Customer question: Why do dogs lick us?

We regularly receive customer questions in our inbox. With the help of an expert, we will answer another customer question today! Why do dogs lick our faces? Read the answer in this blog post!

On June 2, 2020, Paula Wijntjes sent us a message. For years she has wondered why her dog Boris licks her. Sometimes just her hand during a walk, but sometimes also full on her face in the morning. Together with dog psychologist Leonie Maes, we have taken a closer look at this question. Paula - good news. We have an answer to this question for you!

Why do dogs lick us?

Sometimes it is very common, we only have to get close to our four-legged friends and they start licking. Sometimes also during a walk a head against your hand, followed by a wet tongue over the hand. Is this normal? And why does your dog do this? Don't worry, it's completely normal.

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Licking is an innate behavior for dogs

Licking is an innate behavior for dogs, the urge to lick starts as a puppy. As young dogs, puppies lick the corners of their mother's mouth to stimulate the regurgitation of half-digested food.

The urge to lick remains in adult dogs, but then takes on a social function. An adult dog that licks the corner of the other dog's mouth shows that he poses no danger to the other dog, he is submissive. It is also a sign of affection. For example, dogs that already know each other well and get along well lick each other's ears.

Finally, dogs may lick because they like a certain taste. If your four-legged friend always licks you when you have just showered or used a cream, this may be the reason.