Dog Licks My Mouth [What It Means]

Are you a dog parent who’s experienced a big ol’ sloppy lick straight to the mouth?

It’s not exactly the most pleasant surprise, but it’s a common behavior of our furry friends.

Some dog owners embrace it as a sign of affection, while others cringe at the thought. Why do dogs do this, and is it hygienic?

Let’s dig in and find out!

Why Does My Dog Licks My Mouth

Dogs seem to enjoy licking their owners’ faces, including their mouths, there are different reasons why dogs do this.

Some dogs lick as a way of showing affection, while others do it in response to their owner’s actions.

For example, dogs may lick their owners’ mouths to get a better sense of their scent and communicate with them.

However, it is important to note that allowing your dog to lick your mouth or face can also be a potential health risk, as dogs’ mouths contain various bacteria that can be harmful to humans.

In general, it is best to discourage your dog from licking your mouth and take other measures to show affection to your pet.

Let’s break it down further…

Reasons Why Your Dog Licks Your Mouth

The following are some of the most common reasons why your dog licks your mouth:

1. Expressing Love and Affection

Dogs are extremely sociable creatures that create strong emotional relationships with their human counterparts.

When your dog licks your mouth, it is an expression of love and devotion.

Licking resembles the caring and grooming activities demonstrated by a mother dog to her offspring.

Your dog is expressing their profound devotion and respect for you as their pack leader by licking your face.

2. Seeking Attention and Interaction

Dogs are bright creatures that rapidly learn which actions pique your interest.

If your dog discovers that licking your mouth elicits pleasant responses from you, such as stroking, praise, or playful involvement, he or she may lick you as a means of attracting your attention and encouraging connection.

It becomes a taught behavior that strengthens your relationship with your dog.

Learn more about identifying a bored dog.

3. Displaying Submission

Licking is a typical activity in the canine world to show submission and reverence to higher-ranking members of the pack.

Your dog may be displaying respect and appreciating your leadership status within the family unit by licking your mouth.

It’s a method for children to demonstrate their submissiveness while also reinforcing the hierarchy they comprehend.

Learn more about identifying a dog that trusts you.

4. Exploring Taste and Smell

Dogs have a considerably greater sense of smell than humans.

Our lips convey a variety of odors and flavors that our canine partners find appealing.

When your dog licks your lips, it is possible that they are wanting to explore and experience the exciting tastes and odors that they identify with you, your meal, or even dental items such as toothpaste.

It’s a means for dogs to satiate their curiosity about the world around them.

5. Displaying Empathy and Soothing

When it comes to detecting human emotions, dogs are highly observant.

If you’re feeling nervous, anxious, or sad, your dog may lick your mouth to give comfort and emotional support.

It is their natural tendency to calm and comfort their human companion in times of distress.

Their licking can cause endorphin release in both you and your dog, producing a sense of well-being and relaxation.

6. Marking You as Their Territory

Dogs lick as a sort of scent-marking activity.

Your dog may be claiming you as an important part of their territory and establishing their ownership by licking your mouth.

This is more typical among dogs that have a deep attachment to their owners and regard them as essential members of their group.

It’s their method of demonstrating to the rest of the world that you are theirs, and they are yours.

7. Reinforcing Bonding and Socialization

When pups are born, their mothers lick them to clean them and bond with them.

Dogs frequently keep this licking activity as a method of reinforcing connection and socializing as they mature.

By licking your mouth, your dog may be attempting to enhance your emotional bond and consolidate your relationship.

It’s their method of expressing their love and commitment to you.

8. Mimicking Social Behavior

Dogs are excellent mimics and good observers of human behavior.

If your dog observes you delivering enthusiastic kisses to family members or other pets, he or she may attempt to imitate this behavior by licking your mouth.

It’s their way of taking part in the social rituals that they see inside their pack.

They perceive it as a method for you to express love and connection, just as they see you do.

9. Habitual Behavior

Some dogs develop the habit of licking their owners’ mouths merely because it is soothing or delightful to them.

It might have begun as a harmless gesture and subsequently evolved into a regular tendency.

Dogs may create routines that provide them with a sense of calm and enjoyment, similar to how people engage in certain repetitive actions for comfort.

If this tendency does not interfere with your connection or pose any health hazards, it might be considered a distinctive quirk of your dog’s nature.

How to stop your dog from licking your mouth

Here are some steps you can take to stop your dog from licking your mouth:

1. Understand why your dog is licking your face in the first place – Often, it’s a natural behavior that dogs use to show affection or greet those they consider part of their pack.
2. Set boundaries – dogs respond well to clear boundaries so establish limits for your canine companion regarding when and where it is acceptable to lick.
3. Redirect their attention – when you notice your dog starting to lick, distract them with a chew toy or treat that they can focus on instead.
4. Reward good behavior – when your dog refrains from licking, give them a treat or praise to reinforce that this is the behavior you desire.
5. Use positive reinforcement training – teach your dog a specific command, such as “no licking,” and reward them when they follow your command.
6. Ignore them – if your dog starts to lick you, ignore them and walk away. This will teach them that licking is not an effective way to get your attention.
7. Avoid close contact – if you know your dog tends to lick your mouth, try to avoid getting too close to their face, especially if you have an open wound or sore.
8. Medical intervention – if your dog has an excessive licking habit, it may be a medical issue such as anxiety or a bacterial infection. Consult with your vet to rule out any underlying health problems.
9. Use deterrents – there are products available such as bitter-tasting sprays or collars that emit a high-pitched sound when your dog starts to lick, which can help discourage the behavior.
10. Consistency – training your dog not to lick takes time and patience, but with consistent reinforcement, your furry friend will eventually learn to respect your boundaries and refrain from licking your mouth.

Potential dangers of allowing your dog to lick your mouth

Allowing your dog to lick your mouth may seem like a harmless, affectionate gesture, but it can actually pose several health risks.

Here are some potential dangers of allowing your dog to lick your mouth:

1. Transfer of bacteria and germs: Dogs carry various types of bacteria in their oral cavities, which can be transferred to humans through saliva. These bacteria can cause illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections and even gum disease.
2. Risk of infection: If you have any open cuts or wounds in your mouth, your dog’s saliva can cause infections and may even lead to serious health complications.
3. Dental issues: Regularly allowing your dog to lick your mouth can also cause dental problems, such as cavities and plaque buildup.
4. Risk of parasites: Dogs are also known to carry parasites in their mouth, such as hookworms and tapeworms, which can be transferred to humans through saliva.
5. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to their dogs’ saliva, which can lead to allergic reactions such as hives and difficulty breathing.
6. Possible exposure to toxins: If you have any toxic substances on your skin, such as pesticides or cleaning chemicals, your dog’s licking can transfer those toxins into your body.
7. Risk of zoonotic diseases: Dogs can carry zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to humans through saliva, such as rabies and leptospirosis.
8. Risk of anxiety-related behaviors: If a dog is anxious or stressed, licking can become a compulsive behavior. Allowing them to continue may reinforce their anxiety-related behaviors.
9. Reinforcement of unwanted behavior: Finally, allowing your dog to lick your mouth can reinforce unwanted behaviors such as mouthing or nipping, which can escalate into more aggressive behaviors.

Learn more about dogs licking other dogs’ faces and ears.

Related questions

Why do dogs lick people’s faces, specifically the mouth area?

There are several reasons why dogs instinctively lick people’s faces, including the mouth area. One reason is that dogs express their affection and love towards their human companions through physical contacts, such as licking. Additionally, dogs’ sense of smell is much stronger than their sense of taste, and they can pick up on various scents and tastes from our skin, which is why they may lick us in the mouth area.

Is it safe to let my dog lick my face, including the mouth area?

While it’s generally considered safe for dogs to lick their owners’ faces, it’s important to be aware that there is a risk of contracting certain infections. Dogs carry a variety of bacteria in their mouths, and if they lick your mouth area, you could potentially be exposed to these bacteria, which may lead to infections. It’s also important to note that allowing dogs to lick your face may not be ideal if you are immunocompromised or have a weak immune system.

Can I train my dog not to lick my face, including the mouth area?

Yes, you can train your dog not to lick your face or mouth area. One way to do this is by consistently telling your dog “no” or “stop” anytime they attempt to lick your face. It’s also important to reinforce positive behaviors, such as sitting calmly and waiting for attention rather than jumping or licking.

Learn more about identifying a spoiled dog.

Will putting hot sauce or bitter spray on my mouth area stop my dog from licking me?

While using hot sauce or bitter spray on your mouth area may deter your dog from licking you, it’s not recommended as it may cause discomfort or harm to your dog. It’s much better to use positive reinforcement and gentle training techniques to discourage licking behavior.

Can dogs transmit diseases through licking?

While it’s relatively rare for dogs to transmit diseases to humans through licking, it is possible. Some diseases that can potentially be transmitted include Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Leptospira. It’s important to practice good hygiene and to avoid allowing dogs to lick your mouth area if you have open wounds or compromised immune systems.

Should I be concerned if my dog constantly licks my mouth and face?

If your dog frequently licks your mouth and face, it may be a sign that they are seeking attention or affection. However, excessive licking can also be a sign of anxiety, stress, or even medical conditions such as allergies or dental problems. If your dog’s licking behavior seems excessive or unusual, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. Additionally, if your dog’s licking behavior is causing distress or discomfort, it may be necessary to seek advice from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to help modify the behavior.

Learn more about why your dog is licking your face.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting licked by your furry friend can be both adorable and awkward, especially if it’s in your mouth!

While some people may find this behavior gross or unhygienic, it’s important to remember that it’s a natural way for dogs to show affection.

So, embrace those slobbery kisses and show your pup some love. Just maybe keep a pack of mints handy, just in case!