The real reason why your dog licks you, according to veterinarians

The real reason why your dog licks you, according to veterinarians

September 13, 2025 – 15:00

Cones do not always interpret our actions as humans usually do so understanding their reactions will improve coexistence.

The dogs usually lick their owners’s hands or face, A behavior that many interpret as a sample of love. However, Alba Fernández, founder of sniffing the world and a specialist in canine education, explained that this gesture can hide different meanings. According to the expert, the licks do not always express affection, but often reflect discomfort, concern or the need to communicate something that humans do not easily perceive.

Fernández clarified that the popular belief that dogs lick for love is a wrong interpretation. In many cases, This behavior responds to a situation that generates uncertainty in the animal. “When a dog licks your hands, it may be saying: that hand worries me, I want to know where you are going to put it,” said the specialist. Thus, the lick acts as a way of processing a situation that is disconcerting.

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The most common reasons why a dog lame

One of the most frequent problems, according to Fernández, is The human tendency to humanize canine behaviorss. While grunting or barking are easily identified as alert signs, more subtle gestures, such as turning the face, yawning or licking, usually overlook. This lack of attention can lead to the dog to intensify their body language, which, in extreme cases, It derives in more aggressive or reactive behaviors if you do not listen to it in time.

The specialist proposed a practical exercise to better understand pets: bring your hand slowly and observe the dog’s reaction. If the animal is relaxed or seeks more contact, you are likely to enjoy interaction. But if you have your hand immediately or avoid visual contact, it may be indicating that you do not feel comfortable with the situation.

Fernández He stressed that understanding canine language is essential to improve coexistence. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious consequences in the dog’s behavior. Therefore, he invited the owners to pay attention to the daily gestures of their pets and to avoid interpreting each lick as a simple caress, since it can be a more complex form of communication.

Source: Ambito

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