The “kisses” Of Dogs And Their Secrets
Dogs communicate in many forms, based on what they want to tell us. For them, barking, growling, wagging their tails and ears, and body position are all forms of communication. This also includes licking. In this article we will explain what your dogs want to tell you when they shower you with “kisses”.
Why do dogs lick?
To express gratitude and affection
Through these little kisses, dogs express their esteem for people. This means that a lick is equivalent to a caress or a gentle kiss. Furthermore, licking allows dogs to understand the state of mind of their owners and to react accordingly. In the event that the owner gives signs of sadness, the dog will begin to lick his face and hands. In this case, licking is a gesture that shows affection and support for the owner.
To indicate submission
Since they are born, their mother communicates with them through the language. In this way it stimulates their breathing and cleans them, so a mother’s licks are important for a puppy’s survival. In return, the puppies lick the muzzle of the mother as a sign of submission towards the dog that protects them and, in the same way, they lick the muzzle of the dog in charge of the group. For this the dog can lick his master to indicate submission. For a lick to indicate obedience, it must be accompanied by other signs, such as lowered ears.
To explore the surrounding environment
As with children, dogs also use the sense of taste as a tool to explore their surroundings and relate to other living beings, since licking helps them recognize them. In domestic dogs, in addition to being a sign of affection, it can mean that they like the salty taste of their owner’s skin. In addition, licking releases endorphins, which create a feeling of comfort and pleasure and relieve stress.
Beneficial properties of saliva
The saliva of dogs (and of all living things) contains an enzyme (lysozyme) which has tissue regenerating, bactericidal properties, thus preventing infections and promoting blood clotting. Specifically, dog saliva kills Escherichia Coli and canine streptococcus. Therefore, dogs often lick their wounds to speed up healing. Some species of animals also lick each other, licking each other’s wounds, especially if they are in hard-to-reach places. This practice can also help pull hair away from the wound.
Undoubtedly, too much licking can be dangerous for the health of the dog, as it can sometimes cause granulomas or stomach infections, caused by the ingestion of bacteria. Also, rabies can be contracted by licking infected wounds and, once the dog contracts it, through saliva. Likewise, licking wounds between different species is not advisable, as diseases can be transmitted which are not dangerous for one species, but are for others. For example, letting a dog lick a person’s wounds can cause the person to have septicemia or transmit anger. It can also complicate wound healing.
What to do if your dog is constantly licking you?
Sometimes domestic dogs compulsively lick their owners, themselves or other objects. It is possible that, as mentioned, a dog licks his owner constantly as a sign of affection, but it can be a bit annoying to have a dog that licks all the time. It is therefore necessary, to avoid this harassing behavior, to ignore the dog when he starts licking, leaving the room. If you are stroking or cuddling and the dog starts licking you, stop petting and ignore the dog for a while. Repeating this attitude over and over will teach your dog that every time he licks, he will be alone. This will stop licking all the time.
If he licks compulsively, then he may simply be bored, anxious, or have some annoying skin or paw allergy. In this case it is best to take him to the vet right away to treat any allergies or infections and make sure he gets all the care he needs.
