Beyond Affection: Why Do Dogs Lick Humans?

7th December 2024

2 minutes read

Beyond Affection: Why Do Dogs Lick Humans?

Dog licking is considered an effective communication tool that can carry various messages, according to canine behavior experts.

Eileen Furlong, a psychology and neuroscience specialist at Transylvania University in Kentucky, states that “licking is a form of communication.”

She adds that dogs are naturally social and have a keen understanding of humans, giving their licking behavior different meanings depending on the context.

Licking as an Expression of Affection

If a dog eagerly approaches you and licks you joyfully, it may be a sign of welcome or a display of belonging, says Zachary Silver, a psychology specialist at Occidental College.

He notes that dogs often lick familiar individuals more than strangers, suggesting that this behavior has a social purpose, akin to reinforcing bonds within a “pack.”

Licking as a Signal of Communication or Rejection

Licking can also serve as a way to request space, according to Furlong.

The term “distance-increasing lick” refers to a dog’s attempt to avoid unwanted attention.

This type of licking may be accompanied by signs such as body stiffness or attempts to withdraw.

Instinctive and Learned Motivations

Some dog licks are rooted in deep-seated instincts. For instance, wolf pups lick their mother’s faces to request food.

Alexandra Horowitz, a psychology expert at Barnard College, suggests that this instinctive behavior might influence dogs to lick humans.

However, this behavior can also stem from sensory exploration. Furlong explains: “A dog may lick to explore a taste or respond to a particular smell.”

She also notes that exaggerated human reactions, such as yelling or petting, often reinforce this behavior.

The Impact of Licking on Dogs

Studies show that licking increases oxytocin levels in dogs, a hormone that strengthens social bonds. It is also believed to stimulate their brain’s reward system, making the behavior gratifying for them.

Silver points out that understanding this behavior requires more precise research, but adds: “Dogs are highly attuned to social relationships, and their behavior toward humans is more deliberate than we might think.”

According to experts, whether licking is a sign of affection or a means of communication, it is undoubtedly a part of dogs’ rich language that deserves close attention.