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You lean down and, before you know it, your dog’s tongue is all over your face. Sound familiar? Whether it’s a quick lick or a full-on slobber session, many owners wonder: why do dogs lick your face? Let’s take a look at what’s behind this curious (and sometimes stinky) behavior.
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Why Do Dogs Lick Our Faces?
What does it mean when a dog licks your face? We may not know for sure, but most experts agree that dogs lick our faces for various reasons. In most cases, licking isn’t something to worry about unless it becomes excessive or bothers you.
But here’s the thing. Understanding why your dog licks your face can change how you view it. For instance, that surprise face lick might feel less annoying when you realize it’s your dog’s quirky way of saying, “Hey, you matter to me.”
1. It’s Their Way Of Showing Affection
The most apparent reason? Dogs don’t use words to express love, but licking is one of the ways they bond with you. It’s a behavior rooted in how puppies interact with their mother and littermates. When you arrive home, a gentle lick or kiss can be your dog’s way of saying, “I adore you.”
2. Instinctual Behavior
Young puppies often lick their mother’s muzzle to ask for food. They carry this habit into interactions with people, who usually respond with affection, attention, or play. Over time, puppies learn that licking human faces brings positive responses, reinforcing the behavior.
3. Sometimes, They Just Want Your Attention
Not all face-licking is about affection or instinct. Sometimes, your dog is just trying to get noticed. If you’re busy working, watching TV, or scrolling on your phone, a well-placed lick can snap you right back into dog mode in their minds.
What starts as a simple nudge for connection can quickly become a go-to tactic. Dogs are intelligent: if licking gets a reaction — even if you say “no” or gently push them away — they learn that it works. To your dog, any response is better than being ignored.
If this sounds familiar, your pup might be bored, a little lonely, or just craving interaction. Consider redirecting that energy with a quick walk, a play session, or a toy to keep their brain and paws busy.
See our reviews of the best interactive dog toys and brain games for dogs to keep your pup mentally and physically stimulated.
4. Gathering Information
As you know, our furry friends aren’t finicky about what they lick, and for good reason. Your dog’s senses of smell and taste are incredibly sophisticated. They use their noses and mouths as a way to explore their world and gather information about their environment.
5. You Taste Good
Did you eat bacon this morning? Or maybe you’re just a little salty from your workout at the gym. Dogs have powerful noses and taste buds that pick up on all sorts of interesting scents and flavors on your skin. Think of it as your face becoming a surprise flavor of the day.
6. Stress Relief
Licking can actually help dogs soothe themselves. If your dog is feeling anxious or overstimulated, licking your face might be their way of calming down. Think of it like a doggie version of a fidget toy or aromatherapy.
When Excessive Licking Is A Problem
While occasional licking is normal, constant licking of you, themselves, or random surfaces can be a sign of significant anxiety or even a compulsive disorder. If the licking seems excessive or disruptive, talk to your vet. They may refer you to an animal behaviorist or suggest anti-anxiety medication as part of a broader training plan.
Our Personal Experience
My dog Tiny isn’t a mega face-licker. He prefers the legs and feet for some reason (who knows?!). So, I asked my Canine Journal team about their pups. Here’s one who goes all in!
My dog Falkor, a Poodle-Beagle mix, acts like I’m the center of his universe. The second I walk through the door, he’s already vibrating with excitement. It doesn’t matter if I’ve been gone for hours or just stepped outside to grab the mail. His enthusiasm is Olympic-level. His tail wags so hard I’m sure he’s one spin away from liftoff.
As soon as I free him from his crate, Falkor transforms into a licking machine. Usually, it’s a sweet, gentle “hello.” But sometimes, he gets carried away, like he’s trying to exfoliate my face with his tongue. I’ve had moments where I’ve had to gently remind him, “Falkor, I need an oxygen mask, buddy!” Still, it’s impossible to be mad at him when he looks so proud of his handiwork.
Those slobbery kisses? They melt my heart every time. Sure, I’ve invested in dog toothpaste and toothbrushes because, let’s face it, no one wants stinky breath on their cheeks. But even with all the mess and the occasional overzealous licks, I wouldn’t trade those moments of pure, unfiltered love for anything in the world.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Mom & Canine Journal Writer
Is It Safe To Let Your Dog Lick Your Face?
In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about. However, your health, your dog’s health, and where exactly that tongue is landing can be a concern.
While many people allow face-licking without a second thought, there are a few things worth considering before you let those slobbery smooches continue.
To play it safe, you may want to wash your face or use antibacterial gel or spray to clean the area after your dog licks you.
1. Dogs’ Mouths Contain Potentially Harmful Germs
Dog saliva isn’t sterile. In fact, it can contain bacteria (like Capnocytophaga), which can be passed to humans (although that’s rare). While most healthy people won’t get sick from a lick, there is a risk, especially if:
- You have an open wound or scratch where they lick
- Your immune system is weakened (due to age, illness, or medication)
- Your dog has poor dental hygiene or an untreated tooth infection
2. Avoid Mucous Membranes
If your dog’s tongue is heading for your mouth, nose, or eyes, it’s best to redirect. These areas are more vulnerable to infection, and certain bacteria can enter the bloodstream through even tiny breaks in the skin or mucosa.
3. Parasites Are Also A Concern
If your dog regularly licks or eats things outside like garbage, animal feces, or dead critters — or if your pup licks their own butt — they could carry parasites such as giardia or hookworms. While transmission to humans from licking is uncommon, it’s not impossible.
How To Stop Unwanted Licking: 6 Tips
Even though there’s a minimal health risk, not everyone is a fan of having a dog’s tongue all over their face. If your dog is too aggressive with licking or you simply can’t stand the slobber on your face, there are some ways you can deter this behavior.
These tips can also help you keep your pup from licking other people’s faces.
1. Don’t React
Avoid reacting with laughter, petting, or scolding. Any response can reinforce the behavior. Instead, stay neutral or gently turn your head away.
2. Ignore, Then Reward
If your dog licks and you turn away or get up without a word, they’ll eventually associate licking with being ignored. When they remain calm and keep their tongue to themselves, offer praise or a small treat.
3. Teach A Clear Command
Use a cue like “No kisses” or “Enough” each time they start licking. Be consistent with your wording and tone.
4. Redirect the Behavior
Offer an alternative when they go in for a lick, like a chew toy, a treat-dispensing puzzle, or even a sit command followed by a reward.
5. Create Boundaries
If the licking happens most often at certain times, like when you’re lying down, teach your dog to settle in a specific spot or on their bed instead of being in your face.
Over time, your dog will begin to understand that licking isn’t the kind of behavior you want.
Need Help Training?
Unsure how to train your dog to understand and respond to cues or commands? Read our guide on obedience training to brush up on basic skills. You may also want to consider an online dog training course, which is an easy, affordable alternative to hiring a personal trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions? Here are some we get often about dog licking. If you don’t see yours here, please ask us in our comments.
What Does It Mean When A Puppy Licks Your Face?
The dog licking face meanings above are essentially the same for puppies, except they may do it more often. Remember, puppies likely still retain the instinct to lick their mother or littermates for some time after leaving their furry family.
Why Do Dogs Lick Your Face When You Cry?
Dogs are highly sensitive to human emotions. When you cry, your dog may pick up on your distress through your tone, body language, and even scent changes.
Licking your face can be their way of offering comfort, showing empathy, or trying to soothe you—similar to how they might comfort a pack member in distress.
A simpler reason is that our tears are salty, and dogs like the taste.
Why Do Dogs Lick Your Face When You Sleep?
Dogs may lick your face while you sleep for several reasons:
- Trying to wake you up
- Seeking attention (especially if they’re ready for breakfast)
- Showing affection
- Responding to smells on your skin
It can also be a learned behavior. If you’ve reacted to it before, they may keep doing it to get a response.
More Dog Behavior Explained
Our canine companions have many endearing, amusing, and sometimes, annoying behaviors. However, understanding why they do what they do helps build a stronger bond between you and your furry friend. For starters, read our articles about why dogs lick the floor and why dogs sniff crotches.
