It’s a scene familiar to many dog owners: you lean in to cuddle your furry friend, and suddenly, you’re met with a wet, enthusiastic tongue bath. “Why Does My Dog Lick My Face?” is a question that has puzzled pet parents for ages. While we may never know exactly what’s going on in our dogs’ minds, canine behavior experts have developed several well-supported theories to explain this common, and sometimes slobbery, behavior.
The reasons behind your dog’s face-licking habits are diverse, ranging from instinctual drives rooted in their puppyhood to expressions of affection, and even attempts to communicate their needs or feelings. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of canine communication to understand why your dog might be showering you with licks.
Dog Licking Is Rooted in Instinct and Puppyhood
One of the primary reasons dogs lick faces stems from their earliest experiences as puppies. In the wild, wolf and wild dog mothers regurgitate food for their pups. Cubs instinctively lick their mother’s face and muzzle to stimulate this food delivery. This behavior is deeply ingrained, and even in domesticated dogs, puppies will lick their mothers’ muzzles to signal hunger and encourage feeding.
As puppies transition to solid food, this face-licking behavior evolves. They learn that licking faces, especially those of their caregivers, often elicits positive responses. Humans typically react to puppy licks with attention, petting, affectionate words, and playtime. This positive reinforcement teaches puppies that licking is a successful behavior for gaining attention and interaction.
Affection or Appeasement? The Kiss of Peace
Many pet owners interpret dog face licking as “kissing,” associating it with a clear sign of affection. While this interpretation isn’t entirely inaccurate, it’s important to understand that dog licking can represent a broader spectrum of communication, including appeasement and social bonding.
In the canine world, licking another dog’s face, particularly around the muzzle, is a gesture of deference and non-aggression. It’s a way for a dog to signal that they are friendly and non-threatening, aiming for a gentle response in return. This behavior is rooted in pack dynamics, where subordinate animals often lick dominant ones as a sign of respect and to avoid conflict.
When your dog “kisses” your face, they are often extending this same social signal to you. They are communicating that they see you as a friend and pose no threat. When you respond positively to these licks – with laughter, petting, or loving attention – you reinforce this behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. This positive interaction creates a positive emotional loop, which humans often perceive as love and affection.
Attention-Seeking Licks: “Hey, Notice Me!”
Dogs are masters at learning what behaviors get our attention. Licking is a highly effective way for them to achieve this goal. Whether your reaction is one of delight or mild annoyance, licking undeniably gets a response. For dogs, even negative attention can be reinforcing, as it’s still interaction from their beloved human.
It’s crucial to consider the context surrounding your dog’s licking behavior, along with their overall body language. For instance, if your dog has just woken up from a nap, stretches out, and then enthusiastically licks your face while you’re trying to work from home, it’s highly likely they are seeking your attention and initiating playtime. They might be saying, “Hey, I’m awake and ready to go! Let’s do something fun!”
“Kiss to Dismiss”: Licking to Create Space
While licking is often associated with affection and attention, it can also serve a less obvious purpose: to create distance. Jennifer Shryock, a certified dog behavior consultant specializing in children and dogs, coined the term “kiss to dismiss” to describe this particular type of licking.
If your dog is licking a person – whether a child or another adult – and simultaneously exhibiting other body language cues like moving their head away, displaying dilated pupils, tucking their tail, or alternating between forceful licks and turning their head or body away, they are likely attempting to politely ask for space.
In these situations, the dog is feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed and is using licking as a subtle way to communicate, “Please back away, I need some space.” This is particularly common in potentially stressful situations for dogs, such as interactions with very young children who might be overly enthusiastic or when meeting new people who might approach too quickly. Pet parents should be attentive to these subtle cues and intervene by gently calling the dog away or removing the source of stress to ensure the dog feels safe and secure.
Stress Relief Through Self-Soothing Licks
Licking can also be a self-soothing mechanism for dogs dealing with stress or anxiety. When dogs engage in repetitive licking, it triggers the release of endorphins, which have calming and mood-boosting effects. This is similar to how humans might engage in comfort behaviors like nail-biting or fidgeting when feeling anxious.
Dogs under stress may lick various things, including themselves, you, furniture, or even the floor. This licking can be persistent and difficult to interrupt because it serves a crucial purpose for the dog – to alleviate their anxiety and feel more at ease.
If you suspect your dog’s face licking is related to stress, providing them with appropriate outlets for this behavior can be helpful. Consider offering a LickiMat or a LickiMat Wobbler Bowl smeared with dog-friendly treats like wet dog food, peanut butter (xylitol-free!), or yogurt. These tools provide a constructive and enjoyable way for dogs to engage in licking behavior and self-soothe in a positive way.
Grooming Behavior: Cleaning and Scent Exploration
Dogs are natural groomers and use their tongues extensively for hygiene. They groom themselves directly or by licking a paw and then using it to clean areas they can’t reach directly with their tongue, such as their eyes and face. This grooming behavior starts early in life, as mother dogs lick their pups to stimulate bowel and bladder movements and to keep them clean.
Beyond hygiene, dogs are also drawn to scents. When grooming themselves or other dogs (or you!), they are often attracted to specific scents like ear wax or even traces of blood. They might lick to investigate a scent they find interesting or to eliminate a scent they find unpleasant.
Taste and Exploration: You’re a Delicious Mystery!
Let’s face it, to a dog, your face is a fascinating landscape of scents, bacteria, food particles, and other intriguing “contaminants.” Your face is a playground for your dog’s incredibly sensitive nose and tongue.
Think about it: human faces are full of interesting tastes and smells! Our eyes produce tears, our skin can be salty from sweat, and our mouths often contain remnants of our last meal. These factors combine to make human faces highly attractive to dogs from a sensory perspective. Your dog might simply be licking your face because they enjoy the taste and are exploring the complex tapestry of scents you present.
Hunger Pangs: A Polite Food Reminder
While your dog probably isn’t expecting you to regurgitate your lunch for them, face licking can sometimes be a subtle way for them to communicate hunger. It’s a way to get your attention and gently remind you that it might be time for a snack or meal. This is especially true if your dog tends to lick your face around their usual feeding times.
Is Dog Face Licking Safe?
Generally, dog face licking is considered a low-risk behavior from a health standpoint. Dogs’ mouths do contain bacteria, including Capnocytophaga, but these germs are also commonly found in human mouths and typically don’t pose a threat to healthy individuals. Even in cases of dog bites or scratches, the risk of illness from Capnocytophaga is low.
When to Be Cautious
However, there are certain situations where caution is advised:
- Open wounds: If you have open cuts or wounds on your face, it’s best to avoid dog licking in those areas to minimize the risk of infection.
- Compromised immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems, those taking certain medications, or those with underlying health conditions might be at a slightly higher risk of infection.
- Animal saliva allergies: If you are allergic to dog saliva, being licked can trigger an allergic reaction.
If you have any concerns about potential exposure to dog saliva, especially in the situations mentioned above, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional.
A Dog Licked My Face. What Should I Do?
If you’ve been licked by your dog and feel uncomfortable, simply wash the area with warm water and antibacterial soap. If you have known dog allergies, ensure you thoroughly wash off any saliva or fur.
If you prefer to discourage your dog from licking your face, training is key. You can teach your dog a “stop” cue to let them know when to cease licking. Alternatively, redirect their licking behavior by offering them an acceptable alternative target, such as your hand, or engaging them in a different activity.
FAQs
Why do dogs lick your face when you cry?
Tears are more complex than just salty water. They contain a mix of substances, including salts, hormones, and proteins. Dogs may be attracted to the salty taste of tears, but they are also likely sensing the additional chemical components present in emotional tears.
Studies have shown that dogs can synchronize their emotional states with their human companions. If you’re upset and crying, your dog may pick up on your emotional distress. Licking can be a soothing behavior for dogs, both for themselves and for others. They might be licking your face in an attempt to comfort you, which in turn can also soothe their own empathetic response to your sadness.
Why do dogs lick your face in the morning?
Morning face licks can be attributed to a combination of factors. Overnight, bacteria can accumulate in your mouth, leading to morning breath, which can be intriguing to your dog’s sensitive nose. Additionally, your dog may simply be ready for the day to begin – they might be hungry for breakfast or eager for you to get out of bed and start the morning routine. It’s their enthusiastic way of saying, “Good morning, let’s get this day started!”
Why do dogs lick your face and ears?
Both your face and ears are areas rich in bacteria, skin cells, perspiration, and sometimes even lingering food particles. If these areas smell appealing to your dog, licking is a natural response. Furthermore, if you react positively to your dog licking your face and ears – perhaps by laughing or giggling – your dog quickly learns that this behavior elicits a positive reaction from you. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to lick your face and ears more frequently in the future, as they associate it with fun and interaction.
In conclusion, the reasons behind why dogs lick faces are multifaceted and fascinating. It’s a behavior rooted in instinct, communication, affection, and exploration. While sometimes slobbery, these canine kisses are usually a sign of connection and engagement with you. Understanding the various reasons behind face licking can deepen your bond with your dog and help you better interpret their communication signals. Enjoy those licks, but always feel empowered to set boundaries if you prefer to keep the kisses to a minimum!
References:
- [Capnocytophaga bacteria – CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/capnocytophaga/index.html#:~:text=Many%20kinds%20of%20bacteria%20(germs,may%20cause%20illness%2C%20including%20sepsis.)
- Kiss or Dismiss? – Family Paws
- Jennifer Shryock, CDBC – Family Paws Instructor
- How to Teach Kids to Interact with Pets – PetMD
- Stress and Anxiety in Dogs – PetMD
- LickiMat Keeper Classic – Chewy
- LickiMat Wobble Slow Feeder – Chewy
- Wet Dog Food – Chewy
- Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? – PetMD
- Facts About Tears – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Emotional Contagion Between Dogs and Humans – Nature Scientific Reports
