Your little furry friend has been licking you incessantly. Pet parents can find this extraordinarily adorable or merely bothersome.

Dogs love to lick! They lick their body parts and enjoy licking yours too. Those of you who have JUST become pet parents, you wonder why your pet does that!

Is it a way to display their love for you? Does your dog view you as a snack? Well, there are five reasons why your dog indulges in excessive licking. Let’s unravel the mystery!

1. I want attention, HOO MOM!

Your dog licks you because they are craving for attention. Dogs are the most loyal and lovable creatures on this planet. Perhaps they want to get your attention.

‘Look at me! I’m here. I’m so cute!’

2. Woof! You are tasty, Hoomom!

Human beings are salty! Your dog is probably licking you because they like the taste. Just like Ed Sheeran is in love with the shape of ‘you,’ your dog loves the salty taste of your skin.

When you head back home after a strenuous gym session, notice your dog! They will greet you, and the licking business will start YET again!

3. I’m a HEALER

Dogs tend to lick their wounds and scrapes. It is quite beneficial! The saliva can help the injury to heal faster. Similarly, if the human being has an open cut or an injury, the dog will start licking it excessively.

They want to help you, mate! Your dog is your healer. In Ancient Egypt, a dog’s lick was used for healing injuries. A dog’s tongue is akin to a doctor’s tongue. That’s what the French people say!

4. Let’s communicate

Just like we speak through words, dogs have their way of communicating with you. They are showing their love, affection, and sympathy by licking you. When pet parents are depressed or start crying, the dogs may come to you and start licking. It is their way to show they care.

Perhaps the dog is trying to show their affection towards you by planting kisses. You would notice when you shower kisses on your dog’s face, they will revert by licking your face.

5. Maintaining Pack Harmony

Licking is also a sign of submissiveness. The subordinate members of the pack show their submissive side to the dominant members by licking. This behavior helps in maintaining dog pack harmony!

Even when puppies are born, the mother communicates with the newborns by licking them. Since it starts from birth, the puppies grow up and interact with their pet parents the same way.

Concluding Thoughts

Licking can release satisfying endorphins. Hence, you should not be too worried about excessive licking behavior.

Would you rather have a disinterested dog or a loving one? The choice is yours!

A lovable dog would lick you for multiple reasons! However, you can train them not to lick themselves time and again. It could also be a sign of a medical issue. If your dog is licking himself/herself continuously, take them to the veterinarian.