What Does it Mean If a Dog Licks Another Dog?

Those big doggy tongues aren't only for smooching human faces and licking crumbs off the floor. They're also quite effective at planting kisses on other dogs. Just as you might shake someone's hand to greet them, dogs often lick each other for the same reason. When the occasional lick turns into a series of persistent licks or the dog receiving the tongue-bath isn't receptive, problems can occur.

  1. Greeting

    • In most cases, your pup licks another dog simply to say hello. It's just a way of showing the other dog that your pal means no harm. You often see this with puppies or dogs who are acting submissively toward another dog. Canines who find themselves in new homes with other dogs might lick for the first few days.

    Nervous

    • Sometimes licking isn't a gesture of goodwill as much as it is a sign that your pup is a nervous Nellie. Dog trainer Cathleen Safford of DogTime.com suggests persistent face licking can be a product of anxiety. Basically, your little guy isn't sure how to handle himself around other dogs. Instead of sniffing the other dog and maybe sneaking in a lick or two, your pup becomes worried about how to properly handle the other canine. He knows, or he thinks, face licking is the ultimate token of appreciation and friendliness, so that's what he falls back to. Infrequent licking usually doesn't indicate a nervous dog, but nonstop licking often does.

    Reaction of Other Dogs

    • Some dogs, especially those who respond to other pups in a fearful way, do not like another canine licking them, not even one or two licks as a greeting. Instead of tolerating the wet tongues, they will often curl their lips, back away, respond with a guttural growl and sometimes snap at the other dog. In some cases, the offender stops. In other cases, and especially with nervous lickers, the licks continue after a momentary pause, which can exacerbate the problem.

    Fixing the Problem

    • If your pup offers another dog a few licks before leaving her alone, his behavior isn't something you need to be concerned about. If he refuses to allow another dog a minute of peace without bombarding her with a wet tongue, he needs to stop. Safford suggests distracting your pup by calling him, asking him to sit or playing fetch. If your dog is the one subject to the face licking, do the same and distance yourself from the offending canine. Never jerk your dog away or yell at him. Offering your pup toys that keep his attention for long periods of time, such as treat dispensers and filled bones, helps if the canine-on-canine licking occurs in your own home.