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It is important to know these signals in order to better understand your pets and respond to their needs.
Dog owners and even those who do not have such a pet know that these animals have a habit of licking human faces. Many believe that this is an expression of gratitude and love, but this is not always the case.
To understand why dogs lick their owners' faces, you need to look back at their evolutionary past. Dogs are descendants of wild canids, such as wolves, in which licking played an important role in communication within the pack. Together with Pumpkin, we tell you what this habit is about.
Why dogs lick a person's face
One of the main reasons a dog licks its owner's face is to express love and affection. Your dog sees you as a member of his "pack" with whom he wants to maintain a close emotional connection. This is their way of showing how much they love you.
Licking can also be a sign of respect and recognition of your authority. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and they tend to show their submission to stronger and more important members of the pack by licking them. In this way, the dog can express its recognition of your leading role.
And for dogs, licking is sometimes a way to cope with anxiety or stress. This process promotes the release of endorphins, which helps the dog to feel calmer and more relaxed. This is especially noticeable if the dog licks you during anxious moments, such as separation.
Dogs also lick their loved ones as part of the natural process of caring for themselves and other members of the pack. They may see you as part of their pack, trying to help you "clean up" and look groomed as it's part of their natural behavior.
Licking can also be a way of attracting your attention. If the dog notices that after this he receives positive reinforcement in the form of caress, hugs or play, he may continue to lick you to achieve the desired interaction.
However, sometimes dogs start licking you because of the smell or taste of something on your skin. For example, after showering or using cream, your skin may have an odor that attracts the dog. This is a dog's natural way of exploring the world around it.
