What Does It Mean When a Dog Licks Your Feet? Understanding Canine Foot-Licking Behavior photo 4

What Your Dog’s Foot Licking Really Means

Have you ever wondered why your furry friend seems so intent on licking your feet? As strange as it may seem, there’s usually meaning behind your pup’s peculiar padding. Here’s a breakdown of what different foot licking behaviors communicate:

Affection

  1. Greeting or saying hello – Licking is a natural way for dogs to greet one another, so licking your feet could simply be your dog’s way of welcoming you. From my experience caring for dogs, many seem excited to see their owners return and lick their feet as a sign of affection.
  2. Requesting attention – Much like how puppies lick their mothers’ faces, an adult dog may lick your feet to get love and attention from their favorite human. If licking is promptly followed by your dog wagging their tail or nudging for petting, they likely just want quality time with you!

So in short, benign foot licking is usually a sign your pup cares for you and enjoys human interaction. At the same time, there may be other meanings behind this peculiar paw pass time.

Stress or Anxiety

Dogs can experience stress and anxiety just like people. While we might crack our knuckles or bite our nails, canines have evolved licking as a self-soothing behavior. From my experience as a dog trainer, foot licking could indicate your pup feels worried or insecure in certain situations.

For example, I’ve seen dogs lick owners’ feet more when uneasy about unfamiliar people, places, or noises. The rhythmic, comforting act might help calm their nerves. If licking escalates when tension rises, addressing any underlying causes could help your dog feel more at ease.

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Submission or Calming

In wolf packs, licking is a sign of deference shown by lower-ranking pack members. Some science suggests dogs retain this instinct and may lick feet as a calming gesture of submission to their human “leader.”

For instance, I recall a Labrador client who would eagerly lick guests’ feet upon meeting, seeming to show friendly deference. Foot licking could be a dog’s polite way of saying “I acknowledge you as higher status, so please don’t hurt me.” Understanding these instincts fosters a peaceful household.

Tasting Salts

A lesser known possibility is that your pup simply likes the taste of human feet! Our skin secretions contain differing mineral salts from our own bodies. Some salts dogs detect through their clever noses may be appealing to lick off.

Admittedly, the taste explanation always seemed kind of gross to me personally. But consider how people enjoy foods like pretzels containing sodium – to dogs, feet may deliver a similar savory snack. Just be sure to keep hygiene in mind if they get too enthusiastic!

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Medical Reasons

In rare cases, excessive foot fixation could stem from an underlying health issue. Conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder may compel strange licking behaviors. Allergies could result in itching paws stimulating more licking. Dental problems can also spur extra oral fixation.

I also once knew a dog diagnosed with Cushing’s disease that displayed odd licking compulsively at times. While concerning, such scenarios are thankfully uncommon. As always, discussing any notable changes with your vet brings reassurance.

So in summary, licking typically originates from natural canine instincts for affection, anxiety relief, or submission signaling in most housepets. But it never hurts consulting experts if the behavior seems worryingly frequent or intense. Open lines of loving understanding foster furry foot friendships!

FAQ

  1. What does it mean when a dog licks your feet?

    Dogs will usually lick peoples’ feet to greet them or show them affection. Sometimes a dog might lick feet because they taste salty from sweat. But in general, it’s how dogs show they care about people.

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  2. Why do dogs get attracted to feet?

    Dogs are pretty much fascinated by their owner’s feet because of the smells and the saltiness from sweat. The smells attract them and trigger their natural instinct to groom. Feet also have lots of crevices and folds that dogs enjoy licking and exploring with their tongues. Some say it’s how dogs “shake hands”.

  3. Is it normal for dogs to lick a lot?

    Most dogs do tend to lick quite often when they are with owners. Some lick just to groom themselves or show affection. However, if your dog is licking constantly to an extreme level it could be a sign of anxiety or compulsion. Dogs may also lick excessively due to health issues sometimes. But generally light to moderate licking is seen as normal behavior.

  4. Why do dogs lick your hands?

    Similar to why they like feet, hands have an appealing scent to dogs from things like food or skin oils. Some scientists think it’s kind of like a handshake when dogs lick hands as a friendly greeting. It seems they are trying to get close to people by licking. Dogs may also lick hands during play or because they crave attention and affection from their owners.

  5. Can licking cause infection?

    While dog saliva is generally not harmful to humans, there is some risk of infection from excessive licking. Stronger dogs could possibly transfer small cuts or scrapes on the skin. The saliva carries various bacteria that enters through breaks in the skin. In rare cases, diseases may spread. But keeping wounds covered and regular hand washing greatly reduces any risk from an occasional lick.

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  6. Should you discourage licking?

    Most dog experts agree there is no need to prevent mild licking between owner and dog. It is a natural expression of companionship. However, if licking becomes obsessive it could be showing anxiety that’s better addressed. Owners can give alternatives to licking like petting or praise. And anyone with open wounds or who is worried about germs spreading has reason to discourage licking of those areas by their dog for a short period.

  7. Is there anything wrong with my dog if he doesn’t lick?

    Not all dogs are big lickers. Some just aren’t as demonstrative and that’s perfectly fine. As long as a dog seems happy and bonded with their owner otherwise, then a lack of licking alone shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Individual personalities vary a lot between canines. Dogs may also lick less if an older age or certain health issues. So in general don’t panic if your dog isn’t a licker. Their affection shows in many ways.