As a dog owner, you’re probably familiar with this scenario: You’re just trying to relax on the couch, maybe watching an exciting show—and suddenly you feel a wet dog tongue licking your hand, face, or leg with unbridled enthusiasm. Sound familiar? But why do dogs love to lick so much? In this article, you’ll find the answer to that question, learn when you might need to take a closer look, and discover how you can use this natural behavior to help calm your furry friend!
Why Dogs Like to Lick – The Main Reasons
There are lots of reasons why dogs like to lick.
For one thing, licking is a completely natural form of affection. Just as we hug our friends when we greet them, dogs show closeness and bonding through licking. In pack behavior, the concept of subordination also comes into play. Lower-ranking animals often lick higher-ranking members of their pack.
Then there’s licking as a calming signal. Dogs use it to avoid conflicts or defuse tension. It’s like saying, “Everything’s cool, I come in peace.”
But there are also purely practical reasons at play. Dogs groom their fur by licking it and use their tongues to clean wounds. Dog saliva contains certain proteins that can inhibit the growth of some bacteria.
And one of the most important reasons of all: licking is soothing. When a dog licks, it releases endorphins—the "feel-good" hormones. This helps the dog relieve stress or relax.
Why do dogs lick people?
Many people find it cute, while others find it a bit questionable—especially when they start wondering where the dog might have had its snout just a moment ago. But dogs also show their affection toward us humans by licking us. Some dogs even love the smell or taste of salty skin and are drawn to it almost magically.
Licking in Dogs – When Is It a Warning Sign?
Not all licking is harmless or harmless. If your dog suddenly starts licking the same spot more frequently, it could be a sign of a health problem. Itching caused by allergies, foreign objects in the skin, or even pain could be the cause. In such cases, you should take a closer look and, if necessary, consult a veterinarian to determine the cause.
In addition, there are also dogs that literally “lick themselves into a frenzy.” This obsessive behavior can be a sign of stress, boredom, or inner restlessness. In such situations, you shouldn’t simply ignore the licking, but rather try to redirect it in a positive way—for example, through play, training, or a relaxing routine.
Use a dog's natural instinct to lick for comfort
So we’ve learned that licking has a calming effect because it triggers the release of feel-good hormones. Licking helps dogs relieve stress or relax.
If your dog loves to lick, you can also use this behavior to help calm him down in situations where he gets stressed. Typical situations include
- New Year's
- storms
- visitors
- etc.
Lollipops with CBD Topping
A popular tool in these situations: licking mats—ideally paired with exciting toppings or even CBD to further enhance the relaxing effect.
The great thing about combining a licking mat with CBD is that the CBD is absorbed directly into the body through the oral mucosa, allowing it to take effect the fastest.
For extra-long licking fun, you can even freeze the licking mat with toppings!
Our CHILL MATE Licking Mat is a real treat for dogs of all sizes. Not only does it stand out with its cool hemp-leaf design (which, by the way, we designed 100% ourselves!), but its three different textures and depths also ensure maximum licking fun. You can easily freeze it or use it for baking. Plus, it’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe—making it a true all-rounder—and is made from 100% silicone in accordance with LFGB standards, free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
Our CBD oil and PEANUT PEACE —a creamy, smooth peanut butter for dogs and horses made from 100% natural ingredients and free of sugar, salt, or additives, with about 5 mg of CBD per teaspoon—make excellent toppings. But other toppings like yogurt, cottage cheese, wet food, etc., are also great—anything that tastes good is fair game!
For dogs, licking is more than just a wet kiss!
For dogs, licking is a form of communication, stress relief, and grooming—but in rare cases, it can also be a warning sign. Use licking mats and exciting toppings like our CBD mousse to harness their natural licking behavior for relaxation. This way, you create a ritual that calms your dog’s body and mind—perfect for stressful situations like New Year’s Eve or as an activity to combat boredom.
Are you looking for more relaxation products for your furry friend? Then check out our online shop! We craft CBD treats with love and care in our own facility and sell high-quality CBD oil. Our product range is rounded out by functional herbal blends, smart training tools, and tick repellents.
