11 Reasons Why Your Maltese Licks You & Tips

In this blog post, we’ll explore the many reasons why Maltese dogs love to lick their owners, from showing affection to seeking attention.

Why Your Maltese Licks You

Maltese dogs may lick their owners as a display of affection or to attract their attention.

They may also lick themselves to calm down if they are feeling stressed or anxious.

Licking can also be a means for dogs to submit to their owners and do so.

If the licking intensifies, it can indicate underlying problems like anxiousness or boredom.

Reasons Why Your Maltese Licks You

The following are some common reasons why your Maltese licks you:

1. Showing Affection

Licking is one way that dogs express their love and affection, so your Maltese may be merely trying to let you know how much they care.

Your Maltese may be licking you as a sign of affection and appreciation for all the attention and care you provide them.

Moreover, licking might cause your dog’s brain to release endorphins, which makes them feel good and encourages the activity of licking.

2. Seeking attention

It’s possible that your Maltese is licking you to catch your attention.

This behavior is more typical when your dog feels bored, lonely, or unappreciated.

They may lick you to communicate that they want to play or cuddle with you.

You may strengthen your relationship with your dog by responding favorably to their licks.

3. Marking their territory

Dogs have scent glands in their mouths that they utilize to scent persons and things with their saliva.

Your Maltese may be licking you to identify you as their own, which can be a gesture of love and loyalty.

It’s important to keep in mind that excessive marking behavior can occur occasionally, which is why it’s crucial to teach your dog how to respect proper boundaries.

4. Communicating

Dogs communicate in a variety of ways, one of which is licking. Your Maltese may be licking you to communicate their needs or aspirations.

If they lick your face while you’re working, they could be trying to communicate that they need a break or some attention.

You can better comprehend what your dog is attempting to express by monitoring his or her behavior and body language.

5. Showing submission

Maltese like other dogs are pack animals that live in hierarchical societies.

When your Maltese licks you, it could represent an acknowledgment of your authority and submission.

This is especially likely if you are the primary caregiver or provider of resources like food, water, and toys.

6. Cleaning you

Dogs naturally groom themselves by licking, thus they may lick you to keep you clean.

Your Maltese may be grooming your hair and skin or trying to clean off any dirt or trash they might smell on you.

It’s crucial to keep an eye on your dog’s licking behaviors because excessive licking can also be an indication of nervousness or obsessive behavior.

7. Seeking comfort

Maltese dogs are gregarious animals who enjoy the company and comfort of humans.

Your Maltese may lick you to calm down or to find comfort if they’re feeling anxious or upset because licking may be a relaxing exercise for them.

You may lessen their fears and solidify your relationship by reacting to them with love and affection.

8. Showing excitement

Your Maltese dog may lick as a sign of excitement.

Your Maltese may lick you to show their happiness and enthusiasm when they’re feeling frisky and cheerful.

You may encourage and reward this behavior by providing a good response and having fun.

9. Habit

Some Maltese dogs have the habit of licking their owners to express their love or to attract their attention.

If your Maltese has been licking excessively for a while, you may need to train them to stop licking since it may just be a personality trait if they have been doing it for a while.

10. Signs of Anxiety

Dogs can get anxious for a number of reasons, such as separation anxiety, a phobia of loud noises, or alterations in their routine.

They may lick themselves as a way of calming themselves.

If your Maltese is excessively licking you, they can be feeling worried and require more love and care from you.

11. Boredom

Maltese dogs can get bored easily, and when they do, they may engage in repetitive behaviors like licking.

If your Maltese is licking you excessively, it may be a sign that they’re feeling bored and need more mental or physical stimulation.

Health issues associated with Maltese licking behavior

Excessive licking behavior in Maltese dogs can be associated with various health issues.

Here are some possible causes:

1. Skin irritation or allergy: When a Maltese dog excessively licks his or her skin, it can cause irritation and lead to a vicious cycle of licking and scratching. Allergies to food, pollen, or other environmental factors can also cause skin irritation and excessive licking.
2. Gastrointestinal issues: A Maltese dog may engage in excessive licking if he or she has gastrointestinal problems, such as gastritis or reflux esophagitis.
3. Anxiety or stress: Maltese dogs may lick excessively as a way to cope with anxiety or stress. Separation anxiety, changes in routine or environment, or lack of stimulation can all contribute to this behavior.
4. Dental problems: Dental pain or discomfort can cause a Maltese dog to excessively lick his or her mouth, paws, or other parts of the body.
5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: In some cases, excessive licking behavior in Maltese dogs may be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This is a behavioral condition that requires professional intervention.

It is important to consult with a veterinarian if you notice excessive licking behavior in your Maltese dog, as it could indicate an underlying health issue or behavioral problem that requires treatment.

Learn more about Maltese health concerns.

Managing Maltese dog excessive licking behavior

Here are some tips for managing and stopping a Maltese dog’s excessive licking behavior:

1. Rule out any potential medical issues – Excessive licking can be a sign of an underlying health issue, so it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.
2. Increase exercise and mental stimulation – Providing your Maltese dog with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to excessive licking behaviors.
3. Offer distractions – Providing your dog with toys, games, and other distractions can help redirect their attention away from licking.
4. Identify and address triggers – Pay attention to when your dog starts licking excessively and try to identify any triggers, such as changes in routine, anxiety-inducing situations, or boredom. Addressing these triggers can help reduce the behavior.
5. Provide chew toys – Giving your Maltese dog chew toys can provide a healthy outlet for their licking behavior.
6. Use bitter-tasting sprays – Spraying bitter-taste deterrents on your dog’s paws or other areas they tend to lick can help discourage the behavior.
7. Reward good behavior – Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise can help reinforce good behavior and discourage excessive licking.
8. Seek professional help – If your Maltese dog’s excessive licking behavior persists or worsens, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for additional guidance and support.

Remember, excessive licking behavior can be a sign of a medical issue, so it’s important to rule this out before trying to manage or stop the behavior.

Conclusion

Remember, every dog is different, and your Maltese may lick you for a combination of these reasons or for a different reason altogether.

By paying attention to your dog’s behavior and body language, you can better understand their needs and communicate with them effectively.