Dogs often lick their owners’ faces as a sign of affection. While many owners interpret this as “kissing,” there is some debate as to whether dogs actually enjoy smooching their human companions or if they do it for other reasons.
Why do dogs lick humans?
Dogs lick for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Grooming – When a dog licks another dog, it is a way to strengthen their bond and social relationship. Dogs will also lick each other as a way to clean each other’s fur. This grooming behavior may transfer to dogs licking their human owners.
- Affection – Dogs often lick people they are attached to. Licking releases pleasurable endorphins which can act as a soothing mechanism for the dog. Dogs may lick their owners to show excitement and affection, similar to kissing.
- Taste – Dogs have a much stronger sense of taste than humans. When they lick someone, they are gathering chemical and biological information about where that person has been. They can detect if the person has consumed foods they like.
- Attention – Dogs are social animals who thrive on human interaction. Licking is a way to get their owner’s attention and interact with them.
- Stress relief – Licking produces endorphins in dogs which helps calm them. Dogs may lick their owners more when they are worried or anxious.
- Boredom – Dogs left alone for long periods will sometimes lick their paws or owners out of boredom and frustration.
- Medical reasons – Sometimes excessive licking can indicate a medical problem like an allergy or gastrointestinal issue. Licking provides temporary relief.
Do dogs enjoy kissing?
Whether dogs actually enjoy the sensation of smooching is up for debate. Here are some key points on both sides of the “Do dogs like kisses?” question:
Evidence that dogs like kisses
- Dogs often pant and wag their tails when giving kisses which are signs of happiness.
- Licking releases pleasurable endorphins for dogs.
- Dogs will often lick their owners more than other people, indicating a bond.
- Studies show oxytocin (“love hormone”) levels increase in both dogs and owners after interacting, including licking.
- Dogs lunge toward their owners’ faces, which shows enthusiasm.
- Dogs will lick back if their owner kisses them first, suggesting reciprocation.
Evidence that dogs do not like kisses
- Dogs tolerate kisses but don’t necessarily initiate them or seek them out.
- Their main source of pleasure is from human touch like petting, not face licking.
- Excessive face licking could come from stress rather than affection.
- Dogs may just see owners’ faces as a convenient body part to lick.
- Human mouths contain many germs. Dog licking may spread bacteria that upsets their stomachs.
- Dogs don’t innately understand kissing. They learn to reciprocate kisses through positive reinforcement from owners.
Do some dogs like kisses more than others?
Individual dogs have their own preferences when it comes to kissing. However, some general trends influence whether a dog enjoys smooching their owner or not.
Breeds that tend to enjoy kisses
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Boxers
- Pit Bulls
- Poodles
Breeds that tend to dislike kisses
- Bulldogs
- Chihuahuas
- Chow Chows
- Shiba Inus
- Basenjis
- Afghan Hounds
Other factors influencing kissing preferences
- Size – Small dogs seem more receptive to kisses than larger breeds.
- Head shape – Dogs with shorter muzzles are often more tolerant of face licking.
- Personality – Shy, skittish dogs are less likely to enjoy kisses than outgoing, affectionate ones.
- Training – Dogs can be conditioned to associate kisses with rewards and react more positively.
- Socialization – Dogs exposed to positive human interaction, including kissing, from puppyhood react better later in life.
Potential risks of dog kisses for humans
While dog kisses usually aren’t harmful, in some cases allowing dogs to lick faces can pose health risks including:
- Salmonella – Dog mouths may contain this bacteria, especially if they eat poop or lick other dogs’ rear ends.
- Pasteurella – This bacteria found in dogs’ mouths can cause fever, abscesses, and joint pain if transmitted through a bite.
- Capnocytophaga – This bacterial infection has caused several cases of blood poisoning and septicemia in humans licked by dogs.
- Norovirus – The canine norovirus can spread to humans through contact with dog saliva.
- MRSA – Some dogs carry this antibiotic-resistant staph infection which poses a small risk when licking humans.
- Rabies – While rare, this fatal virus is transmitted through infected saliva. Dogs that excessively lick faces should be evaluated.
- Worms – Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and giardia can transfer from dogs’ mouths to people in some cases.
Tips for safer dog kisses
Some ways to enjoy dog kisses while minimizing the risks include:
- Don’t allow dogs to lick the inside of your mouth or anywhere near your eyes or nose.
- Avoid face licking if you have any open cuts, sores, or wounds.
- Gently wipe your face after dog kisses to remove saliva.
- Regularly brush your dog’s teeth and have their vet do dental exams.
- Keep your dog on a heartworm and parasite prevention medication prescribed by your vet.
- Don’t kiss dogs that are sick, recovering from surgery, or being treated with antibiotics.
- Monitor your dog’s health closely for any signs of oral infections.
Conclusion
Most dogs lick their owners’ faces as a natural display of affection. While dogs don’t innately understand kisses, they learn to reciprocate them through positive reinforcement by owners. Whether dogs actually enjoy the sensation of kissing is debatable, but certain breeds seem more receptive than others based on factors like personality, training, and socialization. Dog kisses usually aren’t dangerous, but owners should take some basic precautions to reduce the small risk of transmitting illnesses through saliva contact. With some safety measures, owners can safely enjoy cute doggie kisses without worrying about any negative health consequences.