Licking is a natural way for dogs to communicate. Sometimes they do it out of affection, sometimes out of habit or even stress. Find out here 5 common reasons why your (babysitting) dog can't stop licking - and what you can do about it.
1. You taste good
Dogs love strong smells and tastes. Sweat, food scraps or lotion on your skin can be irresistible.
Although harmless, you can limit this behavior by washing your hands and calmly distracting your dog.
2. A sign of respect
In a pack, dogs lick their leader as a sign of submission. When your dog licks your face, he is showing that he trusts you and accepts your authority.
Ignore excessive licking rather than rewarding it so that it is not reinforced.
3. Care of wounds
Dogs instinctively lick wounds clean - on themselves or their owners. To a small extent, it can be healing due to enzymes in the saliva,
but excessive licking actually delays recovery. If necessary, use a collar or bandage to prevent this.
4. It feels reassuring
Since puppyhood, dogs have experienced licking as comfort and security. Licking makes them produce endorphins, which have a calming effect.
Licking behavior can thus be a sign of relaxation - or a way to reduce stress.
5. An expression of love
Coming home and being enthusiastically greeted with licks? That's pure affection. Dogs, like humans, produce the "love hormone" oxytocin.
The more attention and love you give, the stronger your bond becomes.
Licking is usually harmless, but if your dog licks obsessively (on himself, walls or objects), it may indicate boredom or stress.
Provide plenty of attention, play and relaxation - or consider a
pet sitter
spending extra time with your dog.
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