Do you know why your dog loves licking your hands? Many dog owners find this cute and affectionate behaviour, but there could be more.
Licking has sometimes been associated with love, but it may depict your dog needing attention or coping with stress. If your dog is licking excessively, then it might indicate some hidden health or behavioural issues, and knowing why helps you to better understand your needs from your dog.
Let’s talk about why dogs lick their hands when this becomes a problem and how it is addressed.
Why Does My Dog Lick My Hands? A Complete Guide
1. Showing Affection and Bonding
Licking is one of the primary ways dogs show affection. This behaviour starts when they are puppies, licking their mother as part of grooming and bonding. As they grow up, this habit continues with humans. In the language of animals, when a dog licks your hands, it means he trusts you and loves you.
Example:
Think of it as a hug to a friend, it is a way for them to reach you and show they care. The next time your dog licks your hand remember, he’s just showing that love anyway.
2. Seeking Your Attention
Sometimes, dogs lick your hands simply because they want your attention. Whether it’s to play, go outside, or have belly rubs, licking can make it easy for dogs to get what they want. Over time, they learn that licking receives your response, encouraging them to repeat the behaviour.
Example:
Have you ever noticed how your dog licks you more when you’re busy or distracted? It’s a clever way of reminding you they’re there and would love some attention!
3. Tasting Something Yummy
It’s pretty Effective and much stronger than ours, so it’s no big surprise if your hands, with all the vestiges of food or sweat or lotion left on them, are pretty interesting to them. Dogs explore the world using their mouths; licking is the way that they investigate whatever they’re smelling on your skin.
Example:
After preparing food, or even just applying a sweet-scented lotion, don’t be surprised if your dog licks your hands more than usual. They just want to check out what’s tastily or intriguingly smelling.
4. Grooming Instinct
Your dog has a nose much better than yours, so it’s not surprising your hands, which contain traces of food, sweat, or lotion, may be of super-interest to them. Dogs explore the world by licking, such is the way they investigate what they smell on your skin.
Example:
The dog likes to lick your hands after you have prepared food or applied a fragrant lotion. It is because they are interested in those flavours or aromas.
When Licking Becomes a Concern
Licking is mostly harmless, but in some instances can point to something very serious. Watch out for the following when the licking gets excessive or always happens.
1. Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior
Excessive licking could be a symptom of obsessive behaviour, especially when your dog seems unable to stop. This is generally the case if such dogs get anxious or stressed. Their behaviour of licking becomes a way to relax for them, similar to how some people start biting their nails when nervous. If your dog can’t stop licking your hands, then that can be a sign that they’re trying to deal with something.
Example:
A pacing, whining, or seemingly stressed dog that licks excessively may be in need of stress management. Licking in such circumstances is more about affection than comfort.
2. Health Issues
Licking may also reveal underlying health problems. Allergies, irritation of the skin, or infection can cause your dog to over-lick itself or you. If this is accompanied by redness, swelling, or itching that does not cease, it is probably time to visit the vet. The reasons for your dog licking your hands or feet may be showing them they are uncomfortable or itchy.
Example:
If your dog starts grooming too suddenly and, for example, you notice loss of hair or irritation of the skin, take him to a vet to ensure everything is fine.
How to Address Excessive Licking
If you notice that your dog is licking excessively, whether due to behavioural or health reasons, there are several steps you can take to manage it.
1. Redirect the Behavior
One of the simplest methods of stopping excessive licking in your dog is through redirection. Get them involved in any activity, be it a game or a walk, expending some energy and directing their attention to something else rather than licking. Reward or praise your dog when they stop licking and attend to something else.
Example:
The moment your puppy licks your hand softly, distract him or her with a toy. Once the puppy stops the act, reward him or her with a treat.
2. Consult a Veterinarian
Any underlying medical cause for licking needs to be consulted with your vet. They can examine for the presence of any medical issues such as allergies, skin conditions, or infections that could be causing discomfort to your dog. In many cases, addressing the root cause will solve the problem of too much licking.
Example:
A veterinarian can perform allergy tests or prescribe medication if they suspect that your dog is licking in response to some medical condition.
3. Manage Anxiety and Stress
When such fear is what causes your dog to excessively lick its fur, you need to help your dog take care of itself emotionally. This may entail exercise and intellectual stimulation. Sometimes, the addition of just one or two calming aids, such as CBD treats or pressure wraps, may assist the stress to decrease. Lastly, creating a calm and predictable routine will ensure that the dog feels much more secure thereby reducing the urge to lick.
Example:
In case your dog likes to lick more when it is during a thunderstorm or during very loud events, use soothing products or calming music.
4. Use Anti-Licking Products
Anti-licking sprays or balms can serve as your quick fix solution. They have a bitter and unpalatable taste that could discourage your dog from licking certain areas. Of course, this would not cure the problem. However, it might just be the best short-term tool while you work on the actual curing of the problem.
Example:
In case your dog licks your hands too much, you can use an anti-licking spray. Just ensure that you use only pet-safe products.
Conclusion
Licking is normal behavior in dogs, sometimes just an expression of love, curiosity, or a call for attention. Extreme licking can, however, be a sign of some behavioral or health problems. Understanding the reasons for such behavior will further give a leash to a better bond with your dog and ensure his well-being. In case this behavior becomes inconvenient, don’t hesitate to visit your vet for consultation or find some tips on how to redirect such behaviour.
