When you become a dog parent, you may begin to notice your furry friend’s peculiar licking habits. It’s not unusual to catch them licking everything from your face to their paws, and even inanimate objects at times. You’ll soon start asking, “What do dogs like to lick?” and “Is this normal?” This detailed guide serves to shed light on those questions.
1. Why Dogs Lick
Firstly, it is essential to understand why dogs lick in general. Dogs lick for a variety of reasons:
- Affection: Licking can be a way for dogs to express their love and affection towards you. It’s their version of giving kisses.
- Taste: Dogs may lick certain objects or people due to the salty taste on the surface.
- Grooming: Dogs lick themselves as a way to clean their fur and skin.
- Communication: Licking can also be a form of communication. They might be trying to tell you they’re hungry or need something.
2. Dogs Licking Humans
Your dog, much like any other, has an urge to lick you every time they see you. Here’s why:
- To show submissiveness: In the wild, dogs lick the mouth of a more dominant member in the pack as a sign of submission.
- To show affection: Dogs often lick people they feel comfortable with as a sign of affection, just like they would with other dogs.
- To explore: Dogs use their tongues to explore their surroundings. Licking you gives them information about you, such as your taste and scent.
3. Dogs Licking Themselves
Dogs licking themselves is a normal behavior unless it becomes excessive, which could indicate a problem. Here’s what you need to know:
- Grooming: Dogs lick their bodies to keep themselves clean.
- Soothing: If a dog is hurt or itchy, they may lick the area to soothe it.
- Boredom or stress: Excessive licking can be a sign of boredom or stress, often referred to as a compulsive behavior.
| Reasons for Licking | Healthy or Not? |
|---|---|
| Grooming | Healthy |
| Soothing | Healthy |
| Boredom/Stress | Not Healthy |
4. Dogs Licking Objects
Dogs may also lick various objects, such as furniture, toys, or even the floor. This behavior could be due to several reasons:
- Residual flavors: Dogs might lick an object that has attractive scents or tastes, like the remnants of food.
- Curiosity: Dogs explore their surroundings with their mouths and tongues, so a new object may prompt a lick.
- Boredom: Sometimes, dogs may lick objects simply because they have nothing better to do.
5. Handling Excessive Licking
If your dog’s licking seems to become excessive or obsessive, it might be time to intervene. Some strategies to manage this include:
- Providing plenty of physical and mental stimulation
- Using taste deterrents on surfaces where they inappropriately lick
- Consulting with a vet or a professional dog behaviorist
FAQ
Q1: Is it normal for dogs to lick their paws excessively?
No, excessive paw licking might indicate an issue like allergies, injury, or infection. It’s best to consult with a vet.
Q2: Why does my dog lick my face?
Dogs often lick faces to express affection, submission, or to explore your scent and taste.
Q3: Is it harmful for dogs to lick certain objects?
It depends on the object. For example, objects with harmful chemicals or small objects that could be a choking hazard should be kept out of your dog’s reach.
Q4: Can excessive licking indicate a health issue?
Yes, excessive licking can indicate various health issues, including skin problems, allergies, and more. If you notice abnormal licking, consult with your vet.
Remember, as a caregiver, it’s essential to stay informed about your dog’s behaviors. While licking is a natural behavior for dogs, it’s also crucial to keep an eye out for excessive or unusual licking, which could indicate a problem.
