It came after a woman expressed concern about her dog (stock) (Image: Getty)
While most owners love it when their pets give them attention, one canine companion’s incessant licking has left her owner concerned.
Confused by their habit, which could go on for hours if she allowed it, she turned to to voice her confusion: “Why does my dog lick me so much? I always scare myself into thinking she’s stressed.”
insists that licking is natural for dogs as a means of grooming, bonding, and communication. They said: “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, overzealous licking might signify anxiety, discomfort, or pain. That said, for this particular dog, who has shown this habit consistently and been given a clean bill of health, it seems more an oddball trait than a cause for alarm.
Dog owners puzzled by their pets’ quirky behaviour should consult with a vet or behaviour specialist. The Kennel Club states: “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. One user commented on the woman’s post: “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.”