If you own a dog in the UK, you know the feeling – you sit down after work and you get a full face wash. My Labrador Milo does it every evening at 6 PM sharp. At first I thought it was just love. Turns out, it’s much more complicated.
At PetVaultly, we checked with vets to explain what all that licking really means.
1. It’s How She Says “I Love You”
Licking releases dopamine and oxytocin in both you and your dog. When Milo licks me, his brain literally gets a happy chemical hit, similar to us hugging someone we love. If your dog licks your hands, face, or feet after you come home, that’s her love language. She missed you.
2. She Learned It as a Puppy
Mother dogs lick their puppies to clean them, stimulate breathing, and comfort them. It’s the first language they learn. When your adult dog licks you, she is treating you like family. She remembers that licking = care. This is especially true for rescue dogs – they lick more in the first 3 months.
3. You Taste Interesting (Sorry, But True)
Your skin is salty. After a walk in Birmingham or a run, you sweat, and dogs love salt. If you just put lotion, or you ate chicken and didn’t wash your hands, expect extra licks. My Milo goes crazy after I apply my Nivea cream – vets say many creams contain ingredients that smell amazing to dogs.
4. She Wants Something
This is the smart one. Dogs are clever. If she licks you and you give her food, a walk, or attention – she learns: Lick = I get what I want. Does your dog lick you at 7 AM near the kitchen? She’s not being cute, she’s asking for breakfast. Watch the pattern.
5. She’s Anxious or Trying to Calm Herself
Just like cats knead when stressed, dogs lick when anxious. Fireworks on Bonfire Night, thunderstorms, a new baby, or you leaving for work can trigger excessive licking. If the licking is frantic, constant, and she licks the floor, sofa, and air too – it’s not affection, it’s anxiety. In the UK, the PDSA reports anxiety licking increases by 40% in November.
6. It’s an Instinct to Check on You
In the wild, wolves lick the pack leader to show respect and gather information. Your dog licks your face and hands to “read” you – where you were, how you feel, if you are sick. Dogs can actually smell stress hormones in your sweat. So when you are sad and your dog licks you more, she really knows.
7. Medical Reason – Nausea or Discomfort
Sometimes dogs lick excessively when they feel nauseous. If your dog licks her lips constantly, swallows a lot, and licks you, the floor, and her paws non-stop, she might have an upset stomach, allergies, or dental pain. This is the one to watch.
When Should You Worry?
Licking is normal, but see a UK vet if:
- The licking never stops: More than 10 minutes of non-stop licking.
- She licks herself raw: Licking paws until they are red/brown – common sign of allergies in UK dogs due to grass pollen.
- Sudden change: She never licked much and now does it 24/7. Could be pain or anxiety.
How to Manage Slobbery Licks (Without Hurting Feelings)
Never shout or push her away – she thinks she is loving you.
- Redirect: When she starts, give her a Lick Mat with peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free, available in Tesco Pets).
- Ignore + Reward: If you don’t want face licks, turn your face, wait 5 seconds, then pet her when she stops. She learns fast.
- Keep routine: Anxious lickers need 2 walks a day at the same time. A tired dog licks less.
Final Thought: A dog that licks you is a dog that trusts you completely. Next time Milo gives me that big slobbery kiss, I won’t wipe it immediately. Well, maybe after 3 seconds.
Vet-checked by PetVaultly Editorial Team for UK owners. If licking seems medical, contact your local vet or PDSA helpline.
Question for you: Does your dog lick more in the morning or evening? Tell us in the comments – we read every one.