You, as a pet parent, are aware of this fact when it comes to the love that we give our pets since they are members of the family, but sometimes the stench is too much. It can be your dog, cat or even other pets and that unpleasant smell is something that makes your home look less clean. Don’t worry. You do not have to use costly sprays and chemical cleansers. Actually, some of the solutions are next to your kitchen. I will take you through easy, natural, and cheap methods of eliminating the smell of pets in your home. I will put it all across in a casual yet cordial manner--almost as to a friend. The Question of Why Pet Smell Remains in the House. It is worth understanding the problem before correcting it. Pet smell usually comes from: • Fur and dander (dead skin) • Urine or accidents • Saliva and drool • Bedding and carpets • Poor ventilation Alt...
You are already familiar with this scene in case you have a pet dog at home. You have returned at the end of a long and tiresome day, and you are not yet seated, but your dog springs up and wags its tail in delight.... and it is off to the lick of your hands, face, or even your feet!
At first, it feels cute. Then at times it is a little puzzling. You might even ask, what is this, why does my dog keep on licking me?
There is nothing to worry about, this behaviour is quite normal. Indeed, one of the most natural methods of communication of dogs with humans is licking. What is interesting though is that they do it not out of a single reason. Such a simplest action has numerous little reasons.
Let us interpret this in a naive, friendly manner--as though we were having a tea-party.
1. It’s Their Way of Showing Love ❤️
Love is the most prevalent and largest factor.
Dogs do not speak our language, hence they use actions. And one of their ways of saying: 👉 “I like you. I trust you. You are my person.”
Puppies lick their siblings and mother at an early age. It helps them bond. When they become older, they subject their humans to the same treatment.
I still recall the dog of my friend, Rocky. Whenever she used to visit their home he would sniff me and then lick my hand a few times as though saying, all right you can be here! It also turned into his own style of greeting.
So yes when your dog is licking you, it is mostly an indicator of affection.
2. They Want Your Attention
Dogs are smart, yea, and dogs are smart.
They soon find out what interests you. When they lick you and therefore laugh, or talk to them, or pet them, they will do it again and again.
Think about it. Instead, you may be working on your phone or laptop when out of the blue; your dog enters the room and proceeds to lick your hand. In a few seconds, your attention changes to them.
Mission accomplished, to the dog!
Well, at times, it is just enough to lick:
👉 “Hey! Look at me. Spend time with me.”
3. You Taste Interested - No, Indeed!
This may come out as a joke, but it is very true.
Your skin carries:
• Sweat
• Salt
• Food smells
• Lotion or soap fragrance
In the case of dogs; it is a combination of mixed flavours and smells.
As an illustration, when you can just have eaten a strip of chips or cooked something delicious, your dog may be particularly eager to lick your fingers.
On one occasion, when I drank mango juice, I was continuously licked by a dog. I've discovered afterwards, it was not love, it was sweetness left over!
Yes, sometimes it is merely a matter of trying the dog.
4. It Helps Them Feel Calm
Not everything is about you, you can also have your dog licked.
Dogs have the habit of licking in order to calm down. It makes them feel secure and relaxed.
If your dog is:
• Nervous
• In a new environment
• Voice recognition of loud things such as crackers or thunder.
• They can begin to lick you or even themselves.
You can make them feel better in such times.
It’s like they are saying:
Hint: I feel good when I am close to you.
This is among the reasons why dogs are regarded as such emotional companions.
5. They Are Saying Sorry
Yes, dogs are able to apologise in their own way.
A change in behaviour may be observed when you punish your dog in case the dog commits an error such as tearing pillows or chewing your slippers.
They can close gradually, never look directly and begin to lick you tenderly.
This is their way of:
- Showing submission
- Calming you down
- Avoiding punishment
It’s like a silent message:
👉 “I know I made a mistake. Please don’t be angry.”
And happy- and works most times, it works!
6. It’s a Habit from Puppy Days
Dogs have a lot of habits that they bring up to their early life.
Puppies lick the mouth of their mother when they are small so as to request them to feed them. This is a normal behaviour, which is necessary to survive.
This habit is not entirely forgotten even after one grows up.
When you are an adult and your dog licks your face or mouth region, then it is not odd that he or she is doing it, it is just habit that is being carried on.
Naturally, it is not necessarily what we as human beings all the time feel comfortable about, and it is all right. You can train your dog to turn it down by means of gentle training.
7. They Recognize your emotions.
This is most likely the most beautiful reason.
Dogs are very sensitive to emotions of man. They can have no ideas of what you are going through, but they can read your temperament.
If you are:
• Feeling sad
• Crying
• Stressed after work
Your dog will approach you and begin licking.
They are soothing you this way.
One day I experienced a bad day and was simply sitting down. One of the dogs I knew came and sat next me and licked the hand resting its head on my knee. It was like nonverbal encouragement, silent but there.
That’s the magic of dogs.
Is Too Much Licking a Problem?
Licking, in the majority of cases, is natural and is not harmful. However, excessive licking is an indicator of other things at times.
You ought to watch your dog, should:
Licking becomes either persistent or too frequent.
Even without something to cause it, it occurs.
There seems to be something troubling your dog.
In this respect, it might be because of:
• Anxiety
• Boredom
• Skin irritation
• Lack of activity
When you think that something is wrong you are always better to see a vet
Simple Tips to Reduce Excessive Licking.
Everyone loves their dogs, however, we should limit the extent of licking, as it would be difficult with visitors present.
The following are some of the simple methods of controlling it:
1. Don’t Overreact
When you laugh or make your dog laugh it will repeat it.
2. Use Distraction
Give them a toy when they begin licking excessively or begin to play.
3. Train Gently
Give simple instructions, such as no or stop or the word stop in a low key.
4. Reward Good Behaviour
The most valuable thing is when your dog does not lick, praise, or reward them.
5. Keep Them Engaged
A dog will enter into methods of amusing itself when it gets bored--licking may be among them.
Final Thoughts ❤
But why are dogs licking their owners?
It’s not just one reason. It’s a mix of:
• Love
• Habit
• Communication
• Curiosity
• Emotional connection
Each moment of licking brings about a little message. It can be I love you, sometimes Pay attention and sometimes you smell interesting!
The next time your dog licks you, do not get confused as it may seem but maybe you should learn how he/she may be feeling.
Dogs seem to share something with each other very simple but very pure; connection, trust and companionship.
Enjoyed This Article? Share It!
In case you were able to find this article relevant or interesting, please share it with friends and family in the social media. Dog lovers are numerous and they would want to know more about their pets.
Be close, continue to learn, pet your furry companion in the day! 🐾
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