It can be mildly ticklish and fun if your dog licks your feet occasionally. But what if your dog licks your feet like crazy? This behavior can quickly become annoying or unpleasant. So, what’s going on? Why do dogs lick your feet?
The main reason why dogs lick your feet is because human feet are a source of many different scents. Unlike humans who depend primarily on sight to assess their surroundings, dogs use a combination of sight and smell. A dog’s sense of smell is up to 100,000 times more refined than ours. So, your dog knows your smell well and associates it with you. And he likes to lick your feet because they are bursting with information about where you’ve been and what you’ve been up to.
Other reasons for your dog to lick your feet could include:
Remember that licking is a normal behavior for dogs. It can actually be a sign of a happy, healthy dog. However, if the feet licking is excessive or obsessive, you may need discuss it with your dog’s vet. There could be underlying issues like anxiety playing a role.
If you have healthy feet, it is safe for your dog to lick your feet. However, if you have open wounds or have applied medications to your feet, then it could cause problems. Your wound could become infected and/or the medications could be harmful to your dog.
Try to understand what prompts your dog to lick your feet. For example, does she do it when you come in from the outdoors, at bedtime, or after you take a shower? This will give you clues about what is triggering the feet licking behavior. You can then take measures to reduce it.
Addressing attention seeking behavior
If your dog licks your feet to get attention, try limiting your positive or negative reaction to the licking. For instance, don’t laugh when it tickles or scold your dog for licking. Positive reinforcement and distracting your dog from licking feet is what works best.
Try giving your dog a chew toy or lick mat to indulge their urge to lick. Other options include interactive puzzles that may help at the times when the feet licking is out of control. These activities can help to distract your dog and redirect their attention away from licking.
Keeping your feet clean
Another thing you can try is keeping your feet meticulously clean. As mentioned above, dogs are attracted to different scents. If your dog tends to lick your feet when you’ve exercised or come back in from outside, it’s a clue that your sweaty, stinky feet are the big attraction for your pooch. Washing your feet thoroughly may help to prevent the licking behavior.
Reducing opportunities for your dog to lick your feet can also help. This means keeping your feet covered in footwear so that your pooch can’t sneak in a lick attack.
Some breeds are lickers
Keep in mind also that some breeds like to lick more than others. Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, poodles, chihuahuas, and pugs are known lickers.
Consistent messaging
Last but not least, be consistent in your message. If you laugh and cuddle your dog sometimes after he’s licked your feet and show annoyance at other times, this sends a confusing message. Be clear about what you like and dislike in terms of your dog’s behavior.
If none of the above measures work, it may be worth discussing your dog’s feet licking behavior with the vet. It could be due to separation anxiety or stress that needs to be addressed.
01 December, 2022