Got A Dog Licking You To Death? Here’s Why
Whether you've just adopted them or had them for years - you're most likely used to your dog licking you! So if you've ever wondered why, here are all the reasons behind this endearing behavior - and where you should be careful.
You might’ve guessed that affection or demanding attention might have something to do with it – and you’re right! But as it turns out, the reasons why dogs licks can vary quite a bit, from benign to more concerning reasons. (Like health issues – especially if you’ve got a dog excessively licking themselves!)
Always know your buddy is healthy & safe
Read moreWhy do dogs lick in general?
Dogs lick their favorite humans and friends for a number of reasons – though the exact reasons may vary for each dog, of course. But primarily, licking is a form of communication for them. In fact, just like puppies lick their mothers for food and comfort, so might adult dogs do so to express their needs, demand attention, hugs, or food, or signal how they’re feeling.
For example, your dog might lick you to say:
- “I like you,”
- “I’m feeling nervous,”
- “Gimme attention!”
- or, of course, “I’m hungry!”
Is it okay to let my dog lick me?
Absolutely – but we do want to highlight the hygiene aspect of things as well. Because as it turns out, coming in contact with your dog’s saliva1 can increase your risk of picking up:
- Harmful germs and bacteria that your dog might come in contact with both indoors and outdoors. (Which can spread to you via any cuts or scrapes in your skin.)
- An allergy, since some people might also be allergic to dogs’ saliva. Which – weirdly enough – also spreads through the air as your dog licks their fur.
- Harmful parasites like roundworms and hookworms, since dogs tend to lick their butts after…well, doing their business and often greet each other by bumping noses to others dogs’ butts.
Now while this might all sound super gross, here’s the good news: our immune systems can mostly fight off these infections without giving us much trouble. But if you’ve got older adults, kids, or other immunocompromised folks at home, they might be more likely to get infected – and sick – as a result.
Why does my dog lick me so much?
Your dog licking you is how they’re trying to communicate – and the reasons vary from relatively benign (even heartwarming) to a bit more concerning. More often than not, dogs lick new people and things to learn more about them. It could be them signalling:
- Affection.
Yes, your dog’s slobber all over you is probably a sign that they love you. They learn this when they are young; puppies lick their mothers and vice versa. - They like your taste.
This could be from traces of food or just the salts and scents of your skin. - They’re hungry or thirsty.
If your dog starts licking you around feeding time, it might just be their way of telling you “I’m hungry”. Or maybe the water bowl is empty. - They’re bored & want your attention.
Dogs who want attention may lick your arm, hand or your face. In other cases, they may be trying to tell you something – like “Hey, I need a potty break”.
Is my dog licking me – or themselves – too much?
If your dog licks the same body parts excessively, you’ll be in good hands getting in touch with your local vet. It could signal:
- Canine allergies
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Wounds
- Bone fractures
- Cancer
- Pain
- Anxiety
Which is where the licking behavior may be your dog’s way of self-soothing themselves – trying to distract themselves from the pain or discomfort. And if they’re licking YOU excessively, it could be them trying to get your attention to help them feel better.
Get health alerts for your dog
Our pups can’t always tell us if something’s wrong. But if their tracker detects unusual changes in their routine, you’ll get an alert, helping you catch potential issues early.
Where a smart dog tracker can help
If you’ve noticed your dog’s licking becoming excessive, obsessive, or focused on a specific body part, it might be a subtle indicator of an underlying health issue, discomfort, or anxiety. This is where a smart dog tracker like Tractive can work as an early warning system – for your peace of mind.
Strapped to your dog’s collar, you can now:
- 📊 Monitor your dog’s activity and sleep.
Before your dog falls sick, they might seem less active than usual – or might not sleep as well. If your dog is suddenly more restless at night (which might involve excessive nighttime licking) or significantly less active during the day, the tracker will highlight these shifts, so you can take note earlier. - 🩺 Keep an eye on your dog’s vital signs.
A change in your dog’s breathing or heart rate is easy to miss – and can subtly signal a health issue.
It could be a physiological response to pain, discomfort, or stress that is also causing the excessive licking. With your tracker, you’ll be able to catch on to these changes quicker. - 🚨 Spot potential health issues early.
By establishing a baseline of your dog’s normal behavior, your tracker sends you Health Alerts if it notices your dog has been less active or sleeping worse lately. These alerts act as an early warning system, allowing you to catch potential issues before they become severe and consult your vet.
This way, you can make an informed decision about your dog’s health, have a more productive conversation with your vet, and help your buddy get the care they need before they get worse.
