*UPDATED AUGUST 2026*
In short:Dogs lick their owners for a mix of reasons: affection and bonding, taste and curiosity, self-soothing, or attention-seeking. It’s an instinctive behaviour that starts in puppyhood, when mothers lick their pups to clean and comfort them. It’s important to note, though, that if you constantly let your dog lick you, you risk the potential for infection. Keep reading to learn more. |
Most dogs love to lick. Some owners don’t mind, others absolutely hate it. Whichever camp you’re in, have you ever wondered why your dog licks you so much?
Why do dogs lick people?
There isn’t one single reason. Most dogs are licking for some combination of the following:
1. Affection and bonding. Licking starts at birth. Mother dogs lick their puppies to clean them and stimulate normal bodily functions, and puppies lick their mother and littermates as a way of bonding. That association between licking and comfort tends to stick around for life, which is part of why an adult dog will still lick you when they’re feeling affectionate (or want to feel close to you).
2. Taste and curiosity: Dogs experience the world through their mouths the way we do through our hands. Human skin is genuinely interesting to them… salt from sweat, traces of lotion, or whatever you’ve recently eaten. So, if you’ve had a particularly hard, sweaty day at work, chances are your pet will pay you lots of tongue-based attention when you get home!
3. Self-soothing. Licking releases endorphins in your dog, which in-turn has a calming effect on a dog’s brain, making them feel calm and happy. That’s why you’ll often see a dog lick more when they’re anxious, bored, or in a new environment. It’s a way of regulating themselves, not unlike a nervous habit.
4. Communication: In the canine world, licking is used as a form of communication. If your dog is licking you excessively, take a look around. They could be trying to say “my water is empty” or “I need to go outside”. If you run through and check the options, chances are something is amiss. Or, it could be as simple as your dog trying to say “hey! I’m right here.. pet me!”.
5. Attention-seeking. You may have inadvertently taught your pooch that licking is a desired behaviour that will be rewarded! If licking gets a reaction (like extra pats, eye contact, or a laugh) your dog will keep doing it! This is one of the most common reasons dogs single out one particular person to lick more than anyone else in the house.
Is it safe to let my dog lick me?
For most healthy adults, occasional licks on unbroken skin carry minimal risk. But keep reading…
Contrary to a popular belief, dog mouths are NOT cleaner than human mouths. While it’s a nice idea, it’s definitely a myth.
The real risk is zoonotic transmission (infections that pass from animals to humans), most commonly through licks, bites, or scratches. It’s rare, and most people who come into contact with dog saliva never get sick. But dogs’ mouths can carry bacteria such as Capnocytophaga canimorsus, found in up to three-quarters of otherwise healthy dogs, which has in rare cases caused serious infection in humans.
The main things to avoid are letting a dog lick your mouth, nose, or eyes, since bacteria can enter more easily there, and licking over any open cut or wound. People who are immunocompromised, very young, elderly, or on immunosuppressant medication should be more cautious with face licks specifically, as dog saliva can carry bacteria capable of causing serious infection in vulnerable people.
Why does my dog lick me and not other people?
Dogs often direct licking at whoever they’re most bonded to, or whoever reacts to it. If you pet or talk to your dog when they lick, you’re reinforcing it (which is usually why it’s you they target).
Why does my dog lick me when I’m upset?
Dogs are highly attuned to changes in your tone, body language, and routine. Licking in these moments is usually a comfort behaviour for both of you. It’s the same self-soothing mechanism at work, just triggered by your emotional state rather than the dog’s own anxiety.
When should I worry about my dog’s licking?
Sudden onset, licking focused on one spot, hair loss, redness, or licking that doesn’t stop with redirection are all reasons to book a vet visit. These can point to pain, allergies, dental disease, or a behavioural issue that needs proper diagnosis.
It’s worth taking a moment to read more about why dogs lick their paws, and understanding when it’s normal and when it needs attention.
Want your dog to stop licking you? Here’s how:If the licking is more than you’re comfortable with, the fix is consistency rather than punishment. Here’s how to redirect it:
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1 comment
I am a mother and this helped me!