Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet?

Dogs have plenty of zany behaviors that make them adorable. Some behaviors are a reflection of your dog’s personality, while others are more universal to the canine world. If you have a dog that licks your feet, you might wonder about that behavior. 

Why do dogs lick your feet? Is it a sign that something is wrong or just them showing their affection? Oakland Veterinary Referral Services (OVRS) is here to help you find the answer to this strange behavior:

Don’t Panic If Your Dog Licks Your Feet

First things first, dogs licking feet is a totally normal behavior that does not require a special visit to the veterinarian. In fact, when your dog licks your feet, he or she might be trying to communicate something to you. This could include:

• Showing you the depths of their affection
• Trying to bond with their favorite human
• Letting you know they need a little bit of attention
• Giving you a bath (you’re welcome)
• Calming themselves down if they are feeling anxious

The more you get to know your dog and their personality, the easier it will be for you to decipher the true meaning of the extra kisses. No matter what the true intention is, it is definitely coming from a positive place.

The Feet Offer So Many Smells 

As we know, a dog’s sense of smell is much, much stronger than a human’s. They often enjoy smells that we might find less-than-desirable. The feet are a great source of many scents and have some of the strongest pheromones of anywhere in our bodies. This can actually clue your dog into a lot of biological information about you. 

Feet are also often pretty sweaty after spending a full day wrapped up in shoes and socks, and dogs tend to like the salt in sweat. Basically, when dogs lick your feet, they are enjoying a fine dining experience that elicits both taste and smell. We have to visit an expensive restaurant to enjoy that ourselves! 

Can I Get My Dog to Stop Licking My Feet

If you really do not enjoy the sensation of your dog licking your feet or you do not want it to turn into a regular behavior, there are ways you can encourage them to stop. Don’t have a negative reaction to the behavior. Instead, try to use positive reinforcement by directing attention to something else. A Kong or Nylabone could be a great distraction at this moment. You could also leave your socks on when you’re relaxing on the couch. All in all, though, this is a perfectly normal behavior when dogs lick your feet. It gives your dog the opportunity to bond with you even further. 

Whether you need some help with behavior training or your pet requires a specialty veterinary services, OVRS is always here for you. To learn more about our extensive list of services or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (248) 334‑6877.