Why does your dog lick your face?
Dogs lick your face for a mix of instinctual, emotional, and social reasons—it's their version of a Swiss Army knife for communication. Here's what might be going on behind that slobbery affection:
Instinct & Ancestry
In the wild, pups lick their mother’s face to encourage her to regurgitate food. This behavior carries over into adulthood as a sign of submission or bonding.
Licking is a way dogs signal friendliness and non-aggression. It’s like saying, “I come in peace.”
Affection & Bonding:
Canine Kisses:
Many dogs lick to show love. It’s often interpreted as a sign of affection, especially if they’re relaxed and wagging their tail.
Learned Behavior:
If you respond with petting or praise, your dog learns that licking gets positive attention—so they keep doing it.
Taste & Curiosity
You Taste Interesting:
Your skin might carry traces of food, sweat, or lotion that intrigues your dog’s sensitive nose and tongue.
Exploration: Dogs use their mouths to explore the world. Licking is part of that sensory toolkit.
Emotional Signals
Stress or Anxiety:
Some dogs lick compulsively when they’re anxious. If it’s excessive or paired with other signs of stress, it might be worth checking in with a vet.
Licking can be a calming signal, especially if your dog feels uncertain or wants to defuse tension.
Health risks
Letting your dog lick your face might feel affectionate, but it can carry some health risks—especially if the lick lands near your mouth, nose, or eyes. Here are some diseases and infections that can potentially be transmitted through dog saliva:
Bacterial Infections
A rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause sepsis, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Can lead to skin infections or more serious complications if it enters the bloodstream.
Causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps; more common in puppies.
Salmonella & E. coli:
These bacteria can be present in a dog’s mouth if they’ve eaten contaminated food or feces.
Parasitic Infections
A parasitic infection that causes gastrointestinal symptoms.
Roundworms & Flatworms:
These can be transmitted if your dog hasn’t been properly dewormed.
A parasite passed through dog feces that can cause fever, coughing, and even vision problems.
Viral Infections
Rabies: Extremely rare in vaccinated dogs, but still a concern in areas with poor vaccination coverage2.
Fungal Infections
Despite the name, it’s a fungal infection that can cause itchy, ring-shaped rashes.
The risk increases if:
Your dog is not vaccinated or dewormed
They’ve been exposed to other animals or poor hygiene
You have a weakened immune system or open wounds on your face
So while those slobbery kisses are sweet, it’s safest to keep them away from your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Training your dog to stop licking
Training your dog to stop licking, especially if it’s excessive or directed at your face, it takes consistency, patience, and a little behavioral insight.
Step-by-Step Training Tips
Ignore the Behavior
When your dog licks you, calmly stand up and walk away.
Don’t scold or react emotionally—any attention (even negative) can reinforce the behavior.
Redirect with a Command
Teach a simple command like “sit” or “down.”
When they start licking, use the command and reward them for obeying instead of licking.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Praise and treat your dog when they choose not to lick.
Reinforce calm, non-licking behavior consistently.
Provide Distractions
Offer chew toys, puzzle feeders, or playtime to redirect energy and anxiety.
Mental stimulation can reduce compulsive behaviors like licking.
Set Boundaries
If your dog licks furniture or objects, use bitter-tasting sprays (safe for pets) to discourage it.
Be consistent with what’s off-limits.
Dog-appeasing pheromones (DAP) can help reduce anxiety-driven licking.
Consult a Vet or Trainer
If licking is obsessive or sudden, it could signal a medical or emotional issue.
A professional can help rule out underlying causes and offer tailored strategies.
My dog is a thief
Enjoy the short story written by author Erika M Szabo, https://www.authorerikamszabo.com
Read by narrator Carrie Wimmer, https://www.narrationnation.org
I hope you found this information useful and enjoyed Lucky's story. Let me know in comments.
Great information. Thanks!
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