Why does my dog lick other dogs? This common dog licking behavior usually stems from a mix of social bonding, investigation, and sometimes, simple affection. Licking is a vital form of dog communication through licking. It helps dogs learn about their environment and bond with others.
The Deep Roots of Canine Licking
Licking is more than just a way to clean. It is a language dogs speak fluently. From the moment a puppy is born, licking plays a huge role in survival and connection.
Canine Social Grooming: More Than Just Cleanliness
When dogs lick each other, they are often engaging in canine social grooming. This is a friendly, bonding activity. Think of it like a gentle hug or a friendly pat on the back between people. It shows trust and closeness.
- Bond Building: Licking releases feel-good chemicals in both dogs. This strengthens their relationship.
- Status Check: Sometimes, the direction and intensity of the lick can signal social standing.
- Calming Signals: Gentle grooming can calm down a nervous dog in a social setting.
Investigation Through Scent and Taste: Dog Sniffing and Licking
Dogs experience the world mostly through their noses and mouths. When your dog approaches another dog, they are gathering lots of data. This involves a lot of dog sniffing and licking.
A dog’s saliva contains information about what the other dog has eaten. Licking also transfers scent signals from the skin and sweat glands. It is how they read the “news” about the other dog—where they have been and how they are feeling.
What Information Does Licking Share?
| Target Area | Potential Information Gained |
|---|---|
| Muzzle/Face | Recent meals, emotional state (fear, excitement). |
| Genital Area | Detailed identity, reproductive status. |
| Paws/Legs | Where the dog has walked recently. |
| General Coat | Overall health and emotional well-being. |
Social Dynamics: Licking and Pack Order
In a group of dogs, licking often relates to the social structure. This is part of dog social hierarchy licking.
Submissive Licks
A lower-ranking dog may lick a higher-ranking dog’s face or mouth. This is a polite gesture. It says, “I mean no harm,” or “I respect your position.” This is closely linked to why dogs lick each other’s faces. When puppies lick their mother’s mouths, they are asking for regurgitated food. This instinct carries into adult social interactions as a form of appeasement.
Affectionate Licks
Close friends in the dog world lick each other often. This is pure friendship. It shows they are comfortable and happy being near each other. It is a mutual sign of peace.
Learning the Ropes: Puppy Licking Habits
Puppy licking habits are established very early. Mothers lick their pups to clean them, stimulate them to potty, and comfort them. This teaches the puppies that licking is safe and nurturing.
As puppies play, they explore boundaries using their mouths. Gentle licking during play teaches bite inhibition. If a puppy licks too hard, the recipient usually yelps or stops playing. This teaches control. These early lessons shape how they interact with dogs later in life.
When Licking Becomes Too Much
Most licking is normal. However, sometimes the behavior signals a problem. If you notice dog excessive licking, it is time to look closer.
Self-Licking vs. Licking Others Excessively
If your dog licks itself too much, it often points to pain, itchiness, or boredom. But what if they are licking other dogs too much?
- Over-Eager Greetings: Some dogs become overly excited upon meeting others. Their licking becomes frantic and overwhelming. This can make the other dog uncomfortable or defensive.
- Anxiety Signals: In some cases, excessive licking of others can be a sign of underlying stress. The dog might be trying too hard to make friends or calm a situation it perceives as tense. This links to dog anxiety licking. They might be trying to soothe themselves or the other dog through this repetitive action.
It is important to differentiate between a quick, friendly lick and a persistent, non-stop licking marathon.
Flavor Attraction: Diet and Taste
Believe it or not, what a dog eats can influence who they lick and why.
Salt and Minerals
Sweat contains salt. If one dog has been exercising, it will taste salty. Dogs are naturally drawn to the taste of salt. This simple flavor can drive some licking interactions.
Digesting Food
Sometimes, a dog might lick another dog’s face because they can smell residual food particles. This is common, especially right after feeding time. It is an instinctual search for leftovers.
Marking Territory: Dog Marking Behavior
While scent marking is usually done through urine, licking can play a minor role in depositing saliva. Licking an object or another dog can be a subtle way to leave a trace of their scent. This is a form of dog marking behavior, though less common than urine marking in defining territory. It is more about claiming familiarity or inclusion in their immediate social circle.
Health Considerations in Licking
While licking is social, sometimes it is medical.
Skin Conditions and Allergies
If one dog has an underlying skin issue, like hot spots or allergies, the oils or minor irritations on their skin might smell different or taste appealing to the other dog. This can encourage focused licking.
Parasites
Fleas or ticks can cause localized irritation. Another dog might try to “help” groom the affected area by licking intensely.
If you notice licking focused on one small area repeatedly, check the dog being licked for visible signs of trouble.
Interpreting Different Lick Locations
Where a dog licks matters a lot in deciphering the message.
Why Dogs Lick Other Dogs’ Faces
As noted before, licking the face is often about deference or seeking food.
* High Licks (Eyes, Muzzle): Usually submission or greeting.
* Low Licks (Chin, Neck): Can be exploratory or affectionate.
When a dog licks another dog’s eyes, it might be trying to clean away discharge, which is a helpful, caring action.
Licking Paws and Legs
Dogs clean themselves by licking their paws. If they lick another dog’s paws, they might be investigating scents picked up from the ground. It can also be a self-soothing action mirrored onto a companion.
Managing Excessive Licking in Social Settings
If your dog’s enthusiasm for licking becomes a problem, management is key.
Steps to Manage Overly Enthusiastic Licking:
- Interrupt Gently: If licking becomes too intense or unwanted, calmly say “No” or gently place a barrier (like your leg) between the dogs.
- Redirect Energy: Before greetings, ensure your dog is not bursting with pent-up energy. A quick walk or play session beforehand can lessen the need for explosive greetings, reducing dog excessive licking.
- Teach Calm Greetings: Practice meeting other dogs on leash, keeping space between them initially. Reward calm sniffing, not frantic licking.
- Rule Out Anxiety: If the licking seems nervous or obsessive, consult a vet or behaviorist to address potential dog anxiety licking.
Comparison of Licking Motivations
Here is a quick summary to help you gauge the meaning behind your dog’s actions.
| Behavior Context | Primary Motivation | Social Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Quick lick to the mouth upon meeting | Greeting/Appeasement | Social acknowledgment, low rank. |
| Mutual, gentle licking session | Bonding/Affection | Strong friendship, trust. |
| Constant licking of one spot | Investigation/Flavor seeking | Possible salt attraction or health check. |
| Frantic licking during play | Over-excitement/Anxiety | Poor impulse control or stress release. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it bad if my dog licks another dog too much?
It can be. If the receiving dog seems stressed (pulling away, lip licking, whale eye), the licking is unwanted. Excessive licking can also indicate underlying anxiety or over-excitement in the licking dog.
Why do puppies lick their littermates constantly?
This is normal puppy licking habits. They are learning social skills, practicing grooming, and seeking comfort from their litter.
Does licking other dogs spread germs?
While dogs’ mouths are not sterile, licking generally transfers normal oral flora. The bigger concern is if the recipient has an open wound or if the licking is so aggressive it causes skin irritation.
How can I stop my dog from licking other dogs’ faces?
If you want to curb this, focus on teaching polite greetings. When you see a lick coming, ask for a sit or a “look at me” command instead. Reward the calm behavior before the licking starts. This redirects their focus.
Is dog marking behavior through licking serious?
It is rarely a primary form of marking compared to urine. If licking seems purely about scent deposit, it’s usually minor social communication rather than intense territorial defense.