Why do dogs lick their owners? Understand the reason!

Have you ever wondered why the dogs lick their owners so often?

Ancestral instinct: where does this mania for licking come from?

Puppies lick their mother to beg for food, a habit that dates back to wild wolves, the ancestors of dogs. In nature, the mother regurgitates food, and the puppies, by licking, stimulate this process.

Even domesticated, dogs carry this instinct, adapting it to interact with humans, as if to say “hey, take care of me”.

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This biological inheritance does not disappear; it transforms over time, gaining new meanings in the relationship with guardians.

When dogs lick their owners, they may be instinctively expressing a basic need, such as hunger or thirst. Observe your pet: does he lick more before mealtime?

This is the wild past speaking loudly, even in 2025.

A form of communication: what do they mean?

Dogs don't speak, but their tongues are literally and figuratively full of messages. Licking can be a warm hello, a request for attention, or even a way to calm you down.

Studies show that dogs lick their owners to create bonds, releasing oxytocin, the attachment hormone, in both.

Think about it: your dog licks you after a stressful day, and you feel lighter, right?

He senses your emotions, using licks as a channel of connection.

In 2025, canine behavioral science confirms: it's a silent conversation, full of intention and affection, tailored to how the dog feels at the moment.

See more: How to Teach Your Dog to Pee in the Right Place

Pure affection: love in the form of licks

Who can resist interpreting licks as a canine “I love you”?

It's not just an impression, there's truth to it, as the act strengthens emotional bonds. When dogs lick their owners, it's often pure affection, a demonstration of trust and security in the relationship.

Have you ever noticed how your dog licks more when he's relaxed or happy?

This reflects his well-being with you, a gesture that goes beyond instinct and enters the realm of love.

Experienced owners know: each lick carries a little piece of gratitude, as if saying “you are my family.”

Sensory exploration: the world on the tip of your tongue

A dog's mouth is like radar, and licking is a way of exploring the environment, including you.

Sweat, the smell of your skin or even the cream you applied intrigue their sense of smell and taste, in 2025, experts say: they “taste” the world like this.

Has your dog ever licked you after a sweaty workout?

It's picking up chemical information, like salt or pheromones, that tells it about your day. It's

pure curiosity, mixed with the desire to connect, transforming you into a sensory map that he loves to unravel.

Attention seeking: “Hey, notice me!”

Not every lick is poetry, sometimes it's just a cry for interaction!

Dogs are masters at getting our attention, and licking works like a “play” button in the relationship; if you react with laughter or scolding, he learns that it worked.

Try this: Ignore the licking for a minute, and see if he steps up the effort, perhaps with a paw or a bark.

When dogs lick their owners like this, it's a clever game, a tactic to ensure you don't neglect them, even on busy days.

Chemical aspects: what happens in the brain?

Science explains: licking releases endorphins in dogs, bringing pleasure and relaxation, like a natural canine spa.

For pet owners, oxytocin comes into play, creating a chemical exchange of well-being, according to research from the University of Tokyo, updated in 2024.

This hormonal dance is addictive, so much so that you might even encourage licking without realizing it, seeking that good feeling. Have you ever stopped to think about how much calmer you both feel after this?

It's the chemistry of love between species, working in perfect harmony.

When licking becomes excessive: what to do?

Excessive licking can signal anxiety or boredom, something that pet owners in 2025 need to watch carefully.

A dog that licks incessantly may be asking for help, either due to stress or lack of stimulation, and ignoring this won't help.

Try enriching his environment with toys or walks, and see if his behavior changes, but consult a veterinarian if it persists.

After all, understanding the line between affection and alertness is essential to maintaining harmony between you, without letting love turn into worry.

Differences between races and personalities

Not all dogs lick the same, you know?

Breeds like Labradors love to lick, while Shibas can be more reserved, reflecting unique personality traits. Is your pet outgoing or shy?

This influences the way he expresses himself.

I know a dog owner whose golden retriever even licks visitors, but the husky barely touches him with his tongue. Observing these nuances helps you understand what motivates your dog, making each lick a clue about who he is, beyond his breed.

Tables for better understanding

Here are two simple tables to visualize the reasons for and reactions to licking, based on updated canine behavior:

Table 1: Main reasons for licking

Reason	Frequency	Practical example
Affection	High	After the tutor's caresses
Attention	Average	When you are busy
Instinct	Average	Before mealtime
Exploration	Low	After you arrive sweaty

Table 2: How to react to licking

Situation	Suggested reaction	Expected result
Light lick	Compliment or affection	Strengthens the bond
Intense licking	Distraction with a toy	Reduces exaggeration
Anxious lick	Vet consultation	Identify the cause

These tables help you decipher what your dog wants, making it easier to live with him.

Conclusion: a simple gesture, many meanings

Now you know why dogs lick their owners: it's instinct, affection, curiosity, and even strategy, all mixed into one gesture.

Every lick tells a story, from the wolf's heritage to the love he feels for you. In 2025, science only reinforces what the heart already suspected: this habit is a bridge between species.

Reflect on your dog: when he licks, what do you feel, and how do you respond?

This silent dialogue is unique, built day after day in your relationship. The next time he licks you, smile, knowing that it is more than a kiss, it is a universe of intentions, waiting to be understood and reciprocated.

So, how about using this knowledge to connect even more with your pet?

Observe, interact, and celebrate this special bond, because in the end, licks are the signature of canine love.

And you, have you already deciphered what your dog wants to tell you with each of them?

Training and Behavior

Juscilene Alves

Freelance writer with a passion for words. I create engaging, optimized and personalized content for brands and businesses. I transform ideas into texts that connect, inform and inspire.

April 4, 2025