When it comes to our canine companions, licking is one of the most common and frequently misunderstood behaviors. It's often seen as a sign of affection, but there's much more to it than meets the eye. As dog owners, we tend to create narratives around our pets' actions, sometimes leading to myths that can misguide our understanding. In this article, we’ll debunk nine popular myths about dogs and licking, revealing the truths that long-time dog owners might find surprising and enlightening.
Myth 1: Dogs Lick Their Wounds to Heal Them Faster
The Myth: Dogs have an innate ability to heal their wounds by licking them. Their saliva has magical healing properties that promote quicker recovery.
The Truth: While it’s true that a dog’s saliva contains some antibacterial properties, licking wounds can do more harm than good. Excessive licking can lead to irritation, reopen wounds, and even cause infections by introducing bacteria. Instead of allowing your dog to lick their wounds, it’s better to consult a veterinarian for proper wound care and possibly use an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking.
Myth 2: Dogs Lick You Because They Love You
The Myth: When a dog licks you, it’s purely a sign of love and affection.
The Truth: Dogs lick for various reasons, and while affection can be one of them, it’s not the only reason. Licking can also be a sign of submission, a way to seek attention, or a method to gather information about their environment. Dogs have taste receptors in their tongues that can detect salt, so if you've been sweating, your dog might be licking you because they like the taste of your skin. Understanding the context of your dog’s licking can provide better insights into their behavior.
Myth 3: Licking Means Your Dog Is Hungry
The Myth: If your dog is licking you or objects around the house, it’s a sign they are hungry.
The Truth: While some dogs might lick as a way to communicate hunger, it's not a universal indicator. Licking can be a sign of anxiety, boredom, or even a compulsive behavior. It's important to observe your dog's overall behavior and routine to understand their needs better. If you notice excessive licking, it might be worth exploring other underlying causes such as stress or a health issue.
Myth 4: Licking Is Always a Soothing Behavior
The Myth: Dogs lick themselves and others to calm down and feel comforted.
The Truth: While licking can have a soothing effect due to the release of endorphins, it’s not always a calming behavior. Excessive licking can be a sign of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. If your dog is licking themselves to the point of causing bald spots or sores, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian or a canine behaviorist to address the underlying issue.
Myth 5: Licking Is a Sign of Dominance
The Myth: When a dog licks another dog or a person, it’s an attempt to assert dominance.
The Truth: Licking is more often associated with submissive behavior rather than dominance. In the wild, subordinate dogs lick the more dominant members of the pack to show respect and submission. In domestic settings, dogs might lick their owners or other pets as a way to display submissiveness and to bond socially. Misinterpreting this behavior as dominance can lead to misguided training methods.
Myth 6: Dogs Lick to Clean Themselves
The Myth: Like cats, dogs lick themselves to clean their fur and maintain hygiene.
The Truth: While dogs do groom themselves by licking, they are not as meticulous as cats in this regard. Dogs primarily rely on scratching and shaking to keep clean. Licking for cleanliness is more about removing immediate dirt or debris. Regular bathing and grooming are necessary to keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy, as licking alone is not sufficient for their hygiene needs.
Myth 7: Licking Is a Sign of Illness
The Myth: If a dog starts licking themselves or others excessively, it means they are sick.
The Truth: Excessive licking can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying health issue, but it’s not always the case. Dogs might lick due to allergies, skin conditions, or gastrointestinal issues. However, it can also be a behavioral response to stress or boredom. It’s crucial to monitor your dog’s overall health and behavior and consult a veterinarian if you notice any drastic changes in their licking habits.
Myth 8: Dogs Can Heal Human Wounds by Licking Them
The Myth: Letting your dog lick your cuts or wounds can help them heal faster because of the antibacterial properties in their saliva.
The Truth: While a dog's saliva does contain some antibacterial enzymes, it also contains harmful bacteria that can lead to infections. Allowing your dog to lick your wounds is not a safe practice and can complicate the healing process. It’s better to stick to traditional wound care methods and keep your dog's tongue away from your injuries.
Myth 9: Puppies Lick as a Way to Explore the World
The Myth: Puppies lick everything around them as a way to explore their environment, much like human babies put objects in their mouths.
The Truth: This is partially true. Puppies do use licking as one of the ways to explore their surroundings, along with sniffing and chewing. However, licking is also a way for puppies to seek comfort and bond with their mother and littermates. It’s important to provide a safe and clean environment for puppies to explore and learn from, as licking unsanitary objects can lead to health issues.
Understanding the Complexities of Dog Licking
As we've seen, the act of licking is a multifaceted behavior that serves various purposes in the canine world. By debunking these myths, we gain a deeper understanding of our dogs and can better respond to their needs. Here are a few additional insights to consider:
- Behavioral Context Matters: Always consider the context in which your dog is licking. Is it during playtime, mealtime, or when they are anxious? Understanding the circumstances can help you determine the reason behind the behavior.
- Health Check: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to rule out any health-related causes of excessive licking. Skin infections, allergies, and gastrointestinal issues are common culprits that require medical attention.
- Training and Environment: Providing a stimulating environment and proper training can reduce unwanted licking. Ensure your dog has enough physical exercise, mental stimulation, and a calm environment to minimize stress-induced behaviors.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to manage licking behavior. Reward your dog for alternative behaviors and provide distractions, such as toys or chews, to keep them occupied.
- Professional Help: If licking becomes excessive and problematic, seeking help from a professional dog trainer or a behaviorist can provide tailored strategies to address the issue effectively.
Final Thoughts
Dogs are complex creatures with behaviors that often stem from instinct, environment, and their relationship with humans. Licking is just one of the many ways they communicate and interact with the world around them. By dispelling common myths and gaining a better understanding of why dogs lick, we can foster a healthier and more harmonious relationship with our furry friends. Long-time dog owners, as well as new pet parents, can benefit from this deeper knowledge, ensuring that our dogs are happy, healthy, and well-understood members of our families.