Dogs are considered to be one of the most beloved pets worldwide, because their cute faces, wagging tails, and affectionate personalities have made them the ultimate companions for millions of people. One of the most common behaviors displayed by dogs is licking, especially in the morning. When your furry friend wakes up, they may rush over to you and start licking your face, arms, or feet. While it might seem like a simple act of affection, there are various reasons why dogs do this. Understanding why dogs lick their owners in the morning can help deepen the bond between humans and canines and promote a healthier relationship. So, in this blog post, we will explore 9 possible reasons why do dogs lick you in the morning and the solution to this behavior.
Why Do Dogs Lick You In The Morning? (9 Reasons)
- They Show Affection
- They Get Your Attention
- They Are Greeting You
- They Are Happy
- They Want to Empathize
- They Like the Taste
- They Are Grooming You
- They Are Hungry
- Because You Love It
1. They Show Affection
The possible reason why do dogs lick you in the morning as a sign of their love and affection towards you. Dogs have a strong sense of smell, and they use their tongue to explore their surroundings. So, when they lick you in the morning, they are showing their affection. When dogs lick, they release endorphins that create a calming effect, both for themselves and their owners. Therefore, when your furry friend licks you in the morning, it could be a sign of their love and affection towards you, and it is their way of showing that they care about you.
2. They Get Your Attention
Dogs are social animals that crave your attention. Licking is a natural behavior that they use to communicate with their owners and to show affection. However, dogs also learn quickly what behaviors will get them the attention they want from their owners. If your dog licks you and you respond positively, such as petting or talking to them, they will learn that this behavior is effective in getting your attention. As a result, they will continue to lick you as a way to seek attention from you. It’s important to be aware of the signals we give our dogs and to provide them with positive attention and training to reinforce good behavior.
3. They Are Greeting You
When your dog greets you by licking, it’s not just a sign of affection, but it’s also a natural instinct. Dogs use licking as a way to communicate with their pack members. Pack members are greeted by their fellow members with licks when they return to the den. Similarly, when you come home, your dog is expressing their joy and excitement by showering you with licks. So, next time your furry friend licks you, remember that it’s their way of saying hello and showing their greeting.
4. They Are Happy
Another possible reason why do dogs lick so much in the morning is because they are so happy and the sign of their affection and excitement to be with you. Dogs are incredibly perceptive creatures and can pick up on our emotions and behavior. They know when we are happy or sad and react accordingly. So, if your dog greets you with excitement, it means they are overjoyed to see you and be by your side.
5. They Want To Empathize
Dogs have been human companions for millennia, and their ability to understand human emotions has been observed and studied extensively. It is believed that dogs have learned how to interpret certain human emotions over time. One way that they may show their empathy is by licking you, which they find comforting. When dogs sense that their human friends are feeling sad or upset, they may instinctively lick them as a way to offer comfort and show their support.
6. They Like The Taste
Dogs have a keen sense of smell, which allows them to detect even the slightest scent on our skin. Dogs have very sensitive noses and can detect scents that we are unaware of. When we sweat, our skin becomes salty, and dogs can detect this, prompting them to lick us. If we have recently eaten and there are small remnants of food on our faces or hands, dogs can smell it and may lick us in an attempt to get a taste.
7. They Are Grooming You
When dogs lick their owners, it’s not always a sign of affection. Sometimes, they’re simply trying to groom them. The licking is usually done in a relaxed and leisurely manner, as opposed to when they’re excited or happy, which is much more intense. This behavior is quite common and is often preceded by a quick sniff to see if they need some cleaning. So this behavior may be their way of showing their love and care for their owner.
8. They Are Hungry
The common reason why do dogs lick you in the morning is because as a way to calm themselves down when mealtime approaches; dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on routine, as well as an internal clock that tells them when it’s time for their meals. This behavior may also serve as a reminder for their owners that it’s time to prepare their food. Dogs are highly attuned to their environment and the behavior of their owners, which allows them to anticipate and adjust to their daily routines. Providing a consistent routine for your furry friend can help them feel secure and happy.
9. Because You Love It
A dog will continue to lick his owners in order to elicit a happy response if he receives positive reinforcement through affection. However, if dog owners scold their furry friends for licks in the morning or push them away, there may be a more specific cause for their behavior, as dogs are very sensitive to their owner’s moods and often respond with affection. So, if your dog is showering you with face licks after a restless night or a tough morning, it may just be their way of cheering you up.
When A Dog Licks You, Is It Dangerous?
Contrary to popular belief, it is generally safe for dogs to lick humans. While it’s true that dogs’ mouths contain bacteria, the majority of the bacteria are harmless and typically don’t pose any risk to humans. The only time it may cause an issue is if the bacteria enters an open wound, which can lead to an infection. In most cases, the benefits of letting your furry friend lick you outweigh the risks. Not only does it help to strengthen the bond between dog and owner, but it’s also believed to have potential health benefits for humans, such as reducing stress.
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Why Does My Dog Lick So Much In The Morning?
It is normal behavior for a dog to lick its owner, but when it becomes excessive there can be many reasons behind it as mentioned below.
1. Anxiety
The possible reason why does my dogs lick so much in the morning is because to display anxious behavior in response to certain triggers, such as changes in their environment or routine. Excessive licking of dogs is a common sign of anxiety, which serves as a natural self-soothing mechanism. Licking can stimulate the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain and help the dog feel more relaxed. However, if the licking persists for several weeks, it may indicate a deeper underlying issue, such as separation anxiety. Identifying the root cause of the anxiety and taking appropriate measures can help improve the dog’s quality of life and reduce its stress levels.
2. OCD
The excessive licking of a dog is a symptom of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD in dogs can be caused by discomfort or medical issues. If your dog has been licking you excessively for a long time, then you need to see a vet. Because a doctor can help determine the cause of excessive licking and provide appropriate treatment.
3. Boredom
Boredom is related to anxiety and can have negative effects on dogs, especially when it’s not addressed. Boredom in dogs can lead to various behavioral problems. Dogs that do not receive adequate physical and mental stimulation are more likely to experience boredom. Therefore, providing dogs with enough physical and mental stimulation is important to ensure their overall well-being.
4. Pain Or Allergies
If your dog is constantly licking themselves or you, it could be a sign of pain or allergies. Although dogs commonly lick themselves to groom, excessive licking can indicate discomfort and agitation. It’s essential to take your dog to the vet to determine the underlying cause and provide the necessary treatment. Dogs cannot communicate their pain in the same way humans can, so it’s essential to observe their behavior and body language closely. Your vet will help identify the root cause and provide the appropriate medication or therapy to help your furry friend feel more comfortable and relaxed.
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What Is The Best Way To Make A Dog Stop Licking You Too Much?
1. Take Away Temptation
If your furry friend loves to shower you with kisses after you’ve cooked, eaten, or worked out, it’s important to take precautions to prevent the spread of bacteria. To avoid tempting your dog to lick you, it’s recommended that you shower after exercising and thoroughly clean your hands and face after being around food. This will not only protect you from germs but also keep your dog healthy and happy.
2. Redirect
If you’re dealing with a dog who constantly licks, redirecting their behavior towards another activity can be a helpful short-term solution. Encouraging your dog to play can provide an immediate distraction and potentially break the licking cycle. However, it’s important to note that this may not be a great long-term solution as it doesn’t address the root cause of the licking behavior. It’s important to observe your dog’s behavior and determine if there are any underlying medical or behavioral issues that need to be addressed.
3. Ignore
If you want to discourage your dog from licking you, the best thing to do is to ignore them by looking away and stopping any physical contact. Once the licking stops, give your dog attention and reward them with treats or praise. This way, your dog will learn that licking you does not result in any positive outcomes, but not licking you does. With consistent training, your furry friend will understand that there are other ways to get your attention and affection without licking.
4. Training
Training your dog to follow commands like “sit” and “paw” can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Through consistent and positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog to respond to your commands and earn their attention and affection in return. By focusing on these training sessions, your dog will learn that good behavior leads to positive attention from its owner, rather than simply receiving attention through undesirable behaviors like excessive licking. So grab some treats and get started on teaching your pup some new tricks.
5. Exercise
Providing your furry companion with sufficient exercise and interactive playtime is crucial to keeping them happy and healthy. By engaging in these activities, your dog will be stimulated both mentally and physically, preventing them from directing any excess energy towards you. A tired dog is a happy dog, and by meeting their exercise needs, you can also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. So, make sure to prioritize daily exercise and playtime for your dog to ensure its overall well-being.
6. Be Patient And Constant
Dogs thrive on consistency and clear communication. When it comes to licking, it’s important to establish boundaries and stick to them. If you allow your dog to lick you sometimes but not others, it can create confusion and frustration for your pet. Decide on your rules for licking and communicate them clearly and consistently to your dog. This will help them understand what is expected of them and lead to a happier, more well-behaved pup.
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Conclusion For “Why Do Dogs Lick You In The Morning”
Dogs are known for their affectionate and loving nature, and licking is a common behavior they exhibit toward their owners. When it comes to licking in the morning, it could be because of several reasons which I have told you in this blog post. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand your dog’s behavior and seek professional help if necessary.
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FAQs
1. Why does my dog lick my hands and feet in the morning?
Dogs lick their owners for various reasons such as to show affection, seek attention, and understand them better. The preference for feet could be due to the scent information, providing insights into their owner’s activities.
2. What does it mean when your dog licks you in the mouth?
When puppies lick your mouth, it is a care-seeking behavior and also helps familiarize them with the taste of solid food.
3. How do I get my dog to stop licking his face in the morning?
To reduce your dog’s licking, try walking away whenever they do it. This shows them that licking makes you leave, which they won’t want. Eventually, they’ll stop the behavior.
