The Actual Reason Why Your Dog Is Licking Your Feet
If you own a dog, you regularly experience your pooch licking your feet. To some pet owners, this may seem to be odd and some others enjoy it. But have you ever wondered why they lick your feet? We are here to reveal the actual reason.
If you are curious to know the reason behind this behaviour of your furry friend, then you should give this article a read.
Why does your dog lick your feet?
Dogs are very different from humans. The way they show their affection and communicate is specific to their breed.
One of the common habits that dogs have is licking. They tend to lick almost anything including people, things, other animals, and themselves. You must have seen your pooch licking your feet. Well, it’s their way of showing your respect. Dogs will also lick other parts of your body like your hands and face when they want your attention or love.
Apart from showing respect, dogs lick their owner’s feet because they are gathering information. The sweat and smell of our feet are full of pheromones, which can be appealing to your dog. It may sound disgusting to you, but your pet enjoys it.
If your dog is constantly licking your feet, it means that it loves the sweaty, salty taste of your feet. It is also their way of communicating with you. For instance, if they want food, water, or any other thing, they may start licking your feet.
When growing up, pets tend to lick their mother, siblings, or other animals. It’s their way of interacting in their relationship. So licking is a habit that they develop at a young age. Sometimes your pet will lick your feet just for enjoyment. Many of you may not know this but when dogs lick you or your feet, they release endorphins, which is the pleasure hormone.
Dogs may lick your feet because they love your scent, they want something, or they are grooming you. The reason is specific to each dog. Besides all the lovey-dovey reasons, there could be some negative causes as well. For instance, if you feel that your pooch is licking your feet obsessively, you should take it to the vet.
How to stop your pet from licking your feet?
Before you try any solution, you must determine the reason why it is licking your feet. If your dog is licking your feet to show affection or respect, it is good to encourage such behaviour. Most animals communicate by licking, so there’s wrong or harmful in it.
You need to understand whether your dog is licking naturally. Sometimes they might even lick themselves to derive a soothing feeling. Your feet have your scent and licking it may soothe any negative emotion or anxiety your pet is having. If you feel that your dog is too attached to licking your feet, you should make it stop.
However, we are not suggesting you punish your pet. Doing such things can make your dog feel uncomfortable and scared. Instead, you should resort to positive reinforcement training. It is an effective way of training your pet and controlling its behaviour.
You can also seek help and ask for advice from your dog’s trainer. However, if they seem to struggle to cope with your pet’s behaviour, then you should get it checked by a vet. A vet can help your pet heal and balance its licking habit.
Final Words
Licking is a natural habit for all dogs. Whether it is your feet, any other animal, or themselves obsessively, you know there’s something wrong with your pooch. Instead of encouraging this behaviour, you should take him to the vet.
Like any other animal, dogs cannot talk. Before you start taking steps to control their behaviour, you must try to learn what’s triggering it. This will help you take proper care of your pet. If your pet is licking to cope with anxiety or frustration, you should help it to recover by making them feel safe and comfortable.
