The Real Reason Dogs Lick You Is Disgusting

 

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably experienced it at one point or another: you’re sitting on the couch or lying in bed, and your furry companion hops up to give you a few enthusiastic licks on the face or hands. While many people think of dog licks as a sign of affection or bonding, the reality is that there’s a more disgusting reason why dogs lick us.

According to experts, dogs lick humans because they like the taste of salt on our skin. Our skin is covered in tiny sweat glands that produce salt, and dogs have a highly developed sense of smell that allows them to detect these chemicals. When a dog licks a person, they’re essentially sampling the salt on their skin and enjoying the taste.

But it’s not just salt that dogs are after. They’re also drawn to the other substances that can be found on human skin, including sweat, dead skin cells, and even traces of urine and feces. In fact, some experts believe that dogs may be attracted to these substances because they contain pheromones that can communicate important information about a person’s health and emotional state.

While the idea of a dog licking up your sweat, dead skin cells, and other bodily fluids may be gross, it’s important to remember that this behavior is perfectly normal for dogs. In fact, it’s a natural instinct that goes back thousands of years, to when dogs were wild animals that needed to scavenge for food and other resources.

Of course, just because dog licking is natural doesn’t mean that it’s always pleasant for humans. Some people find the sensation of a dog’s rough tongue on their skin to be uncomfortable or even painful, and others may be concerned about the risk of disease transmission. After all, dogs aren’t exactly known for their oral hygiene, and their mouths can contain a variety of bacteria and other microorganisms.

So, what should you do if your dog is a frequent licker? First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that your dog is healthy and up-to-date on all of their vaccinations. You should also try to discourage your dog from licking your face or hands, especially if you have open wounds or sensitive skin.

One way to do this is by training your dog to respond to a verbal command, such as “no lick.” You can also redirect your dog’s attention to a toy or other object when they start to lick you, or simply move away from them if they continue to lick despite your efforts.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how comfortable you are with your dog’s licking behavior. Some people may find it endearing and enjoy the closeness that it brings, while others may prefer to keep a little more distance between themselves and their furry friends. Whatever your preference, it’s important to remember that dogs lick for a reason, and that this behavior is a natural part of their instincts and social interactions.