The Explanation Behind Canine āKissesā
by VETDEPOT on JULY 16, 2014
Like it or not, thereās a good chance your dog isnāt shy about licking your face. Some people find this adorable, while others find these ākissesā a little gross. Either way, youāve probably wondered why dogs display this behavior.
Below are four reasons why dogs choose to use their slobbery tongues:
1.) As a sensory tool: Just like touch or smell, taste is another way to explore something. Dogs may lick someone they donāt know all that well to learn more about them.
2.) To get attention: Dogs sometimes just want to remind their owners that theyāre there and would love some attention. Itās like theyāre saying āpet me, Iām cute!ā
3.) To ask for something they want: Puppies lick their mothers prior to feeding, so some dogs might lick their humans to get something they want. These desires might include food, treats, or maybe even a walk.
4.) Itās a learned behavior: Chances are, your dog loves you and is passing along a learned behavior from his or her canine mother. Their mom licked them and now theyāre licking you. Plus, many dogs have realized that licking gets them a positive reaction, so they do it more often.
If your dogās licking becomes excessive, this may be an obsessive-compulsive behavior. Discuss any questions or concerns with your dogās veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.
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by VETDEPOT on JULY 16, 2014
Like it or not, thereās a good chance your dog isnāt shy about licking your face. Some people find this adorable, while others find these ākissesā a little gross. Either way, youāve probably wondered why dogs display this behavior.
Below are four reasons why dogs choose to use their slobbery tongues:
1.) As a sensory tool: Just like touch or smell, taste is another way to explore something. Dogs may lick someone they donāt know all that well to learn more about them.
2.) To get attention: Dogs sometimes just want to remind their owners that theyāre there and would love some attention. Itās like theyāre saying āpet me, Iām cute!ā
3.) To ask for something they want: Puppies lick their mothers prior to feeding, so some dogs might lick their humans to get something they want. These desires might include food, treats, or maybe even a walk.
4.) Itās a learned behavior: Chances are, your dog loves you and is passing along a learned behavior from his or her canine mother. Their mom licked them and now theyāre licking you. Plus, many dogs have realized that licking gets them a positive reaction, so they do it more often.
If your dogās licking becomes excessive, this may be an obsessive-compulsive behavior. Discuss any questions or concerns with your dogās veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.
Share and Enjoy:
