? It’s a Sign of Affection and More. Dogs lick you primarily as a sign of affection.
Licking is a natural behavior that dogs use to communicate various feelings and intentions, from showing love to seeking attention.
Understanding Why Dogs Lick
Licking is an instinctive behavior for dogs, stemming from their puppyhood.
Puppies lick their mothers’ mouths as a signal to regurgitate food, and mothers lick their puppies to clean them and stimulate their bodily functions.
Here are some reasons why dogs continue this behavior with their human families:
- Affection: Licking releases endorphins in dogs, providing a sense of comfort and pleasure. By licking you, dogs are expressing their love and strengthening their bond with you.
- Communication: Dogs might lick to get your attention or communicate a need, such as wanting to go outside, play, or eat.
- Grooming: Sometimes, dogs lick as a grooming behavior, which they may extend to their human family members as part of their pack behavior.
- Taste: Dogs enjoy the salty taste of human skin, especially after we sweat.
Are Dog Licks Safe?
Generally, dog licks are safe, but there are some health considerations to keep in mind:
- Bacteria and Germs: A dog’s mouth is not cleaner than a human’s; it contains a lot of bacteria, including some that can cause infections in humans.
- Wounds: It is especially important to avoid letting dogs lick open wounds, as this can introduce bacteria and cause infections.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: People with weakened immune systems should be cautious about dog licks, as they are more susceptible to infections.
What Bacteria Is in a Dog’s Lick?
A dog’s mouth harbors numerous bacteria, some of which are harmless, but others can be pathogenic to humans. Common bacteria include:
- Pasteurella: Pasteurella can cause skin and soft tissue infections.
- Capnocytophaga: Capnocytophaga can lead to infections in humans, particularly in those with a weakened immune system.
- Staphylococcus aureus: Staphylococcus aureus commonly found in the environment and in the nasal cavity of dogs, which can sometimes be transmitted through licking.
