As a dog owner, you’ve likely experienced your dog licking you when you extend your hand or face. But what’s behind this moist expression? Are we just tasty, or is our dog trying to communicate something with us? We’ve done some research for you and taken a closer look at this phenomenon.

8 Reasons Why Your Dog Licks You

When your dog licks your hand or face, he wants to convey something to you. This wet licking is one of the many ways a dog communicates with its environment. But what exactly does your furry friend want to tell you when he speaks with his tongue in this way? We’ve compiled the licking hit list for you.

Reason Number 8: Healing Wounds

Dogs tend to care for their wounds or other skin damages (such as insect bites) by intense licking. They do this among themselves as well. If you have an injury on a body part like your hand, your furry friend also wants to provide medical care to you in a dog-like manner. However, you should prevent licking on your wounds. Even if your dog means well, he can transfer bacteria and pathogens into your injuries through his tongue and saliva. This could potentially lead to inflammation, and that wouldn’t be helpful for anyone.

In case you notice a more severe injury in your furry friend, it should always be examined by a vet. To avoid worrying about the costs, a dog health insurance can be helpful.

Reason Number 7: You Taste Good

You’ve just finished your lunch, and suddenly your furry friend rushes over, thoroughly slurping your hands. The delicious food has left countless scent molecules on your hand, and your four-legged companion wants to have a taste.

Maybe you’ve just come from exercising, or it’s warm, and you’ve been sweating. Now, your skin tastes salty combined with your own scent molecules, and that is simply irresistible for most dogs. But don’t worry; you won’t be chosen as a potential meal.

Reason Number 6: Cleaning

What might sound strange at first is actually a reason why your dog licks you. During rest periods, dogs often clean their fur by intensive licking. They exhibit this behavior among themselves when they feel a sense of belonging to the pack. Since you are at the top of his pack, it might be the case that your dog thinks, “I need to reinforce the sense of belonging and clean thoroughly here!” Not because he considers you dirty, but because it’s part of his nature.

Reason Number 5: You Are My Pack Leader, and I’m Showing You!

Dogs express their respect for the pack leader not only in the form of the trust gesture “rolling on the back.” Licking your hand can also be an expression of submission. The dog signals to you that he recognizes you as his leader. You should honor and preserve this trust because a dog’s trust is deep and can last a lifetime with proper care! The dog is truly to be regarded as man’s best friend.

Reason Number 4: I’m happy you’re here!

If you come home after a long absence, and your dog excitedly licks your hand, he is happy that you are back with him. You shouldn’t ignore this gesture of joy; instead, respond to your furry friend with a correspondingly joyful reaction. After all, as the pack leader, you are responsible for that. And to help your four-legged friend endure loneliness during your absence, we have extensively discussed leaving a dog alone in our article.

Reason Number 3: Play with me!

If cuddling is not the intended goal expressed by your dog through extensive licking, he might be looking for another form of entertainment. Drive away your furry friend’s boredom with a game. You can choose the type of game; there are plenty of options for both physical and mental activities. Keep in mind, though, that you should take time for a play session. Of course, you can’t always drop everything and play immediately; that’s clear. But still, consider that with just a few minutes of activity, we humans can’t alleviate much boredom either.

Reason Number 2: Pet me!

If your dog licks your hand, he is bored, or he simply wants to cuddle and craves your attention. Respond to his request and give him a thorough petting. If that was his intention, he will thoroughly enjoy the petting and devote himself to it with great dedication. Not to mention, it gives you a nice feeling when your furry friend melts into your hands so enjoyably.

Reason Number 1: Clearly Love!

The most common reason why your dog licks your hand or face – and you have probably already guessed it – is indeed love and the feeling of belonging. Your four-legged friend shows you that he feels great affection and trust toward you. He proves this with a quick, wet slurpy kiss. Let him do it freely, and let him enjoy it thoroughly. If you don’t like being licked in the face, offer your hands to your furry friend. You can then free your hands from the wet smooch with water and soap afterward. Your dog won’t hold it against you.

I don’t want my dog to lick my face

If your dog wants to lick your face, but you don’t like it at all, you don’t have to harshly reject the furball. Show it by quickly turning your face away when it tries to lick you there. After that, you must, and this is crucial, ignore it for about half a minute. This signals that the moist expression on your face is not in your interest.

But please remember to take this step from the beginning. Consistently show your dog that licking your face is not allowed. If you allow it a few times and then suddenly forbid it, the four-legged friend won’t understand.

When your dog licks you, he means well

In general, we can conclude that licking the hand or face of a human is always to be seen as a positive action. Your dog is always trying to communicate or do something good for you. So, consider yourself fortunate to have such a loyal companion by your side when your dog performs this gesture.

If you’d like, you can leave us a comment and share your experiences with your licking buddy; we’re curious!