Why does my dog lick

As dog grow older, the licking becomes a form of greeting and of bonding between pack members as well as an important means of sharing information about where each dog has been.

Dogs lick their owners as an extension of this bonding process. They probably learn, too that their owner regards the licking affection and that his fondness may result in a snack for the dog.

Humans regard licks from their dogs as a sign of affection and indeed in some ways theya re right. Actually, however the dog has a variety of messages to convey.

• Licking is an important part of how a dog cares for her pups. She must lick away the amniotic sac surrounding each pup upon birth and lick each pup to stimulate the elimination of waste for the first few weeks of life.
• Licking is also a part of the grooming routine. Apart from keeping themselves clean, they reduce their own odor by doing this, which in the wild, helps protect them from keen-nosed predators. Dogs also lick their wounds instinctively.

In the wild, wild dogs grow larger to the stage where they need weaning, their first solid food is that regurgitated by the mother. When they are hungry, cubs or pups will lick their mother’s face and throat to stimulate her reflux action and thereby encourage her to feed them.

Dogs lick people as a sign of affection, however don’t forget that your dog will also lick anything that smell good to them and you must never let the dog share human food.

Watch out for toddlers when they have been snacking as their hands and faces may look tasty and are within a dogs reach. Make sure you wash your toddler’s face and hands after the toddler have been in contact with a dog.