Why does my dog lick my nose and mouth

There are many reasons why a dog would lick someone, licking is an instinctive behaviour that dogs are born with. Many people think that every time their dog licks them it’s out of affection but it could be because of a variety of reasons such as affection, taste, communication, for a reward/attention, to show submission, a medical reason, enjoyment, grooming or simply to investigate.

Dogs love to lick people and many dog owners think they’re giving kisses and affection, but that’s not the only reason they do it. The amount a dog licks people varies from dog to dog, some love to lick and some aren’t as communal with their tongue. Just keep in mind excessive licking in the same spot might be a bigger issue that you should consult your vet about. Read on to find out some of the reasons why dogs lick people 👅

As a sign of affection

The first thing a mother does for her puppy when it’s born is lick it to clear its nostrils so that the puppy can breathe, this will also stimulate the blood flow when they are born. Often, the litter will lick the puppy too which will improve their packs bond.

Both puppies and adult dogs naturally show affection by licking both people and other dogs.

Taste

Dogs tend to use their nose and mouth to pick up a lot of information and because of this, they will sometimes lick another dog's urine or faeces as a way of understanding what they're smelling more. Probably one of the biggest factors is that you taste good. Our skin can be quite salty or have some residue on it from the food we’ve just eaten and dogs love this. It’s an interesting taste that dogs love to explore.

Communication

In the wild, wolves would lick their mothers face when they wanted to feed as the mother would regurgitate food from their hunt. Dogs nowadays will often lick the mouth and face of dogs they meet as a form of communication. They may lick their owners or the face of a stranger or other dog to figure out their intentions too. This is not just for dogs either, you'll often see dogs lick the face of people too to try and work out what their intentions are or to show submission.

Why does my dog lick my nose and mouth

For a reward/attention seeking

When a dog licks us, we’ll tend to respond in a positive manner often paying attention to the dog and giving them a pet. Even if you’re just trying to get them off you, it’s more encouragement for the dog. To further this, when a dog licks it releases endorphins which makes the dog feel calm and comforted.

For very similar reasons as the communication section, as puppies instinctively lick their mother’s mouth for food, licking other’s mouths is used as a form of interacting with other dogs and letting them know they’re superior to them or they mean no harm. A very subtle, but effective, way of communicating as a dog.

For a medical issue

If your dog is repeatedly licking the same spot this may be something more sinister. This could be something like anxiety or something a bit more serious like sensitive skin or an allergic reaction. If you see your dog doing this, it’s best to consult a vet and get a proper diagnosis. These can often be figured out and treated quite well, for example, sensitive skin or an allergic reaction can be very much down to diet.

Enjoyment

Dogs can get bored or lonely and licking can provide a little bit of enjoyment from the endorphins released but also brings whoever they’re licking into the situation. It brings them attention and gives them something to do.

Grooming

Your dogs have a much better sense of smell than us humans, they may lick you to get some dirt or something smelly off your skin. Similar to how a mum will lick their finger and wipe your face before you go out, a dog will lick you to clean you too.

Investigation

Dogs are naturally inquisitive, and their tongues are packed with sensors. Their sense of taste and smell are very much connected and work in tandem with each other. You'll see them on a walk running around smelling and tasting everything. They are able to taste and smell a huge range of things after they lick you including where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing.

Dogs are suckers for body contact. Some might find it enjoyable.

But others might not like this licking thing. But for us owners, it isn’t pleasant at times.

Why does my dog lick my nose? 

Your dog licks your nose for various possible reasons. The primary reason is their instinctive behavior. Also, it could be a submissive gesture or sign of affection and even boredom. The taste of your skin is also a reason. And remember the rewards that you give when they lick you.     

We will examine different reasons for this nose licking. Also, we will head to see what to do about your dog’s excessive licking habits.

But first, check 7 of the most likely reasons dogs lick your nose.

7 Reasons Your Dog Lick Your Nose

It is not just your dog that licks your nose. All dogs do that. You might have also noticed that they do this with each other. 

The licking habit of dogs is foreign behavior for us, the same as when dogs stare in space. But it is normal behavior for dogs.   

Let us explore the seven most likely reasons why dogs lick your nose:

Reason 1: Instinct Drives Licking Behavior

No one disagrees that, like all other animals, dogs, too, are intuitive creatures. From day one, the first thing they experience is licking from their mother. Their mother does it to help them breathe and clean them after the birth process. 

Also, licking and smelling is a way for dogs to make better sense of things. First, they smell and then lick. This is how they gather information. 

Furthermore, dogs can know about your mood through their nose and mouth receptors. So, yeah, they may understand if you are sad or happy. 

Reason 2: Your Dog Loves You

Licking is your dog’s way of showing affection. This represents his trust level for you, and he considers you as one of his own. 

Dogs learn this functional behavior from their mothers and mates. This is how they strengthen their trust relations and family bonds. 

Licking is a dog’s way of kissing you. When you adore it, you kiss your dog in your way. Sometimes they also tend to lick your pillow. You can also think of this licking as a kiss.

Reason 3: Submissive Gesture

Dogs are pack animals and follow social order. And in this established social order, licking is a way of accepting dominance. 

By licking, your dog is accepting you as his dominant pack leader. It is giving you respect. And consider you as his superior.  

And being a pack leader, you are responsible for their food and for giving them love. 

Reason 4: You are Rewarding Your Dog

When your dog licks your nose, you give it treats or toys. It learns it and tends to repeat it. 

And they will continue to keep doing it to get more rewards. 

Reason 5: He Thinks You Taste Good

Your skin has a salty taste. They may also smell food that you recently ate. And no doubt they love it.

They may also lick your mouth, cheeks, ears, and even eyes for the same reason. 

Reason 6: Attention

Suppose you have ignored him or deprived him of your attention. And licking your nose is a way for them. 

Besides attention seeking, it could also be because of hunger or insecurity. 

Reason 7: He Wants To Clean You

When puppies are born, their mother licks them to clean them. This is how they learn this and do it with their other mates. 

So, licking your nose might be your dog grooming you. He considers you of his pack and thinks he should help clean you. 

3 Ways to Get Rid of Dog Licking Habit

To some dogs, licks may seem cute. But this seemingly harmless cuteness can soon become an unpleasant slobbery habit. And if left unmanaged, this habit can turn into nipping, biting, or even groaning. 

There are bacteria in the dog’s saliva and mouth. Through the mucous membrane of your nose, these bacteria can find a way inside your body. 

However, dogs’ saliva is no serious health threat to humans. Still, if a dog is being naughty with you. For general safety, you better stop it. 

You can do certain things to stop your dog from licking. 

Don’t Reward Him When It Licks You

If your dog is encouraged because you reward him right after the nose licking. Then just stop rewarding him.

He will learn that you don’t like or approve of it. And then give him a reward when he doesn’t lick your nose. This will help a lot.   

Train Him To Stop Licking Your Nose

Whenever your dog licks your nose, you need to train and teach him about not licking. 

When it licks your nose, you should respond by standing and turning away from him. Leaving the room entirely would convey a strong disliking message.  

Then you may come after some time and can respond with love. He would probably start licking again. And you will react the same way: to turn away from it. 

And when you give him love, and he doesn’t lick. You reward him with a treat, toy, food, etc.

Make Something Else His Attention

Suppose his licking habit is because he seeks attention. Provide him with something else so that he doesn’t require your attention. 

Arrange for his playing by giving him bones or toys. You can also teach your dog agility or maybe create an indoor obstacle game for him. 

To ease you, we have listed some of the best toys for your dog. Check them out:

Hopefully, these will keep him busy and distracted from licking your nose. 

Also, your dog having these toys won’t feel boredom and won’t need any exercise. 

FAQs

Can you get sick from a dog lick?

Not very common, but still, there is a chance. If you are a healthy person, there is no need to worry. But if you have a weak or problematic immune system, you might get sick. Either way, you need to stop your dog.  

Should you allow a dog to hump any toy or pillow?

Humping itself is not wrong and average for dogs. So yes, let it hump a toy or pillow but on a strict schedule. It is a healthy and acceptable thing. But don’t let them do it for the wrong reasons, like aggression. Also, If you see this becoming an uncontrollable habit, stop them through distractions.  

What would a dog put its paw on you?

When a dog puts its paw on you, it means he is expressing his feelings. And this feeling is undoubtedly hot and sweet. He might be saying I love you, or I trust you. Also, it can mean other emotions as well. These different feelings might be attention-seeking or hunger. 

Conclusion

Now the question of why your dog licks your nose will be crystal clear for you. With the two ways we told you, you can always stop him. And Whatever you feel about licking. 

Also, you may not need a professional. But still, professional help is always preferable. 

Stay healthy, stay safe. That’s all.