Sometimes dogs lick you, not just because they like to do so. We've included a list of the possible reasons below.
1. Attention
2. Negativity/Pessimism
3. Anxiety by proxy
4. Body Language from someone unfamiliar, such as a new pet or person in the household
5. A need for comfort and attention after an experience that made them feel intimidated or anxious, such as a thunderstorm, car ride, vet visit, fireworks display
1. Attention
Yes, the licking may signify respect and like you. If your dog continues to lick you long after you are finished petting them, this could indicate boredom or low energy levels. If your normally active dog is licking too much, it could be time to boost their activity level by increasing their walks or playtime with other dogs.
2. Negativity /Pessimism
Dogs have a fantastic smell and use it to monitor their surroundings. They may notice something that you or others cannot, such as food that didn't digest properly or a lingering od or from a skunk or another animal. And when they smell something negative, they can begin to show signs of licking because they don't like it.
If you suspect this is the cause of your dog's excessive licking, try changing his diet or moving him to an area where he is less likely to encounter the offending odor.
3. Anxiety by proxy
Your dog may feel anxious for many reasons, and licking you is one way that they can ease their anxiety by trying to make you feel better. There are also times when dogs lick you precisely because they are trying to bring you comfort. For example, if your dog is scared but doesn't show it, it may lick you until you leave to avoid humiliation. Or they may be anxious because they are unsure how you will react to a particular situation.
Perhaps your dog becomes anxious when a new pet or person enters the household, and they think licking will help calm the situation and make everyone happy again. If this sounds like one of your dogs, try to keep them as close as possible during the situation as a way for them to feel more comfortable and less stressed.
4. Body Language from someone unfamiliar, such as a new pet or person in the household.
If you've recently welcomed a new family member into your home, your dog may have begun to lick you because they don't know how to deal with the situation. For example, if you have an older dog that is still very much in touch with his pack, then the introduction of a new family member may be too much for him to handle, and he begins licking to try and get his group back together.
If this is the case, you must continue to act as though everything is OK and try not to let your emotions show. Your dog uses your body language as a benchmark for their behavior, so remain calm and don't show signs of fear or worry.
5. A need for comfort and attention after an experience that made them feel intimidated or anxious, such as a thunderstorm, car ride, vet visit, fireworks display
Dogs lick their owners when anxious to make them feel more relaxed. Your dog may have recently gone through an intense experience that left them feeling uncomfortable and afraid. If this sounds like your dog's case, it's essential to ensure that you are trying to alleviate their anxiety in any way possible.
Hopefully, this article has answered some of the questions you may have had about your dog's excessive licking and will be able to determine whether or not it's time to see a professional for further advice on the matter.
If you are worried about your dog's licking habits or their behavior has recently changed, I recommend taking them to your local veterinarian for a check-up. They can test your dog for any health issues causing their behavior changes and provide insight as to whether or not they think you should seek further help from a professional.
I recommend taking them for a check-up as we are here to help you. If you are planning to get your dog trained by a professional dog trainer if home-training is not working out for your dog, then Mr n Mrs Pet can definitely help you find one so that your and your dog’s life becomes easy and fruitful. We have a network of experienced dog trainers in India, who can get your dog trained in no time! Apart from dog training we also provide Pet grooming and Dog walking services near you along with other pet care services and doorstep pet supplies.
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