Dogs

» dadoteen - lick us to death?!!!!

My Ginger is the sweetest thing and I'd like to think she loves us so much that she is giving us kisses upon kisses. However, I am also inclined to think she is lacking something in her diet maybe. Whenever she sits up on the sofa or our chairs with us she is trying to constantly lick our hands, arms, neck, face...basically whatever skin she can find! She does not lick her self incessantly...just us! What is this all about? Even after washing hands or showering, she is still trying to lick. Any ideas?

She eats well - Dog Chow - 1 - 2 cups per day, plus dog bone treats. She drinks plenty of water. She is very happy and well adjusted.

-- posted by dadoteen

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» Joy Butler - lick us to death?!!!!

In response to lick us to death?!!!! posted by dadoteen:
It's too bad we can't ask dogs why they are so "licky" sometimes. There are any number of theories. Some say it goes back to the mother dog licking her newborn pups to clean and stimulate them. Some say it goes back to pups in the wild licking the mother's lips asking her to regurgitate food for them. Some say it's a submissive gesture. But my opinion is that in most cases, licking is just an instinctive thing for them. They lick to groom themselves and I think they lick each other in a comforting gesture, sort of like a stroke or pet. It could possibly be interpreted as a doggy "kiss." That may be what your dog is doing. If you squeal or laugh when she licks you she could even be doing it for your response or for the attention she gets.
I had a little terrier for 15 years who used to lick the water off my ankles when I stepped out of the shower. I'm not sure why she did that but some dogs don't like to get wet and will lick themselves dry so maybe she was just trying to help me dry.

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