'I'm a dog expert – this is what it really means when your pet licks you'
While most dog owners love it when their dogs show them attention, there's certain behaviours they can't help but worry about. This is true for one dog owner who just can't get her head around why her dog licks her so much – explaining how her pooch would keep it up for hours if given the opportunity.
Taking to Reddit, she asked users: "Why does my dog lick me so much? I always scare myself into thinking she's stressed. She will go like this for almost an hour if you let her." According to The Kennel Club, licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour for dogs.
A statement reads: "For them it’s a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they’re stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them."
However, excessive licking could be a sign your dog is anxious, uncomfortable or in pain. However, in this woman's case, this is unlikely since her dog has been displaying this behaviour consistently throughout its life – and the vet has not found any issues with the animals mental or physical health.
Instead, her dog likely has an 'unusual quirk' that's nothing to worry about. However, if you're concerned about your pet's unusual behaviour, owners are encouraged to speak to the vet or a behaviourist for advice. The statement adds: "Remember that licking is a perfectly natural behaviour and is a useful way for dogs to express themselves.
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"Expecting your dog to stop licking you completely is similar to someone expecting you to never stroke your dog again – it’s never going to happen. However, not all dogs are the same and some may not lick often if at all. If you have a licker it’s important that you try to understand why your dog is licking you, as this may help you to help your dog to stop."
But if a dog's licking becomes too much, owners should try moving away from their pet, distracting them, and training them out of the behaviour through positive and consistent reinforcement. Commenting on the woman's post, one user said: "This seems to be a very relaxed social bonding type of behaviour.
"Many dogs lick their owners or people they like. Licking in dogs is a sign of appeasement, joy, friendship, nurturing behaviour, maternal behaviour, and grooming. Generally all good things. My dog licks faces a lot, or will sometimes lick hands if she can't get to your face. It's just social, happy behaviour.
"In some dogs who lick themselves it can also be a sign of pain, irritation, itchiness or anxiety, but licking others with the relaxed behaviour that your dog is showing, I would not be concerned about these."
Another user added: "In my opinion she loves you and may want pets. But by the looks of it she is happy to have a good dog parent such as yourself. Also some dogs just lick people just because. Many a dogs I’ve met have been lickers. It’s just a dog thing I think? I’m not a professional."
