Dogs lick because it is one of their most fundamental ways of communicating, calming themselves and investigating their surroundings. When your dog licks you, another dog, its own paws or the furniture, it is rarely random behaviour. Behind every lick there is usually a signal: an expression of affection, an attempt to settle down, a reaction to a taste or scent, or a message that something feels different. Understanding why dogs lick gives you better insight into your dog's wellbeing and mood in everyday life.
Licking begins in the very first hours of a dog's life. The mother licks her puppies clean and stimulates them to breathe and get their digestion going, and the puppies lick back. The early experience of licking as something safe and caring stays with the dog for the rest of its life, and it is an important reason why adult dogs continue to use their tongue to create contact and closeness.
This is why your dog licks your face and hands
When your dog licks you, it is most often about social contact. It is the dog's way of showing affection, seeking attention and strengthening the bond between you. In wolves and wild dogs, the young lick the adults around the mouth to ask for food, and this innate behaviour lives on in our dogs, even though your dog is of course not expecting regurgitated prey when it licks you around the mouth.
Taste also plays a part. Your skin tastes slightly salty, especially after a meal or a walk where you have sweat on your skin, and that taste is attractive to the dog. On top of that, licking is often rewarded with positive attention from us, a smile, a pat or a bit of talk, and the dog quickly learns that its tongue is an effective way to make contact.
Licking as calming behaviour and a stress signal
Licking has a self-soothing function. When a dog licks, it can release signalling substances that make it relax, which is why many dogs resort to licking when they are slightly tense or unsure. You will often see it in small situations where the dog licks around its mouth or its muzzle while it assesses something new or unfamiliar.
In behavioural terms, this form of licking is called a calming signal. The dog uses it to calm itself and to show other dogs and people that it is not a threat. If you notice that your dog licks around its mouth in certain situations, for example when strangers come close or when there is unrest in the home, it is telling you something about how it feels. Reading these small signals makes you better able to create calm and security in the dog's everyday life.
When licking turns into boredom or a need for activity
A dog that licks the floor, the furniture or itself for extended periods often lacks stimulation. Licking becomes a way to pass the time and to release energy that has not found other outlets. You see this especially in dogs that spend a lot of time alone, or that do not get enough physical and mental activation during the day.
Here it helps to give the dog meaningful activity. A licking mat, where the dog has to work to get hold of a treat, channels the urge to lick into something positive and at the same time brings calm to the body. THE LICKING MAT is designed precisely to turn a meal or a little treat into a calm, focused moment where the dog uses its tongue in a natural way. A good chewing experience can have the same calming effect, and in our selection of long chewing time you will find treats that give the dog something to immerse itself in.
Why do dogs lick their own paws and coat?
A certain amount of self-grooming is completely natural. Dogs lick their paws and coat to keep clean, and after a walk a dog may lick its paws to remove dirt, blades of grass or salt from the roads. It is part of the dog's normal coat care and in itself nothing to worry about.
If the licking of a particular paw or a particular spot becomes persistent and intense, however, it is worth paying attention. Continuous licking in one place can be the dog's way of reacting to itching, irritation or discomfort, and here it is a good idea to contact your vet, who can assess what lies behind it. Some dogs lick more when the skin is out of balance, and a nutritionally well-balanced everyday diet with good fatty acids can support healthy skin and coat. The omega 3 oil is a daily supplement that contributes exactly the omega-3 fatty acids the skin thrives on.
Licking after meals and in connection with digestion
Many dogs lick eagerly around their mouth or on the floor right after a meal. This is usually about the last remnants of taste and scent that the dog does not want to miss out on, and it is a completely natural part of a good eating experience. A dog that licks its bowl clean and enjoys the last nuances of its meal is simply showing that the food went down well.
In some cases, however, licking can be linked to an upset stomach or nausea, where the dog licks the floor, walls or itself a lot. If you notice that your dog suddenly licks excessively and at the same time seems unwell, you should contact your vet. For dogs with a sensitive digestion it can also make a difference to serve meals that are gently composed, and in our selection of dog food for dogs with a sensitive stomach you will find meals designed with the sensitive stomach in mind. If you are in doubt about what suits your particular dog best, ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisors are ready on the phone, chat or email to help you find the right meal.
Licking as part of teeth and oral hygiene
The dog's tongue works constantly in the mouth and helps keep it clean, but licking can also be a sign that something is happening around the teeth and gums. A dog that licks a lot around its mouth, drools or seems bothered may have discomfort in the oral cavity, and here it is the vet who must assess the cause. Daily attention to oral hygiene helps keep breath and gums healthy, and you can read more about exactly that in our guide need a mint.
When should you pay attention to your dog's licking?
In the vast majority of cases, licking is a completely normal and healthy part of a dog's behaviour, whether it is about affection, calming, curiosity or the enjoyment of a good meal. It only becomes relevant to react when the behaviour changes markedly: if your dog suddenly licks much more than usual, licks persistently in one particular spot, or if the licking is accompanied by other signs that it is not feeling well. In those cases it is always the vet who must assess what lies behind it.
For everyday wellbeing you can do a lot yourself by ensuring your dog gets enough exercise, rest and mental stimulation as well as good, well-balanced meals. The better you learn to read your dog's small signals, the easier it becomes to understand what your dog is telling you every time it sticks out its tongue.