Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet

Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet? Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Solutions

Veterinarian, BVSc GPCert (Ophthal) MRCVS

Whether you like it or hate it, one factor is for sure: your canine just loves to lick your toes! It’s exhausting to grasp why this is, although; to most of us, ft are smelly and sweaty regardless of being reasonably useful components of our our bodies. So why would a canine want to lick them?

Dogs will probably be canine and they've their causes. We discovered eight causes that canines get pleasure from slobbering throughout our toes. We also take a look at ways of stopping this habits if it’s one thing that you simply don’t really take pleasure in.

The Reasons why Dogs Lick Your Feet

This might sound gross to us, but for canine, our ft are a nice, tasty, and salty treat. Since our feet tend to be moist and sweaty, they smell even more strongly of us there than nearly anywhere else. Our toes style good and scent like us, so your canine is in heaven!

Another purpose why canines lick your ft is to get attention. When your canine begins licking your ft, chances are high that you simply react. Whether you giggle, yell, squirm, or give your pup a pet, your canine will remember that you just gave them consideration. Even when the reaction is unfavorable (like yelling), your canine will proceed the habits to get more of your attention.

Your dog may lick your ft when they need one thing. In the event that they want a deal with, dinner, playtime, or perhaps go for a stroll, your dog might lick your toes just like they'd lick your hand.

Also, canine lick one another and are licked by their mothers as they mature, so licking is a natural and instinctive conduct for canines. This habits is related to bonding and affection. This most likely additionally occurs when they’re saying good day to you. Your dog may just be exhibiting their affection and love for you once they lick your toes.

Dogs have the Jacobson’s organ, also referred to as the vomeronasal organ, which is situated within the dog’s nasal cavity and is linked to the mouth. This is an additional olfactory organ that canine use to scent "undetectable" odors like pheromones. Both the dog’s nose and their Jacobson’s organ work together to higher perceive their environment. And this will likely embody your feet!

Licking usually goes again to when your dog was a puppy. While canine are puppies, their mothers give them an intensive licking fairly steadily. When your canine licks your toes, grooming is perhaps the target.

Lastly, some canine can interact in compulsive licking as a sign of stress and anxiety. It may also be fairly submissive in nature. In case you get the feeling that their licking has changed into an nearly obsessive trait, you must converse to your vet.

While you Need to Stop It

If the licking is a conduct that you need to discourage, regardless of whether it’s your palms or your feet, you’ll should take steps to cease it.

You need to have a treat or toy readily available, so when your dog begins to go after your toes, you'll be able to offer them something else, notably if it’s an merchandise that they usually prefer to have of their mouth (like a treat!).

Ensure to make use of praise and optimistic reinforcement when your canine doesn’t engage in licking behavior. They’ll finally learn that not licking you means something nice will happen.

An alternative choice is to simply ignore the conduct and stroll away. When you don’t give your pup any consideration, the licking would possibly simply stop naturally.

If the licking continues regardless of the steps that you’ve taken, and you’re concerned that it could be one thing past what we’ve listed here, it's best to see your vet. There’s always the chance that there may be a health or behavioral subject. It's important to note that generally, abnormal licking is perhaps linked to dental problems.

Must you Stop It?

Then again, if you don’t mind the licking, generally, it’s harmless. If you’ve determined that your dog is doing it as a result of they're in search of a bit love and affection, then let them lick your toes. It’s all about how animals communicate.

Licking your ft may additionally allow your dog to engage in conduct that is soothing. This manner, in case your dog is feeling pressured, licking your toes that odor a lot such as you might make your dog feel calmer.

Just make some extent of attempting to know why your canine is doing all this licking so you’ll know when it’s harmless and when it might be turning into compulsive behavior and it’s time to take your pup to the veterinarian.

Related read: Why Does My Dog Try to Lick My Ears? 6 Reasons for This Behavior

Licking is a pure and instinctive behavior that all canine have interaction in. They do it to groom and to precise affection and excitement. They’ll lick the household cat, one other canine, or your face, and of course, your toes. You'll be able to redirect the habits or embrace it. Just remember to seek the advice of with your vet or an animal behaviorist if it seems to be getting out of control.

In the long term, you obviously need your canine to be glad, and if licking your feet makes them completely satisfied, then allow them to have at it! Dogs will likely be canines, and don’t we love them for it?

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