Yes, dogs will lick you to show their affection—giving you kisses—but there are several other reasons you could end up with a slobbery face or hand. By licking you, your dog might be looking for attention, following their wild instincts, or just figuring out how you taste.

It's a common, relatively harmless behavior most dog owners accept as a sign of canine love, but in rare cases the licking can indicate your dog is suffering mentally. Learn more about why dogs lick—and what you can do if you want it to stop.

Why Dogs Lick People

While we don't know for certain why dogs lick, most experts agree there's probably a combination of reasons. In most cases, licking is not considered a serious behavior problem unless it bothers you. Knowing the reason for your dog's licking, however, might change the way you feel about it.

Affection

There's a good chance your dog is licking you to show their affection. It's why many people equate them with kisses. Licking is a natural action for dogs. They learned it from the grooming and affection their mothers gave them as puppies. Dogs might lick your face if they can get to it. If not, they might just go for any available patch of skin: hands, arms, legs, feet, and even ears.

Some dogs tend to lick less than others. This does not necessarily mean a dog is less affectionate. They might have just learned things differently as a puppy or they simply don't prefer licking.

Seeking Attention

Dogs will also lick you to simply get your attention. It often starts as a sign of affection, but then it's reinforced by a person's reaction: laughing, smiling, or petting.

Maybe your dog is bored or lonely. There you are and they want your attention. When a dog is seeking attention, they will feel rewarded by any kind of attention, even the negative type. Pushing them away, saying "no," or even administering punishment still means you're not ignoring the licking. This can encourage the licking even further.

Instinct

Dogs may also lick you because they're following their wild instincts. When wolves (and sometimes dogs in the wild) return to their pups after a meal, the pups lick around the adults' mouths. The wolves then regurgitate meat from the hunt for the pups to chow down. Some believe this licking behavior has been passed down in wolves' DNA, causing dogs to instinctively do it sometimes.

Taste

Another reason dogs lick you: They want to see how you taste. Once that dog gets to licking you, they might realize you have an intriguing salty, flavor. Dogs love anything that has an interesting taste. Plus, licking is a way for your dog to explore their world. You're part of that world after all.

When Licking Can Be a Problem

There are rare cases when your dog licking you can indicate a problem. Know the signs so you can help your pup feel better.

Compulsive Behavior

Although it's rare, dogs can lick because they suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, often brought on by prolonged stress and anxiety. Licking that occurs constantly (and usually involves the licking of objects, surfaces, and themselves in addition to humans) may be a real problem.

Talk to your veterinarian if you think your dog's licking is concerning. They might refer you to an animal behaviorist for help. 

Your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist may also prescribe medication to help relieve anxiety. Remember, animals cannot learn while in a high state of anxiety. So medication may be used as a tool to curb licking in conjunction with training. Pharmaceutical treatment may even be used temporarily while your dog goes through training and behavior modification.

Is It Safe for Dogs to Lick You?

Yes, it's usually relatively harmless to let your dog lick you. However, don't believe the old myth that dogs' mouths are cleaner than humans' mouths. Dogs' mouths contain a lot of natural bacteria, which is part of the reason dog bites are so dangerous. However, this bacteria probably won't cause harm unless it gets into an open wound.

How To Stop Problem Licking

Getting your dog to stop licking you (and others) is usually a matter of denying attention when they do it. When unwanted licking starts:

• Stop touching your dog or looking at them. 
• Turn your head away.
• Get up and walk away if you need to.
• As soon as the licking stops, reward your dog with attention, affection, or even treats.

In time, your dog will usually get the point: Licking is undesired behavior.

You can also be proactive, preventing your dog from licking you by distracting them. So instead of giving them the chance to lick, you go straight to:

• Exercise
• Playtime (with toys)
• Training new tricks

Speaking of new tricks, if you really don't mind the occasional canine kiss, you can always teach your pup how to give you some sugar.