Why does my dog lick my feet?

Introduction

People are constantly amused by Dog behaviour.

That's fine, except we're talking about the involuntary laughter that occurs when your Dog licks your feet.

The slippery slobbering feeling of getting a foot wash from Dog is an exquisite kind of torture for several ticklish Dog owners.

Why do Dogs have such a strong desire to lick their feet? Submissive signalling, information collecting, and attention-seeking are among the explanations proposed by dog specialists.

Overall, experts agree that it's a harmless activity that shouldn't bother dog owners.

The following are five reasons why a dog licks your feet

Feelings

One of the primary reasons a Dog may lick a person's feet is to show their master that they are obedient.

More significantly, it shows how content they are in this role.

The Dog can secure its place in the family by showing this act of submission and domesticity by embracing the home's social order.

Licking for the Purpose of Getting People's Attention

Your dog's attempts to lick you are a means of expressing their love for you and their need for your attention and acceptance.

You may have missed their hard look, nose touch, or even attempted licking of your hand.

After being rejected after all these attempts at affection, they may feel compelled to try harder, believing they were too gentle the first time.

In the scenario of short dogs, it may be the sole way they can have your attention to a problem they're having, such as an empty water bowl.

Obtaining Information

Another cause Dogs lick people's feet is to collect data.

Millions of the scent receptor cells in a dog's nose and mouth allow it to process information.

Sweat secreted by the human body conveys information about the individual to the dog, which the Dog can process.

Sweat glands secrete a mixture of salt, water, and waste materials.

Sebaceous glands produce sebum and are found near hair follicles.

Sweat can combine with these fluids to provide the Dog with a more sophisticated message about the person they just licked.

Food

It could be as basic as a speck of food on the foot that you aren't even aware of.

This can be such as a lighthouse in the fog to a dog, and it can be alluring.

Dogs are attracted to the salt in human perspiration.

Stress Reduction

Licking is supposed to be a self-soothing activity that releases endorphins.

Your Dog can lick the feet (or even themselves) simply because it is a relaxing activity.

When should you start to be concerned about your dog licking your feet?

When the licking of the Dogs becomes obsessive.

This could be a sign of a problem.

Constant licking can rapidly become a taught stress-reduction method.

When it reaches this point, it is the polar opposite of stress reduction and may necessitate behavioural changes as well as pharmacological intervention.

How to get your dog to quit licking your feet?

Stopping your dog from licking

Do not pay attention to your dog's licking.

If your Dog is licking the feet for affection or attention, taking away the reward may help to stop the practice.

Do not chastise your dog.

Even a negative response is still a reaction to your dog's excessive licking activity in their minds.

When they lick for an extended period, stop what you're doing, stand up, and walk out of the room.

This will help your Dog understand that licking will not result in the desired results.

Pheromones that make dogs pleased are a good option

Dog-appeasing pheromones, or DAP, have been shown to be an effective treatment for the compulsive behaviour that frequently occurs in Dogs with separation anxiety.

These synthetic substances mimic the pheromones emitted by a lactating mother Dog that can help soothe frightened or anxious canines.

Replace the soap or lotion you're using

The dog's licking is likely triggered by a scent or flavour that appeals to them.

If your dog's licking decreases, try utilizing unscented soaps and lotions.

Use skincare products with a citrus scent

The scent and taste of citrus are generally repulsive to most dogs, though there are exceptions.

Utilizing a citrus-scented skin lotion or rubbing the skin with a citrus rind may deter your Dog from licking it.

Toys will keep your dog occupied

Excessive licking can be curbed by burning energy, so having a variety of toys, mainly a treat-dispensing toy that challenges their thinking, can assist.

Consider administering medication to your dog

If your dog's licking is a symptom of a broader separation anxiety problem, talk to a veterinarian regarding medicines as a treatment option.

Clomipramine is frequently prescribed to pets who suffer from anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders.

The drug is used to treat obsessive-compulsive behaviours such as licking.

Fluoxetine is another commonly given anxiety medicine for pets.

With negligible adverse effects, this drug cures canine compulsive behaviour.

Training A Dog To Stop Licking my feet

Reinforce alternative behaviours.

Reinforce a separate, incompatible behaviour to help reduce obsessive behaviour such as your feet licking.

Any action that occupies the dog's mouth and prevents them from licking you is incompatible in this situation.

As soon as they start licking, begin a sport of fetch or tug-of-war.

This will divert their attention away from whatever worry was driving the licking, and you'll make it physically tough for them to lick you when playing with a toy.

Whenever your Dog licks you, go for a walk with them.

This may train them to lick you when they need to leave the house, and it will become less of a habit.

Increase your dog's activity time

A rigorous workout will help tire your Dog out, lessening their urge to lick you and relieve stress.

Recognize and reward the dog's good behaviour

If a Dog is licking you since he or she wants your attention, offer it to them when they are acting normally.

To maximize your dog's association of such action with your reward, reward positive behaviour as soon as possible after they have performed correctly.

This method of rewarding your Dog will educate them that calm, "normal" conduct is desired.

Consider playing the game where you allow your Dog to grab you and then reward them with a goodie just before they lick you.

It isn't easy to get the timing quite perfect, but your Dog will eventually stop licking you if you do it often enough.

Your dog should be able to lick on demand

This will train your Dog that only when you commence licking is it allowed.

• Pick a word to commence licking.

  It can be "kiss," "lick," or any other word that your Dog will identify with licking will suffice.

• While pronouncing the command phrase you've chosen, hold out your hand.

  In the early stages of training, a small glob of peanut butter on the hand can be used to encourage licking.

  However, you should only use this approach if you know the Dog isn't food hostile.

• Say anything like "no more," "stop," or "no kiss" to signal the conclusion of the game.

  Wait for your Dog to respond on his or her own.

  Reward them if they quit licking for even a few seconds.

  If it doesn't work, repeat the instruction while moving your hand away.

• Reward your dog when he or she licks and then stops on order.

  The importance of praising your dog's good conduct in teaching them to react to your orders cannot be overstated.

Consistency is key

If you want the Dog to quit licking you, you must make a firm commitment to do so.

You can't praise your Dog one day for licking you and then chastise them the next for the same conduct.

This will confuse your Dog and make it more difficult for them to grasp what you want.

Remember that any form of training necessitates patience, commitment, and persistence.

Taking Care of Your Dog's Anxiety

The Dog could be licking to express himself or because the changes stress him.

Here are some suggestions for calming your dog's nervousness/anxiety.

Any modifications in your living situation should be noted

As a consequence of the tension brought on by the changes, the Dog may lick your feet.

Is there a new canine or a new pet or infant in the house? Is your Dog not getting the care it deserves regularly? It could be as simple as resuming a routine or simply spending more time with the dog.

Offer the Dog additional attention until things return to normal.

Check to see whether the dog was weaned too young

Sucking as well as licking blankets and furnishings may indicate that the Dog was weaned prematurely.

It's a common trait in puppies who were raised in a bottle.

To avoid it being a lifelong habit, early intervention is required.

You might want to try:

• Providing a range of chew and play toys for the puppy.

• Assigning them a blanket to suck on.

  When they utilize this blanket and solely this blanket, congratulate them.

• Physically removing them from proximity to the object.

Engage the services of a behaviourist

Without the correct instruction, compulsive behaviours may become difficult to break.

Look for a CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist), a board-approved veterinary behaviourist, or even a CPD Trainer (Certified Professional Dog Trainer).

They'll be able to figure out what's causing your dog's bad habits and treat it with safe approaches.

Consult your veterinarian

If everything else fails, seek advice from a professional.

Allergies, parasites, or even Obsessive-compulsive disorder could be the cause of your dog's licking.

While treating a Dog for this kind of behaviour is feasible, this should only be done as a last resort; it is far better first to try some behavioural modification techniques.

So, what's the deal with feet?

Sweaty, stinking feet contain a wealth of biological data, including pheromones.

Sweat also has salt, which is desirable to many dogs.

However, there is a distinction to be made between a random lick as well as a licking habit.

If your Dog goes too far with his licking, it could be a sign of a behavioural issue.

When a Dog licks the feet, you're likely to react quickly.

If your Dog believes it's a game, this might soon turn into an attention-seeking behaviour.

The great news is that with practice, you can keep your toes safe from additional harm.

Other Options and Factors to Consider

Licking is a normal behaviour performed by all canines.

It makes no difference if they lick themselves, other dogs, or their owner; understanding their reasons can help you properly care for your dog.

If you believe it is an issue, you may wish to assist your Dog in licking at a more balanced speed, or you may want to assist them in coping with and healing any worry, frustration, or fear they may be experiencing.

It's also a good idea to make them feel at ease and secure during stressful situations so that licking doesn't become compulsive.

Why does my dog lick my feet? Conclusion

We all want to feel relaxed, collected, and appreciated, whether we are humans or dogs.

Licking is a technique for canines to fulfil those aims while also communicating with the outside world.

Supporting, nurturing, and letting their needs flourish will help you and your owner maintain a stronger bond.