Do not misinterpret if your dog licks your nose; they are trying to communicate with you and are showing you signs of affection. By licking your nose, they are expressing their submissive gesture.
In this blog, we will explain the reasons behind why are they behaving like this and along with this we will give you some advice on how should you respond to nose-licking.
So let’s continue reading and get more knowledge about this wonderful dog’s love language!
Contents
Why does your dog lick your nose?
Dogs lick for various reasons, and sometimes they might target your nose specifically. Here are some common explanations for why your dog licks your nose:
Showing Affection and Bonding With You
Dogs are social animals and they use licking as a way to express their love and attachment to their human family.
Licking your nose might be their way of giving you a kiss or a hug. They might also lick your nose to smell your breath and get a sense of your mood and health.
Seeking Attention or Food
Dogs are smart and they learn what works to get your attention. If you react positively to their nose licking, such as by laughing, petting, or talking to them, they might do it more often to get more of your attention.
They might also lick your nose to get a taste of what you ate or to ask for some food from you.
Exploring Your Scent and Taste
Dogs have a powerful sense of smell and taste, and they use their tongues to explore their environment and gather information.
One of your face’s most noticeable features, your nose, may attract your dog’s interest. They could lick your nose to find out more information regarding you and your activities.
Communicating Their Mood or Needs
Dogs can’t talk, but they can use body language and vocalizations to communicate with us.
Licking your nose might be their way of telling you something, such as that they are happy, excited, bored, hungry, thirsty, or anxious.
They might also lick your nose to ask for something from you, such as playtime, a walk, or a cuddle.
Cleaning or Grooming You
Dogs are pack animals and they groom each other as a sign of care and respect.
They might lick your nose to clean it from dirt or dust, or to remove any unwanted smells or tastes from it.
They might also lick your nose to help you heal if you have a wound or an infection on it.
How to Respond to Your Dog’s Nose Licking?
Depends entirely on how you perceive about your dog licking your nose, you may wish to encourage or dissuade it. The following advice can help you deal with your dog’s nose-licking:
Reward Them With Praise or Treats When They Lick Appropriately
If you don’t mind your dog licking your nose occasionally and in moderation, you can show them that you appreciate their gesture by giving them positive feedback.
You can say “good boy” or “good girl”, pet them gently, or give them a small treat. This will reinforce their behavior and make them feel happy and loved.
Redirect Them to a Toy or Activity When They Lick Excessively
If you find your dog’s nose licking too frequent or too intense, you can try to distract them with something else that they enjoy.
You can offer them a toy, a chew bone, or a puzzle feeder to keep them busy and satisfied.
You can also initiate a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek with them to burn off some of their energy and boredom.
Teach Them a Command to Stop Licking When Needed
If you want more control over your dog’s nose licking, you can train them to stop on cue. You can use a word like “enough” or “stop” or a hand signal like raising your palm in front of their face.
When they stop licking, reward them with praise or treats. Repeat this process until they learn to associate the word or signal with stopping the licking behavior.
Check For Any Health Issues That Might Cause Excessive Licking
Sometimes, dogs might lick more than usual because of an underlying medical problem that makes them uncomfortable or in pain.
For example, they might have dental issues, allergies, infections, parasites, anxiety disorders, or compulsive disorders that trigger their licking behavior.
If you notice any signs of illness or distress in your dog, such as drooling, bleeding, scratching, shaking, whining, or pacing, you should take them to the vet for a check-up and treatment.
Why Does My Dog Lick My Nose When I Am Sick?
You could notice that your dog licks your nose more frequently than normal if you have the flu or a cold. Perhaps as a result of:
They are Trying to Comfort You and Make You Feel Better
Dogs are empathetic animals and they can sense when we are unwell or unhappy. They might lick our noses as a way of showing us their sympathy and support.
They might also think that their saliva has healing properties and that they can help us recover faster by licking our wounds.
The Variations in Our Taste and Scent Attracted Them
Due to the illness or the medications we take, our breath and body odor may alter while we are unwell. These alterations can be noticed by our dogs, who may then lick our noses to inspect them.
Due to the salt and protein it contains, they can also find our nasal discharge to be appetizing.
They are Worried About Losing Us and Want to Stay Close to Us
Dogs are loyal animals and they form strong bonds with their human companions. They might fear that we are dying when we are sick and want to stay by our side as much as possible.
They might lick our noses as a way of reassuring themselves that we are still alive and breathing.
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Nose When You Pet Them?
If you pet your dog’s head or ears, you might see them lick their nose afterwards. This could be because:
They are Licking Their Nose to Keep Their Sense Of Smell Intact
Dogs rely heavily on their nose to perceive the world and communicate with other dogs and humans. When we pet their head or ears, we might transfer some of our scent or oils to their fur, which might interfere with their ability to smell properly.
They might lick their nose to remove any foreign substances and restore their olfactory function.
They are Showing a Behavioral Problem Such As a Compulsive Disorder
Sometimes, dogs might develop a habit of licking their nose excessively or obsessively due to stress, anxiety, boredom, or frustration. They might lick their nose as a way of coping with their negative emotions or as a result of a neurological imbalance.
They might associate petting with licking and repeat the behavior whenever we touch them. If you notice that your dog licks their nose too often or too intensely, you should consult your vet for diagnosis and treatment.
They are Trying to Cool Themselves Down
Dogs don’t sweat like humans do, but they can use their tongue and nose to regulate their body temperature.
When they lick their nose, they create a thin layer of saliva that evaporates and gives them a little bit of cooling that can help them feel better on a hot day.
They might lick their nose more when we pet them because our body heat might make them feel warmer.
FAQs
1. Should I let my dog lick my nose?
It’s a personal choice. While some people enjoy it, others may find it unpleasant. Consider hygiene, allergies, and your dog’s behavior. Always ensure your dog is well-groomed and healthy.
2. Why do dogs lick your mouth and nose?
Dogs may lick these areas to show affection, seek attention, explore scents/tastes, or communicate needs. It’s important to set boundaries and ensure their licking behavior is safe and comfortable for you.
3. Why does my dog lick my face obsessively?
Obsessive face licking can indicate anxiety, medical issues, or a compulsive behavior. Observe your dog’s overall behavior, consult a vet to rule out any underlying problems, and consider behavior modification techniques.
4. Why does my dog nibble my nose?
Nose-nibbling can be a form of play, affection, or exploration. Some dogs may do it to initiate interaction or show excitement. Monitor the intensity of nibbling and redirect the behavior if necessary.
Conclusion
Dogs lick our noses to show us their love and affection, to seek our attention or food, to explore our scent and taste, to communicate their mood or needs, or to clean or groom us. They might also lick our noses more when we are sick or when we pet them.
Whatever the reason for your dog’s nose licking, remember that they are doing it because they care about you and want to be close to you. They are not trying to annoy you or disrespect you.
They are simply their natural instincts and emotions. So next time your dog licks your nose, don’t be mad or grossed out. Instead, appreciate their gesture and give them a hug or a kiss back.
After all, they are your “Best friend” and they deserve your “Love” and “Respect.”
Dania is a dog groomer living in California, who loves styling dogs. She often uses dog accessories to keep them distracted while grooming. She is also a dog parent to a Pomeranian, Duke. It’s because of him she is always on a lookout for the best dog foods, toys, other dog accessories, and ways to keep him equipped, healthy and happy.
