The Secret Language of Dog Kisses: What Your Dog Is Really Saying When They Lick You

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Ever been woken up by your furry friend’s warm, wet tongue on your face?

There you are, half-asleep, and suddenly your dog is giving you the most enthusiastic morning greeting possible.

Those slobbery kisses might have you wondering, “Why does my dog lick me so much?”

You’re not alone in asking!

As a dog parent, I’ve spent countless mornings wiping my face while simultaneously laughing at my pup’s determination to cover me in doggy kisses.

Today, let’s decode this adorable (if sometimes messy) behavior and discover what your dog is really trying to tell you when their tongue meets your skin.

The Surprising Truth Behind Your Dog’s Licking Habit

When your dog showers you with those wet kisses, they’re not just being cute – they’re communicating!

Dogs are incredibly expressive creatures who use their entire bodies to speak to us.

Those licks carry messages that date back to your pup’s wild ancestors, long before they became our beloved companions.

It’s All About Instinct

Picture this: in the wild, wolf pups would eagerly lick their mother’s face when she returned from a hunt.

This wasn’t just puppy affection – it was an important survival mechanism.

The pups were actually encouraging mom to regurgitate food for them to eat!

Your domestic dog carries this ancient instinct in their DNA, even though they know their next meal is coming from a bowl or your hand.

Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, head of the Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College, Columbia University, explains that this food-seeking behavior has evolved into something more in our domesticated friends.

What started as a practical survival tactic has transformed into a ritualized greeting and expression of connection.

The Love Language of Dogs

When your dog looks at you with those adoring eyes and gives you a gentle lick on the hand, they’re speaking their own special love language.

Dogs learn early from their mothers that licking is a form of:

• Grooming and cleanliness
• Bonding with family members
• Comfort and security
• Communication and connection

Your dog licking you is often their way of saying “You’re my person, and I love you.”

That warm, fuzzy feeling you get when your dog shows you affection? Your dog feels it too!

Each lick releases feel-good hormones like dopamine and endorphins that make them feel relaxed, calm, and happy – just like a hug does for humans.

6 Surprising Reasons Why Your Dog Can’t Stop Licking You

Let’s dive deeper into the canine mind and explore all the possible messages behind your dog’s licking behavior:

1. “I Love You, Human!”

The most heartwarming reason for all those wet kisses?

Pure affection.

When your dog licks your face or hands, they’re often expressing their deep bond with you.

This behavior stems from their earliest puppyhood experiences, when their mother would groom them with gentle licks.

“Licking can be a sign of affection,” explains certified animal behaviorist Dr. Mary Burch. “It might also give a dog a feeling of security and comfort, just as the dog had when licked by its mother in the litter.”

Next time your dog gives you kisses, remember it’s their way of saying how much they care about you.

2. “Hey, Pay Attention to Me!”

Has your dog ever interrupted your work-from-home Zoom call with persistent licking?

They’ve learned that this behavior is a foolproof way to get your attention.

Whether you laugh, pet them, or even gently push them away, your reaction still gives them exactly what they want – your focus!

Dogs are clever social learners. If licking your hand or face consistently results in pets, play, or treats, your dog will keep using this strategy to engage with you.

3. “You Taste Delicious!”

This might surprise you, but humans can taste pretty amazing to dogs! Our skin contains salt and other compounds that dogs find fascinating:

• Salt from sweat (especially after exercise)
• Remnants of food around your mouth
• Lotions or creams on your skin
• Natural oils produced by your body

Have you ever noticed your dog licking you more after a workout? That’s no coincidence!

Your sweat contains minerals that can taste like a gourmet treat to your canine companion.

4. “I’m Feeling Anxious”

Just like how some humans bite their nails when nervous, dogs sometimes lick as a self-soothing behavior.

If your normally casual licker suddenly becomes obsessive about licking you, it might signal anxiety or stress.

Licking releases endorphins in your dog’s brain that help them feel calmer. If your dog is feeling worried or unsettled, they might lick you (or themselves) more frequently as a way to self-soothe.

Signs your dog might be licking due to anxiety:

• Excessive licking that’s difficult to interrupt
• Licking accompanied by other stress signals like panting or pacing
• Sudden increase in licking behavior
• Licking that seems compulsive or fixated

5. “I’m Trying to Understand You”

Your dog’s tongue isn’t just for tasting – it’s a sensory tool for exploring their world!

While humans primarily use vision and touch to understand objects, dogs rely heavily on taste and smell.

When your dog licks you, they’re collecting valuable information about where you’ve been, what you’ve touched, and even how you’re feeling.

It’s like their way of reading your daily diary, learning about your adventures through taste and smell.

6. “I’m Hungry!”

Remember those wolf pups mentioned earlier?

Your domestic dog might lick your face as a throwback to that ancient signal for food.

If your dog tends to lick you around mealtime, they might be giving you a not-so-subtle hint that their tummy is rumbling!

When Does Dog Licking Become a Problem?

For most pet parents, a few doggy kisses are welcome signs of affection. But sometimes licking can cross the line from cute to concerning.

Excessive licking might signal a problem if:

• Your dog licks so intensely that they create sores on their tongue or skin
• The licking seems obsessive and difficult to interrupt
• Your dog suddenly starts licking much more than usual
• The behavior interferes with normal daily activities

In rare cases, excessive licking can be a sign of:

1. Compulsive behavior disorders
2. Underlying pain or discomfort
3. Nausea or digestive issues
4. Allergies or skin irritations
5. Anxiety or stress

If you’re concerned about your dog’s licking habits, always consult with your veterinarian.

They can rule out medical causes and refer you to a professional animal behaviorist if needed.

How to Gently Redirect Your Dog’s Licking Behavior

If your dog’s kisses are becoming too much to handle, here are some kind and effective ways to redirect this behavior:

1. The Distraction Method

When your dog starts licking you excessively, offer an alternative activity:

• Give them a puzzle toy filled with treats
• Engage them in a quick training session
• Provide a lick mat with peanut butter or yogurt
• Offer an appropriate chew toy

These distractions satisfy your dog’s need to lick while redirecting the behavior to something more appropriate.

2. The No-Attention Approach

Dogs often lick for attention, so removing the reward can help reduce the behavior:

1. When your dog starts licking, stand up and walk away
2. Don’t make eye contact or speak to your dog
3. Return only when they’ve stopped licking
4. Reward calm, non-licking behavior with attention and praise

Consistency is key with this approach – everyone in the household needs to follow the same rules.

3. The Training Alternative

Teach your dog an incompatible behavior that earns them attention:

1. When your dog starts licking, ask for a different behavior like “sit” or “paw”
2. Reward this alternative behavior with attention and praise
3. Gradually, your dog will learn that other behaviors get them the attention they want

4. The Enrichment Solution

Sometimes dogs lick out of boredom or excess energy. Try:

• Increasing daily exercise
• Providing more mental stimulation
• Adding structured play sessions
• Rotating interactive toys

Remember: the goal isn’t to punish your dog for showing affection, but to redirect excessive licking to more appropriate outlets.

FAQ: Your Top Dog Licking Questions Answered

Why does my dog lick me more in the morning?

Your morning face is like a flavor festival for your dog! During sleep, humans secrete oils and sweat, and morning breath contains all sorts of interesting scents. Plus, your dog is simply excited to see you after hours apart. Those morning kisses are their enthusiastic “good morning” greeting after you’ve been separated by sleep.

Why does my dog lick my face when I cry?

Dogs are incredibly empathetic creatures who can sense your emotional state. When you cry, your dog might lick your tears because they’re trying to comfort you, just as their mother comforted them with licking. Additionally, tears contain salt and hormones that your dog can taste and smell, making them interesting to investigate. Your dog’s licking when you’re upset is their way of saying, “I’m here for you.”

Why does my dog lick me but not other family members?

Consider yourself the chosen one! If your dog licks you more than others in your household, it likely means you’ve formed a special bond. Perhaps you’re the primary caregiver, food provider, or play partner. Dogs often have favorite people, and licking is a sign of that special relationship. It could also be that you respond to their licking in ways that reinforce the behavior more than other family members do.

Should I let my dog lick my face?

This is a personal decision. While those doggy kisses are generally harmless for healthy people, it’s worth knowing that dogs’ mouths contain bacteria that could potentially cause infections if they reach open wounds. If you have a compromised immune system or open cuts, it’s best to redirect face licking to less sensitive areas like your hands. Always wash your face after dog kisses, especially if your furry friend has a habit of investigating less savory items with their mouth and tongue!

How can I tell if my dog’s licking is affectionate or anxious?

Look at the overall context and your dog’s body language. Affectionate licking is usually relaxed, accompanied by a loose body, wagging tail, and happy demeanor. Anxious licking often seems more intense or persistent, and may be accompanied by other stress signals like panting, pacing, whining, or a tucked tail. If you’re concerned that your dog’s licking stems from anxiety, consult with your veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist.

Next time your dog gives you those slobbery kisses, you’ll have a better understanding of what they’re trying to communicate.

Whether it’s love, attention-seeking, or simply enjoying your salty skin, those licks are part of your unique language with your furry best friend.

Embrace them (or gently redirect them) knowing that your dog is just trying their best to connect with their favorite human – you!