We’re vets – here are all the reasons why your dog REALLY licks you (and it’s more complicated than you think!)
- Christine Colamonico is a veterinarian who has revealed why dogs lick you
- She revealed that pups often lick because they like the taste of your skin
- Dog expert Kieran also detailed an explanation for obsessive licking
Professional veterinarians have revealed the many reasons why your dog loves to lick you – and the answers aren’t nearly as simple as you might think.
Christine Colamonico is a veterinarian who frequently shares advice about your furry friends on her TikTok channel.
Most recently, she detailed what it means when your pup licks you.
She noted that there are various reasons as to why your dog could be licking you – including because they like the taste of your skin and because they want to show their affection.
Christine Colamonico is a vet who has revealed why your dog loves to lick you – and the reason isn’t as simple as you think
She revealed that when dogs lick they release any stress and they communicate their love for you
Kieran, who frequently shares videos of his dog on his TikTok channel, also took to the video-sharing platform to detail some other reasons your pup may lick you
In the clip, she explained that when dogs lick you it doesn’t just make you feel loved, it also helps your pooch feel less stressed too.
She captioned the video: ‘Why do dogs love licking?’
‘Dogs like the taste of your skin and it’s a sign of affection,’ she said at the beginning of the clip.
The vet said that one of the reasons your dog may lick you is because it releases stress.
She added: ‘When your dog licks, it releases endorphins and so your dog is going to feel relaxed.’
Christine also revealed that licking is a form of communication and a sign of affection for pups. She added that it starts very early on.
‘As soon as the pups are born, the mom is going to show care and affection by licking them.
In older dogs, licking is also a sign of submission and affection,’ she added.
‘So, if your dog licks you it’s because they love you and they also love your very salty taste,’ the vet said at the end of her video.
One study has shown that dog tongues can taste salt
He quickly ran through five different reasons your dog may lick you, including because they are asking for space and because your sweat tastes good
He said that dogs may lick you because they want to ‘console’ you and because they may have a ‘disease’
Another dog expert also chimed into the conversation of licking.
Kieran, who frequently shares videos of his dog on his TikTok channel, also took to the video-sharing platform to detail some other reasons your pup may lick you.
He quickly ran through five different reasons your dog may lick you, however, didn’t provide any scientifically evidence to support his claims.
He said that dogs may lick you because they want ‘space,’ to ‘appease you’, they like the taste of your sweat, they want to ‘console’ you and because they may have a ‘disease.’
According to WebMD, when a dog repeatedly licks one area, it may be a sign of discomfort.
When they are anxious or ill, they may obsessively lick you or objects near them.