Why Does Your Dog Lick You and What You Should Do About It?

You walk in the door, and before you can even drop your bag, a warm tongue is already giving your hand the “welcome home” treatment.

Cute? Yes. A little weird? Also yes.

But there’s actually a lot going on behind those wet kisses. Dog licking is normal, but why they do it depends on their emotion, environment, and your reaction.

This guide breaks down the real reasons dogs lick people, how to tell affection from anxiety, when to worry, and how to manage excessive licking without stress.

Quick Answer: Why Do Dogs Lick You?

Here are the most common, research-backed reasons:

1. Affection

Licking is often a dog’s version of a kiss. Puppies are licked by their mothers, and many dogs continue using licking as a social bonding tool.

2. You Taste Interesting

Salt from sweat, lotion, leftover crumbs, or even your natural scent can make you a “flavorful” target. Some dogs also lick more when you’re stressed because your scent changes.

3. Communication

Licking can be an appeasement gesture, your dog’s way of saying, “We’re good, right?” or “I come in peace.”

4. Attention-Seeking

If licking reliably gets a pet, a smile, or even a “stop that,” your dog quickly learns it works.

5. Self-Soothing

Some dogs lick to calm themselves when anxious, overstimulated, or bored.

6. Exploration

Dogs use their tongues the way toddlers explore with their hands by tasting, touching, and investigating the world.

7. Reading your feelings

Dogs can discriminate human stress odors from baseline via breath/sweat; some respond with affiliative behaviors like licking (PLOS ONE, 2022).

Affection vs Anxiety: How to Tell the Difference (Simple Cheat Sheet)

If the licking looks repetitive, intense, or tied to stress triggers, it's more likely anxiety than affection.

Should You Let Your Dog Lick You?

It’s a personal choice, but here are the pros and cons:

Pros

• Boosts bonding and trust
  
  
• Can release feel-good oxytocin in both humans and dogs
  
  
• Makes some dogs feel calmer and connected
  

Cons

• Dog mouths aren't cleaner than human mouths
  
  
• Bacteria can be risky for people with weak immune systems
  
  
• Avoid licking around open cuts or your face

Practical hygiene

• Hands/arms: generally fine for healthy adults-wash after heavy licking.
  
  
• Face/open wounds: avoid.
  
  
• Keep your dog’s dental care up-to-date to reduce oral bacteria.

How to Stop Excessive Licking (Fast, Kind, and Effective)

If the licking has gone from cute to constant, here’s a blended, easy step-by-step plan:

1. Ignore the Behavior (The Attention Reset)

When your dog starts licking for attention:

• Stand up or turn away
  
  
• Avoid eye contact, touching, or talking
  
  
• Wait 10-30 seconds
  
  
• Reward calm behavior instead
  

This breaks the “I lick → I get attention” cycle.

2. Teach an Alternate Behavior

Train a simple command like sit, down, or place.
When the licking starts → cue the alternate behavior → reward generously.

3. Redirect Smartly

Keep a toy, chew, or lick mat nearby.
Offer it when licking begins, especially if your dog tends to lick out of boredom or overstimulation.

4. Short, Gentle Time-Outs

A 30–60 second break in a calm area can reset behavior (not punishment, just a pause).

5. Add More Enrichment

Most compulsive licking improves dramatically when dogs get more:

• Mental stimulation
  
  
• Sniff walks
  
  
• Daily training sessions
  
  
• Chews and enrichment toys
  
  
• Physical exercise
  

Consistency matters more than perfection. Everyone in the household must follow the same plan.

When Licking Is a Sign of a Health Problem

Contact your vet if you notice:

• Sudden increase in licking
  
  
• Licking one body spot repeatedly
  
  
• Licking with hair loss or sores
  
  
• Air-licking
  
  
• Licking combined with vomiting, diarrhea, scooting
  
  
• New bad breath or signs of dental pain
  
  
• Behavior changes like lethargy or withdrawal
  

Possible causes include allergies, dental disease, infections, pain, anxiety disorders, or GI problems.

Breeds Known for Being Extra Licky

Some breeds naturally express more affection and social behavior:

• Labrador Retriever
  
• Golden Retriever
  
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  
• Beagle
  
• Boxer
  
• Pug
  
• French Bulldog
  
• Greyhound (secret affectionate lickers)
  
• Pit Bull (world-class love-givers with eye contact that melts your soul)
  

But remember: Personality > breed stereotype. A calm Labrador may lick less than an anxious terrier.

What to Do in the Moment When Your Dog Licks You

Do:

• Pause and read their body language
  
  
• Redirect if it’s too much
  
  
• Reward calm, non-licking behavior
  
  
• Wash skin if they licked sensitive areas
  

Don’t:

• Yell or shove
  
  
• Accidentally reward the licking
  
  
• Ignore signs of medical issues

FAQs

Why does my dog lick me more when I’m sad or stressed?

Dogs can detect emotional changes in your scent and behavior. Licking is their way to provide support and comfort. It’s their way of saying, “Don’t worry. I’m here for you”.

Can I train my dog to “kiss” on cue?

Yes! Reward one gentle lick with a word cue like “kiss.” Don’t encourage if your dog tends to overdo it.

Is licking ever a dominance behavior?

Rarely. Licking is far more often affection, appeasement, or communication, not dominance.

Why does my dog lick my legs after a shower?

Lotions, soap residue, and warm skin make your legs smell interesting. It’s normal.

What’s the difference between licking and nipping?

Licking = soft contact, repetitive, gentle
Nipping = quick, teeth involved, playful, or overstimulated
Nipping needs clearer training; licking usually needs redirection.

References and Further Reading

• Dogs can smell human stress via breath/sweat: PLOS ONE (2022)
• Why is my dog licking me? (AKC)
• Why does my dog lick me so much? (TKC)

Friendly disclaimer: This guide is educational and not a substitute for a veterinary exam or individualized behavior plan. If licking is new, intense, or causing injury, contact your vet or a certified behavior professional (DACVB, CAAB, or a reputable positive‑reinforcement trainer).