Dog parents often wonder like I do, ‘Why does my dog lick me so much?’ Off and on licking ignites a sense of love for the dog, but excessive licking becomes irritating occasionally. Many dog parents get worried about ‘Why is my dog licking everything? On one side, dogs lick excessively; on the other hand, some health concerns come to the minds of dog parents.
In this blog, we will explain in detail about 12 reasons dogs licks excessively, elaborating on ‘why do dogs lick’, and ‘ why my dog constantly licking paws’, also ‘why does my dog lick me’.
What Does It Mean When a Dog Licks You?
Licking is an instinct of dogs behavior and obedience.. It starts from the puppy’s birth, when its mother licks it to ease out breathing and to clean it. As the dog ages, the licking reflects different meanings and communication.
The seasoned dog parents are familiar with the licking habits of their dogs. They take it as a routine activity because it’s natural. But, they also get concerned when they observe their dog keeps licking paws, and why do dogs lick so much? It could be behavioral nature and could also be a medical issue.
The reasons are context-related, and it’s crucial to understand the reason behind excessive licking. Keep observing your dog’s behavior, if it has suddenly started licking too much, it’s a matter of concern. Once you understand ‘ why your dog licks so much,’ it enables you to take the right measures to treat the underlying cause of licking.
12 Reasons Dogs Lick Excessively
There are multiple reasons. First, understand the scientific reason. When a dog licks in routine, its brain releases a chemical called “endorphins.” It improves a dog’s pleasure and comfort, making it a self-soothing activity for dogs. The dogs make it a habit to lick frequently. Let’s discuss the 12 reasons why dogs lick excessively.
1-Expression of Love
Like humans, as we kiss and hug our loved ones to show love, similarly, dogs express their love and strong bond. If we write dog licking in words, it will be “I love you”. The dogs learn it from their mothers. In their puppyhood, they observe their mom licking them in love. In return, your furry friend sees you as its pack leader to strengthen love.
2- Attention Seeking
The dog parents immediately respond when their dog licks them. They react with a smile, a chat, or even by patting them. If you wonder, ‘why do dogs lick’ so much, it means they are seeking your attention for food or playtime.
3- Taste and Scent
Occasionally, the dog parents wonder, ‘Why is my dog licking everything?’ The answer is simple: some taste or scent is on the surface. Dogs have a strong sense of smell and taste and detect spills, salt, and food residues quickly, making them lick. The human skin might have a salty taste from sweat or scent.
4- Self-Soothing
When dogs feel stressed, anxious, or insecure, licking relieves their discomfort. Similar to humans, they bite their nails when stressed, or a child sucks his thumb, and dogs keep licking paws, objects, and their owners. Focus on your dog to find out what anxiety he is having, or consult a vet.
5- Showing Obedience
In dog packs, junior dog members tend to lick their seniors and even their parents as a gesture of obedience and respect. When your dog licks, acknowledge it as obedience and respect. This could be the acknowledgement of your leadership.
6- Boredom
Dogs suffer boredom due to a lack of stimulation. They might experience excessive licking as a way to release held-back energy or overcome boredom. Ensuring proper mental and physical stimulation can help reduce this excessive licking.
7- Nutritional Deficiencies
This is a rare cause of excessive licking. Due to some nutritional deficiencies, dogs lick excessively. Usually, other symptoms are accompanied by this. Therefore, a regular vet check-up is advised.
8- Learned Behavior
If you rewarded your dogs with treats and praises in the past, they will make this habit. This makes dogs understand that they will get everything by licking.
9- Digestion Problems
In the digestive problems and nausea, dogs lick their lips, objects, and paws excessively. The digestive upsets include bloating, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
10- Exploring the Surroundings
The dogs start licking everything they find in their surroundings, to know their surroundings. It’s a normal activity. But when your dog licks only some specific objects, not all, it’s a matter of concern.
11- Health Issues
If your dog constantly licking paws, or other body organs excessively, it might have some discomfort or pain. Licking is a natural response to irritation or injury. If you couldn’t diagnose the underlying health issue, consult your vet.
12- Allergies and Skin Itching
Allergies are a common concern most dogs have. The skin allergies trigger their habit of licking. There are multiple allergies, like food allergies and seasonal allergies. The allergies cause sneezing, coughing, and itching. This immediately needs a vet visit.
Conclusion
When owning a dog, makes a dog parent to be knowledgeable about the dog universe. The dog’s licking is the prime sign of behavior and obedience. A few licks are a sign of love and trust, while excessive licking is always alarming. On one hand, excessive licking is good to probe ‘why my dog licks me so much’. This will empower you to diagnose the hidden cause to treat it timely. A dog parent knows the typical behaviors of his dog. When his dog licks excessively, that is not it’s regular behavior, pay attention to this behavioral change.
