If your pet is always touching your feet, specifically after you’ve taken an exercise, taken an ice bath, or went to bed and you’ll realize the extent to which it will irritate. Some owners might not be bothered by it, but others aren’t so sure however, if you ask yourself why your dog love to lick your feet? Is it okay to let them, and what is the significance?
Dogs show their affection by the act of licking. We know that they enjoy licking our hands, our faces as well as other areas that are part of us. If your feet are always twitchy the doggy tongue-bath could be a bit annoying as well as slimy. This article will go over a variety of reasons why your pet is attracted to your feet, as well as the ways could you do reduce the behavior.
Why does my dog lick my feet?
The dog will lick your feet to show that they appreciate you and to be noticed and to better understand you and to enjoy it. The reason they’d prefer your feet due to the fact that they’re full of scent information that can tell them a lot about who you are as well as where you’ve been and what you’ve been up to. As long as your feet are in good health, the idea of letting your dog pet them will not cause harm for either you or your pet.
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Why do dogs lick?
Licking is a common behavior for dogs. It’s their means to groom, bond with and showing their personality. Dogs can lick your skin to express a variety of reasons and it’s likely to be because they find it soothing and relaxing. It can also be entertaining. It could be an opportunity to gain attention, or as a way to express their love for you, or perhaps they simply think you’re good. Licking is a relaxing dog behavior and if they’re stressed or anxious, it may often help them to feel more relaxed. Dogs who are anxious might lick themselves, you or other objects often and may require assistance from your veterinarian or dog behaviourist to help manage any anxiety problems.
Why the feet?
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Feet might not be very appealing to us, but for dogs, they’re fascinating. They’re full of fascinating scents and pheromones. They’re also coated in salt from your sweat. With an olfactory sense that’s between 10,000 to 100,000 times more than us it’s possible for your dog to be able to read your feet like an author, telling them what you’ve eaten or experiencing, where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing.
Getting attention
If your dog is licking your feet then what do you normally do? Do you smile and laugh when your dog’s gnarly tongue rubs your toes? If”yes,” then it’s likely that your dog enjoys kissing your feet as they love making you laugh . They also enjoy the appreciation they receive from it. This can in turn motivate them to continue doing it.
Should I let my dog lick my feet?
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It’s possible that licking your feet is unpleasant to you, but provided your feet are healthyand there aren’t any wounds that are open or you haven’t taken any medication that could be harmful to your pet like creams for psoriasis, then there’s no harm in having your dog lick your feet. It’s possible that you don’t prefer it however, it’s an individual decision we’ll leave to you.
What should I do if my dog licks my feet too much?
If your dog’s foot are licking at you and it’s turned into a problem, consider looking at these methods to make your dog less lick at you:
- Clean feet – Your feet may be excellent If you have trouble with your dog’s tendency to lick you ensure that your feet are washed thoroughly so that they are less attractive to your pet. If the licking of your pet behavior is an issue after exercise, ensure that you are in the bathroom before they walk onto your feet.
- Don’t give your dog the chance to lick your feet – If your dog constantly licks your feet, take note of the times they do it most and then try to predict when you’re most likely be the victim of a sneaky lick and be sure to avoid giving your dog the chance
- Remove your feet instead of giving the attention you want to or not to your dog, move your feet from your pet. Avoid making an eye contact. However, stay neutral. If this doesn’t work, consider shifting away from your pet or even leave the room completely. In time, this will send your dog the impression that this is not something you’re looking forward to.
- Give them something to distract them – Try offering them something to keep them from in their licking. This could be chew toys or a food puzzle or something that will encourage them to lick such as an chew mat
- Always provide the same message and be constant. If you send your dog multiple messages, it could be confusing for them. Make sure you are consistent and clear regarding what you’re doing or don’t expect them do anything else.
If your dog loves to lick you excessively It is important to look into the cause. It could be because they’re anxious or aren’t feeling well. Try to recall the time when their excessive licking began. Does your dog exhibit any other behaviors that are unusual for their breed, or has something changed in the last few days? If you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior, always consult your vet or a behaviorist.
How Can I Teach My Dog to Stop Licking My Feet?
Whatever the cause behind the behavior, the good news is that you are able to correct this behavior. The best approach is to attempt to deter your dog from this. Try redirecting your dog’s licking behavior by giving him a toy or teaching your dog to remain calm and then offer treats or belly rub. Positive reinforcement is the best method to use in dog training, and dogs are very responsive to reward-based rewards.
However, do not punish your pet for licking your feet since this is a normal behaviour for him and will only erode your trust as the owner. It is also possible to consult with your vet or pet trainer on methods to stop this behavior at some point in the near future.
Source: https://petstutorial.com
Category: DOGS
