- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Dogs usually lick things that taste or smell good to them, but licking can also show how they’re feeling. Licking is one way dogs communicate.
Also, dogs might lick your face because they’re stressed, anxious, or just having fun, says Russell Hartstein (CPDT), a certified dog trainer with Fun Paw Care Dog Training.
Face licking can be a way for your dog to show love, but there are some not-so-great things about it, too. We’ll talk about those and how to stop your dog from licking your face.
Do Dogs Licks Mean Kisses?
Although dogs don’t always lick your face to show affection, dog kisses are a real thing. Mother dogs lick their puppies for grooming and bonding, so licking is a natural behavior for dogs.
Dogs lick both to share their emotions and respond to yours. For example, your dog may lick your face if you’re crying or laughing, they’re happy to see you, or they want your attention.
Hartstein says that while there aren’t specific body language cues that mean your dog is licking you to show affection, you might notice them wagging their tail as they lick.
Why the face?
Dogs understand the world primarily through their olfactory glands, so they often identify and react to people through scent.
“Dogs target any area that chemically smells good to them, including your feet, crotch, armpits, and face,” Hartstein says. “They typically orient towards areas or clothing that harbor bacteria, chemicals, and scent.”
Because you put food into your mouth and often have a lot of bacteria on your face, it makes sense that dogs want to be close to your ears and mouth! Bacteria that builds up in your mouth during the night might also mean your dog licks your face more than usual in the morning.
The face is also where our emotions and voice come from, says Emily Birch, a clinical animal behaviorist. Because of this, she says dogs know this is where to get important information.
Is Face Licking A Form of Grooming?
Dogs naturally lick themselves to stay clean because they can’t take a shower like we do!
Some experts think that when your dog licks your face (or other body parts), they might be trying to clean you, too. So, if it seems like your dog is giving you a bath, they probably are!
Birch says licking and grooming vary between dogs. Some types of dog licks are associated with grooming. For example, calm licking is more likely grooming. Meanwhile, frantic licking is usually caused by a dog trying to calm down; this happens more in puppies than adults.
Lastly, if your dog licks more at night, it’s not to clean off the day’s dirt. Birch explains that licking helps dogs relax and feel calm at the end of the day.
Are There Benefits To A Dog Licking Your Face?
It’s generally fine to let your dog lick your face, and it might even do you both some good.
Bonding
Letting your dog lick your face gives them the freedom to express their affection for you, says Amy Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC with Animal Behavior Wellness Center. In short, a few face licks can build trust and help you bond with your dog.
Stress relief
When your dog licks you, it releases endorphins that help them feel calm. Your dog may do this during a stressful situation like a storm or when new guests come over.
Licking may also comfort dogs because of the way their moms lick them during puppyhood.
But even though licking can soothe your dog’s distress in the moment, it’s important to talk to your vet if your dog’s licking continues. They can help you find and address causes of your dog’s stress.
Good bacteria
According to Pike, bacteria that transfers to you from your dog’s tongue could actually be good for your microbiome. This is because it gives you a more diverse population of gut bacteria, which can boost your immunity.
Most bacteria or germs that live in a dog’s mouth—Capnocytophaga—won’t make you sick unless you have a weakened immune system due to an alternative medical condition.
Are There Downsides To A Dog Licking Your Face?
If your dog tends to lick your face, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
The cause
It’s important to understand why your dog is licking, since licking can point to a negative emotional state, according to Pike.
However, if your dog seems happy and you don’t notice any other concerning behavior, you probably don’t have anything to worry about.
Bacteria
While some pet parents worry about zoonotic diseases, these infections are typically transmitted through dog bites. The bacteria and germs that can spread through licking usually aren’t harmful—but still, not everyone wants them on their face!
Harmful ingredients
If you’re wearing makeup, lotion, sunscreen, or another cosmetic that contains harmful ingredients, your dog could become ill, Pike says. It’s best to avoid letting your dog lick your face too much if you regularly wear these skin care products.
Tips To Manage And Redirect Face Licking
Not everyone enjoys face licks from a dog. Even if you don’t mind your dog licking your face, it’s important to consider other peoples’ boundaries!
If you want to train your dog to stop licking faces, at specific times or permanently, you can manage this behavior by giving them something else to do and praising the behavior you want.
“You’ll want give the dog something else to do that would satisfy their need to lick,” Pike says. Some examples include:
- Lick mat
- Spreadable treats (like peanut butter)
- Chewing treats
- Chew toys
Ideally, you’ll give your dog the mat or treat before they start licking. To do this, you’ll want to take note of specific times they seem to lick, like after you eat, when you’re watching TV, or at bedtime.
If your dog starts licking your face and you want to redirect it, Pike suggests calmly getting up and walking away to get the lick mat or treat. Avoid yelling at your dog or otherwise punishing them for licking your face since this is a natural behavior, and you don’t want to scare them.
You can also praise your dog and give them treats when they stop licking.
Does Stopping Licking Affect Your Bond with Your Dog?
Since face licking can help dogs feel close to you, will stopping it hurt your relationship with your dog? Luckily, no! Birch says if you stop the licking,
“I personally never let my dogs lick my face but I have a brilliant bond with all three,” she adds. Good ways to stop licking include distracting your dog, giving them something else to lick, or stopping the licking before it starts.
Being harsh with your dog, like yelling or pushing your dog away, could actually hurt your relationship. Birch says it might even make your dog lick faces more to try to make you happy.
What if my dog keeps licking?
Excessive licking and grooming behaviors could mean your dog is trying to soothe unwanted feelings, like anxiety, pain, allergies, or boredom.
If they keep licking your face—or anything else—even after you give them an alternative activity, a good next step involves talking to your vet. They can help you find the underlying cause of the licking and find helpful treatments for any health concerns or stress.
