Why does my dog lick my feet? And how to stop it
Dog owners often wonder why my dog licks my feet? It certainly seems like bizarre behavior to us humans, and it can definitely be tickling, but what does it say about your dog?
The first thing to note is that licking is normal behavior for dogs and in and of itself is nothing to worry about. Licking is your puppy’s way of taking in his surroundings and communicating with you. However, excessive licking can be problematic when it becomes compulsive.
It’s important to note that there’s a difference between occasional licking and habitual licking, the latter of which can signal anything from boredom in your dog and a need for some of the best dog toys to while away his time, to requiring attention-grabbing behavior positive reinforcement training techniques to stop it.
But no fear. Just like the answers to why my dog licks me or why dogs lick their toys, it’s likely that if your puppy licks your feet from time to time, it’s likely not a cause for concern.
Below are all the answers you need for this strange behavior, including what it means and whether or not it’s okay if he does it.
Why do dogs like to lick?
Licking is an instinctive behavior, meaning it is tied to memories your dog held as a puppy.
Dogs groom themselves with their tongues, and since they don’t have hands to reach out and greet people, they use their tongues to connect, say hello, and show affection. That’s what the UK Kennel Club says (opens in new tab) that “Dogs use their mouths and tongues to help them understand their surroundings and gauge the mood of others.”
Dogs lick to show affection, to get attention, and in some cases to reassure you. A study from 2012 (opens in new tab) found that dogs were more likely to lick their owners when they were pretending to cry than when they were humming or talking normally.
When your dog was a puppy, his mother licked him as a form of bonding — the act releases dopamine and endorphins in your dog’s brain, making the licking feel really good for your puppy.
Why is my dog licking my feet?
Your dog could be licking your feet for the reasons listed above, plus another, slightly more gross reason – your feet might taste good to him.
Most of the time, our feet are sweaty and a little smelly, which are two things dogs find very Interesting. Your feet also give off pheromones and other information about your body biology, and since sweat contains salt, your dog gets a salty treat while learning a bit about you at the same time.
Your dog might also lick your feet as this is a behavior that will elicit an immediate response. Our feet are ticklish and your dog will likely make you react immediately if your dog licks them, so this could also be an attention-seeking behavior.
Can dogs lick your feet?
There’s technically nothing dangerous about your dog licking your feet—unless you have something harmful about them. Creams and ointments can contain ingredients that are toxic to your dog, so keep that in mind. You also don’t want your dog to lick your feet if you have an open wound on them.
The only problem that can come from your dog licking your feet is if you feel he’s becoming obsessive or indicating anxiety or a behavior problem. Then you should try to get to the bottom of the problem while discouraging your dog from licking their feet.
How to stop your dog from licking your feet
There are a few ways you can get your dog to stop licking your feet. Try offering them something else that they might like to have in their mouth instead of your toes, like a toy, a durable dog chew, or one of the best dog treats.
When it becomes clear that your dog is learning to prefer a toy or treat to your feet, use positive reinforcement training methods to encourage him to continue doing so. You can also try to just ignore the behavior and walk away – don’t react, just walk away. This can help teach your dog not to get any attention or reaction from you.
If your dog seems to be licking incessantly with anxiety, contact your veterinarian who can offer advice on whether the behavior might be the result and advice on what to do about it.