Dog behaviour
Why does my dog lick my hand?
Come home and your dog is probably first in line to lick your hand. It isn't just mischief or slobber. Usually it means one of these:
- Closeness and trust. It's the most direct way a dog can say "I like you, I trust you."
- A greeting. Think of it as an excited "You're back!"
- It likes how you taste. Our skin carries salt and a scent that dogs find interesting.
- It wants your attention. If you pat and talk to your dog every time it licks you, it soon learns that a lick gets a response.
- Self-soothing. Some dogs lick to calm themselves when they feel nervous or unsettled.
Next time it happens, pause and respond. A dog's love is usually that simple.
This is general pet-care information, not a diagnosis. If your pet is in trouble, contact a vet as soon as you can.
