There’s nothing quite like the feeling of your dog’s wet nose and sloppy tongue on your cheek. It’s a classic dog owner experience! But have you ever stopped in the middle of a face-washing session and wondered, “Why does he do this?”

While it can be a little messy, this behaviour is deeply rooted in your dog’s nature and is almost always a sign of affection. Let’s explore the four main reasons behind this loving, if sometimes slobbery, habit.

1. It’s a Sign of Love and Respect

In the wild, wolf pups lick the faces of adult wolves when they return to the den. It’s a way of greeting and showing submission. Your dog is doing the same thing with you! By licking your face, they are saying, “Hello, I respect you, and I’m happy you’re here.” In a household with multiple dogs, you’ll often see them licking each other’s faces and ears as a friendly, bonding gesture.

2. You Smell (and Taste!) Interesting

Let’s be honest—your face is a fascinating landscape of smells for your dog. You might have the lingering Taste of your breakfast on your lips, the sweet scent of your face cream, or just the unique, comforting smell of *you*. Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and licking is a way to taste and understand all these interesting scents. It’s their way of getting to know your day!

3. They Are Seeking Comfort and Reassurance

Sometimes, licking is a self-soothing behaviour, much like a child sucking their thumb. If your dog is feeling anxious, uncertain, or even a little unwell, they may lick you to calm themselves down. The act releases endorphins that make them feel better. If the licking becomes very persistent and is paired with other anxious behaviours (like whining or pacing), it might be a sign they are stressed and need some extra comfort.

4. They’ve Learned It Makes You Happy

Dogs are brilliant at figuring out what makes their humans react. If the first time your puppy licked your face, you laughed, petted them, or gave them any kind of positive attention, they filed that information away. They thought, “That was great! My human liked that!” So, they do it again to recreate that happy moment and connection with you.

 

What If My Dog Doesn’t Lick My Face?

Don’t worry! Just like people, every dog has a unique personality. Some are “kissers,” and some show their love in different ways. A dog that shows its affection by leaning against you, bringing you a toy, or simply following you from room to room loves you just as much as the one who covers your face in licks. It’s all about their individual way of communicating.

The most important thing to remember is this: A dog will only lick the face of someone they truly trust and feel safe with. So, the next time you get a slobbery kiss, take it as the highest compliment from your furry best friend.

FAQs

Q: Should I let my dog lick my face?
A: For most healthy adults, it’s generally safe, but it’s a personal choice. It’s a good idea to avoid letting them lick your mouth, nose, or eyes, as a dog’s mouth can carry bacteria. Always wash your face afterwards, especially if you have a compromised immune system. If you’re not comfortable with it, it’s perfectly okay to gently redirect them to a toy or teach them a different way to greet you.

Q: My dog’s licking has become obsessive. What should I do?**
A: If the licking is constant, intense, and seems driven by anxiety, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. They can check for any underlying health issues and provide guidance on how to manage anxiety-driven behaviours, which might include more exercise, mental stimulation, or, in some cases, professional training.

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